Romania 2023 - Forest for climate resilience, Bălan bear sanctuary

PROJECT REPORT ROMANIA 2023FOREST FOR

BEAR SANCTUARY

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT

Dear friend,

Thanks to your support, a total of 71,700 trees were planted to restore 21.5 hectares of land in Romania.

Planting trees in areas that have been degraded or deforested helps the environment by accelerating and assuring the re-establishment of healthy forests. Through reforestation, the canopy is restored, ecosystems are made whole, and biodiversity can thrive.

None of this would be possible without you. On behalf of everyone at One Tree Planted, thank you!

What follows is a report outlining the project you supported in Romania. I hope you enjoy reading it and truly feel the impact you have made.

OVERVIEW

The objective of the Romania 2023 - Forest for Climate Resilience, Bălan Bear Sanctuaryprojectwastorestorethenaturalforestecosystem,characteristicofthe region, and enrich it with species known to augment forest structure and resilience. This initiative was particularly crucial in light of the area's susceptibility to frequent natural disasters, such as intense storms that result in significant windfalldamage.

Furthermore,thisprojectprioritizedthestrategicplantingoftreespeciesthatserve as essential food sources for the indigenous bear population. With the region serving as a sanctuary for bears, this endeavor will not only sustain the bear population,butalleviatepotentialhuman-bearconflicts.

1 3 30 2 71,700

TREE SPECIES PLANTED

This reforestation project in Romania focused on the planting of five native species across 21.5 hectares of land. These species, including Norway spruce (Picea abies), Larch (Larix decidua), Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Rowan (Sorbusaucuparia), and Wild pear (Pyruspyraster), were carefully chosen for their ecologicaltraitsandpotentialtoenhancetheforestecosystem.

This comprehensive effort aimed at reinstating the native forest ecosystem of the region while enhancing the landscape with species that are capable of inducing structural modifications in forests they will grow into. Each species was selected based on its distinct ecological role: for instance, larch contributes to forest structural integrity, while sycamore enhances soil quality. Sycamore is highly resilient to high temperatures and drought, and its capacity to thrive in such adverse conditions will be pivotal to ensuring the regeneration of forests in the face of climate change. Moreover, these species will work together to establish a resilient forest ecosystem capable of withstanding and recovering from the effectsofnaturaldisasters,particularlyhigh-intensitystormsnotoriousforcausing windfalldamage.

Furthermore, some of the species planted are known for their role in providing sustenance to large animals, particularly bears, for whom the land serves as a sanctuary.Speciessuchaswildpearandrowanwillbeinstrumentalindiversifying the forest's foraging capacity, supporting the bear population and mitigating potential human-bear conflicts. This conscientious approach aimed to ensure the continued viability of the region as a sanctuary for bears and other wildlife, while promotingamoreharmoniouscoexistencebetweennatureandhumaninhabitants andfosteringacceptanceoflargecarnivores.

SPECIES PLANTED THROUGH THIS PROJECT

Norway spruce (Picea abies) - 53,775

Larch (Larix decidua) - 10,755

Sycamore (Acer Pseudoplatanus) - 3,585

Rowan (Sorbus aocuparia) - 1,792

Wild pear (Pyrus pyraster) - 1,792

TREE SPOTLIGHT: NORWAY SPRUCE

The Norway spruce, scientifically known as Picea abies, is a coniferous tree species native to Europe and parts of Asia. This tree is easily recognizable by its pyramid-shaped crown, which can reach heights of up to 40 to 60 meters, making it one of the tallest trees in Europe. Its needles are short, sharp, and arranged spirally along the branches, giving the tree a dense and lush appearance. With a lifespanofapproximately150to300years,thelong-livedspeciesformsastraight, cylindricaltrunk,oftenreachingimpressivediametersof1-2meters.

As a dominant species in many forest communities, Norway spruce serve as primary producers, capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it in their biomass, helping to mitigate climate change. Additionally, the dense foliage of the species provides habitat and nesting sites for several bird species, while its seedsprovideafoodsourceforsmallmammalsandbirds.

In Romania, Norway spruce is found predominantly in mountainous regions, thriving in cool, moist climates and acidic soils characteristic of these areas. Specifically, it is abundant in the Carpathian Mountains, where it forms extensive forests that carpet the slopes and valleys. Harghita County, situated in the Eastern Carpathians, encompasses these diverse landscapes, ranging from the mountains to rolling hills and fertile valleys. However, like many regions in Romania, it is threatened by unsustainable logging practices and land-use changes, leading to forest degradation and biodiversity loss. That is why providing a suitable mix of species is essential to improving forest composition, structure and, ultimately, resilience.

Reforestation efforts like these work to safeguard the crucial ecosystem role forests play. In maintaining the ecological balance of the region, these forests contributetosoilstabilization,waterretention,andhabitatrestorationforadiverse range of flora and fauna. Furthermore, Norway spruce’s adaptability to various soil and climatic conditions, rapid growth rate, and ability to form dense forests make itanidealcandidateforrestoringforestecosystemsinRomania.

YOUR IMPACT ON THE MAP

The Romania 2023 - Forest for Climate Resilience, Bălan Bear Sanctuary project supported the planting of five native tree species across 21.5 hectares of land near Bălan, Romania. This project's impact will be critical to ensuring the restorationoftheecologicalintegrityandresilienceofthelocalforestecosystem. The reforestation efforts will contribute to enhancing biodiversity, promoting carbon sequestration, and mitigating soil erosion in the region. Additionally, by providing essential habitat and food sources for wildlife, particularly the indigenous bear population, the project fosters the conservation of keystone species and supports broader ecosystem stability. On a regional scale, the restored forest stands serve as vital green infrastructure, contributing to watershedhealth,climateregulation,andoverallsustainabilityofthelandscape.

THESE WERE PREVIOUSLY YOUNG FORESTS, ABOUT 50-60 YEARS OLD, AND THE WOOD COULD NOT BE USED. WE’RE KEEPING OUR FINGERS CROSSED THAT THE PLANTED SEEDLINGS WILL GROW, AND THE FOREST WILL ONCE AGAIN LOOK LIKE IT DID THIRTY YEARS AGO. THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY IS GRATEFUL TO ONE TREE PLANTED AND THEIR DONORS FOR THEIR EFFORT AND SUPPORT!

DOCUMENTING YOUR IMPACT

Throughauthenticandinformativestorytelling,wehelpdonorsrelatetothepeople who plant their trees and to the impact they're making for the planet. We share photos, videos, and updates from our global projects across our social media, website, and other media to create a personal connection to the incredible work happeningontheground.

PHOTOS FROM YOUR PROJECT

THIS IS ONE OF OUR MOST IMPORTANT PROJECTS, IN WHICH WE UNDERTAKE PLANTING SPECIES THAT PRODUCE FRUIT FOR THE ANIMALS OF THE FOREST, IN ADDITION TO THE USUAL FOREST SPECIES THAT ARE PLANTED IN THIS AREA. SUCH FOOD FORESTS HAVE A TREMENDOUS ROLE FOR THE PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY, AND WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT OUR PARTNERS AT ONE TREE PLANTED AND DONORS IMMEDIATELY EMBRACED THE IDEA AND SUPPORTED US IN PLANTING THIS MIX OF SPECIES.

BIODIVERSITY BENEFITS

The planting area hosts a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including a substantial population of large carnivores such as brown bears (approximately 1 bear per 200 hectares), alongside a nearby bear orphanage dedicated to rehabilitating and rewilding young bears. This facility stands as Europe's sole center for the rehabilitation of orphaned bears, having successfully reintroduced over 140 individuals back into the wild since its establishment in 2004. This rehabilitation process equips bears with essential survival skills, ensuring their ability to thrive independently in the forest habitat without posing a threat to surrounding communities.

A significant portion of the reforestation efforts were dedicated to nurturing and supporting the well-being of these large animals, particularly the bears endemic to the region. Carefully selected tree species, abundant in food sources vital for the sustenance of these magnificent creatures, were strategically introduced to the landscape. This deliberate approach was aimed at preserving the area as a flourishing habitat for bears and other wildlife, cultivating a peaceful coexistence between nature and its inhabitants. Additionally, implementing a diverse range of production trees for biomass accumulation, native species revitalization for biodiversity, and mixed-species planting for both carbon sequestration and biodiversity enhancement emerged as an effective strategy. By restoring these forests,wecontributetohabitatreconstruction,wildliferetention,andpreservation ofecosystemservices.

RIPARIAN BENEFITS

In addition to the biodiversity benefits mentioned above, the restored forest bordersthespringofoneofRomania'slargestrivers,theOltRiver,whichspans15 kilometers and serves as a crucial water source for over 30 reservoirs. Forest cover within a watershed significantly influences water retention potential, with basins containing over 30% and 70% forest cover exhibiting 25% and 50% higher totalwaterretention,respectively,comparedtothosewithonly10%forestcover.

By reforesting around the spring, we work to enhance watershed health, reduce soil erosion, and improve water quality. Furthermore, the restoration not only safeguards the river's ecosystem, but improves its resilience against the impacts of climate change, ensuring a sustainable water supply for both human communitiesandwildlife.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS

Thecommunitybenefitsderivedfromthisprojectaremanifoldandextensive:

1.

Direct Support for Forest Owners: The private forest owner and their family stand to directly benefit from improved ecosystem services on their property, enhancingtheoverallecologicalandeconomicvalueoftheirland.

2.

Community Engagement and Capacity Building: Approximately 30 volunteers, including local residents and young students from Suseni, actively participated in the reforestation efforts. Through hands-on involvement and training sessions led by on-ground partners, volunteers gained valuable skills and knowledgewhilefosteringcamaraderiewithforesters.

3.

Economic Recovery and Resilience: Following the devastating windfalls in February2020,whichaffectedlargeareasinHarghitaCounty,includingSuseni, thecommunityfacedsignificantfinancialchallenges.Reforestationeffortsnot only address the ecological impact of the windfalls, but contribute to the economicrecoveryofforestownersandthecommunityatlarge.

4.

Tourism and Livelihood Strengthening: Thereconstructionofforestssupports the local community's reliance on tourism and non-timber forest products, reinforcing economic opportunities and resilience in the face of environmental disruptions.

5.

WildlifeManagementandCommunitySafety: Byrestoringnaturalhabitatsand providing adequate food sources for bears, the project mitigates the risk of human-bear conflicts, ensuring the safety of the community and reducing potential economic losses associated with bear incursions into nearby villages.

6.

Educational and Awareness Initiatives: The reforestation project facilitates various educational activities, including school visits and workshops in the forests, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of forests for both the environment and the community. These initiatives will contribute to fosteringenvironmentalstewardshipandcommunityengagement.

Overall, these community benefits not only enhance the well-being of local residents but help build the sustainable development and resilience of the entire region,supportingapproximately1,200familieslivinginthearea.

U.N. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

THIS PROJECT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS:

WHAT ARE SDGS?

Sustainable development entails seeking out solutions that not only boost the economic outcomes of developing and poorer nations, but also work to limit (or eliminate)ourimpactontheplanet.Treesareonesuchsolution.

From creating jobs and reducing hunger to improving gender equality, cleaning air and water, absorbing carbon, protecting life on land and water, and more, planting treescanaddressall17sustainabledevelopmentgoals.

“These trees will be the forest's guardians in the region. Strong and adaptable, they'll improve resilience against future storms, drought and changing climate, while also providing a haven for local wildlife, including the majestic bears that call this place home.”

Meghan Danny Global Projects Support Specialist

Marika Luiati Project Manager

Location Managed