Exploring the Enigmatic Carpathians: Unveiling the Secrets of a 40-Day Expedition

Keeping up with the Carpathians: A 40 day expedition into the heart of nature

The Rich Ecological Value of the Carpathian Mountains

The Carpathian Mountains, a majestic range spanning through Central Europe, are known for their unparalleled beauty and ecological importance. With towering trees, crystal-clear streams, and a rich diversity of flora and fauna, the Carpathians have long been a haven for nature enthusiasts and researchers alike.

However, a recent expedition by a team of volunteers, staff, and activists from Greenpeace Central & Eastern Europe has shed light on the alarming lack of protection for the old growth forests in the Carpathian region. The team, known as the Mobile Rescue Station (MRS), embarked on a 40-day journey through Romania, Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, with the mission of bringing attention to the urgent need for conservation efforts in the Carpathians.

Expectation vs. Reality: The Destruction of the Carpathian Forests

As the MRS team ventured deeper into the Carpathian forests, they were confronted with a stark contrast between their expectations and reality. In the Hungarian Mátras, a region known for its wild gorge valleys and towering beech trees, they came face to face with cleared hillsides in a national park and Natura 2000 area. Despite claims of forest protection, the reality is that only 5.6% of Hungary’s forests are managed for conservation purposes, while timber production remains the primary objective in the majority of forests.

Similarly, in the Turnicki National Park, which has been referred to as “invisible” due to its lack of adequate protection, the team witnessed the devastating impact of logging on the natural environment. Rows of dying pines planted to replace old forests, roads turned into swamps by trucks, and a graveyard of downed trees at the edge of the remaining forest served as haunting reminders of the relentless destruction caused by human activities.

The Urgent Need for Action

The Carpathians, like many other natural landscapes around the world, are facing a multitude of challenges, including extreme weather events, habitat loss, and biodiversity decline. Heatwaves, fires, droughts, and floods have become all too common, driven by global warming and unchecked economic growth.

It is crucial for us to recognize the lasting impact of our actions on the planet and take collective action to address the current crisis. We cannot rely on empty promises from world leaders; instead, we must actively engage in efforts to protect and restore our natural environments.

Conclusion: Saving the Carpathians and Beyond

The Carpathians are a natural treasure that must be preserved for future generations. To support the conservation of this vital ecosystem, Greenpeace Central & Eastern Europe has launched a petition calling for immediate action to save the Carpathians. By adding your name to the petition, you can contribute to the collective effort to protect and restore this unique and invaluable natural environment.

Additionally, Greenpeace has published a comprehensive Carpathians Report, detailing the findings and experiences of the Mobile Rescue Station team during their expedition. This report serves as a wake-up call to the urgent need for enhanced protection measures and sustainable forest management practices.

The fate of the Carpathians is intertwined with the fate of our planet as a whole. The destruction of these forests not only impacts local biodiversity but also exacerbates the global climate crisis. By preserving and restoring the Carpathians, we take a step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Join the movement to save the Carpathians and make a meaningful contribution to the preservation of our planet’s natural wonders.