ForestConnect Team Pioneers Native Forest Fruit Tree Seedling Production in Western Stara Planina
A collaborative team from WWF Bulgaria, North West State Forest Enterprise, and the Executive Forest Agency embarked on a pioneering initiative today, planting seeds of native wild forest fruit trees at the nursery in Berkovitsa, Bulgaria.
The team collected seeds during the summer, focusing on native forest fruit varieties including cherries, plums, pears, and apples - a selection based on a comprehensive study of bear diet in the region. This marks a significant milestone for the nursery of the North West State Forest Enterprise, as it represents the first attempt to produce seedlings from native forest fruit trees in the region.
The day's activities were divided into two main tasks. One group concentrated on planting the collected seeds in the nursery, while another team worked on site maintenance, clearing overgrown vegetation and pruning wild fruit trees at one of the primary locations in the Western Balkan area.
This project, part of the ForestConnect initiative, aims to preserve and propagate native forest fruit tree species, supporting local biodiversity and ecosystem health. By focusing on fruit trees that are crucial to bear nutrition, the team is taking a strategic approach to forest restoration and wildlife conservation.
The hands-on approach allows experts to gain first-hand experience in seed collection of native forest fruit varieties. The collaborative effort highlights the importance of inter-institutional cooperation in forest conservation and sustainable forest management practices benefiting large carnivores.
27/11/2024
By Aleksandra Ugarkovic
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