Exploring the Enigmatic Carpathians: A Grand Expedition into the Heart of the Mountains

Keeping up with the Carpathians – 40 day expedition into the Carpathian Mountains

Published: September 18, 2023

Author: Kateryna Bystrytska

Reading Time: 4 minutes

In a recent 40-day expedition through the Carpathian Mountains, a team of volunteers, staff, and activists from Greenpeace Central & Eastern Europe embarked on a journey spanning five countries – Romania, Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia – with the purpose of shedding light on the lack of protection for old growth forests in the Carpathian region.

Exploring the Ecological Value of the Carpathians

The Carpathian mountain range, which stretches through Central Europe, is known for its rich ecological value. The expedition team, named the Mobile Rescue Station (MRS), encountered breathtaking scenes of tall trees, dancing leaves, and the diverse wildlife that call the natural forests of the Carpathians their home.

In the Hungarian Mátras, the Carpathian Expedition team hiked through a wild gorge valley, surrounded by towering beech trees and a babbling stream. This area, part of the North Hungarian Mountains and the Carpathians, is not only a place of natural beauty, but also a habitat for many amphibians and reptiles. However, the team soon discovered a stark contrast in the Mátra mountain range – cleared hillsides in a national park and Natura 2000 area. This highlighted the discrepancy between the theoretical protection of Hungary’s forests (45% in theory) and the actual management of these forests for nature conservation (only 5.6% in reality).

The Impact of Deforestation in Hungary

The Carpathian Expedition team spoke to forest rangers and ecologists in Hungary and learnt that out of the 2 million hectares of woodlands in the country, only 300 hectares are considered natural forests (<0.02%). The majority of Hungarian forests (90%) are managed for timber production, with national parks responsible for the conservation of a small fraction.

The team witnessed the devastating effects of logging in these forests – old trees cut down, roads turned into swamps by trucks, and dying pines planted to replace old forests, a practice that cannot effectively regenerate the natural environment. This destruction and lack of sustainable forestry practices demonstrate the urgent need for action to protect the Carpathian forests.

Save the Carpathians – A Call to Action

As our planet faces an unprecedented crisis in global heating and biodiversity loss, the Carpathians are not exempt from the extreme weather events that have become increasingly common. Heatwaves, fires, droughts, and floods are wreaking havoc in these mountains, further exacerbating the destruction caused by industrial agriculture, deforestation, and unchecked economic growth.

In light of these threats, the Greenpeace team urges individuals around the world to get involved in preserving the Carpathians. By adding their names to a petition and reading the Carpathians Report, concerned citizens can contribute to collective action for the planet and biodiversity.

It is essential for world leaders to move beyond empty promises and take meaningful steps towards conserving and protecting our natural treasures like the Carpathian Mountains. The Carpathians, with their immense ecological value and beauty, demand immediate attention and action.

Author: Kateryna Bystrytska, Communication officer for Greening Ukraine Reconstruction Project, Greenpeace CEE.

Source: Greenpeace Central & Eastern Europe

Keywords: Carpathian Mountains, expedition, forests

Editorial

The Carpathian Mountains, with their vibrant ecosystems and old growth forests, are in urgent need of protection. The 40-day expedition by Greenpeace Central & Eastern Europe has provided a firsthand account of the destruction plaguing these majestic mountains.

The discrepancy between the theoretical protection of forests and the reality on the ground, as highlighted in Hungary, is a clear example of the challenges faced in conserving the Carpathian region. It is disheartening to see the lack of sustainable forestry practices and the devastating impact on the environment.

As a society, it is crucial that we take immediate action to preserve and protect the Carpathians for future generations. We must push for stronger regulations, responsible logging practices, and the establishment of protected areas that prioritize the conservation of these invaluable natural resources.

Furthermore, we need to support initiatives like the Greenpeace Carpathian Expedition and make our voices heard. By signing petitions, sharing information, and demanding change, we can contribute to the preservation of the Carpathians and the biodiversity they harbor.

Advice

Individuals can make a difference in preserving the Carpathians, even from afar. Here are some actions that concerned citizens can take:

1. Add your name to the petition to save the Carpathians.
2. Read the Carpathians Report to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these mountains.
3. Spread awareness about the need to protect the Carpathians by sharing information on social media.
4. Support organizations like Greenpeace Central & Eastern Europe that are actively working towards preserving the Carpathian region.
5. Advocate for stronger regulations and responsible logging practices. Reach out to your representatives and express your concerns.

Remember, the Carpathians are not only a natural treasure but also a critical part of our planet’s ecosystem. Every action we take to protect them contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.

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