Enhancing Forest Conservation Efforts: Mapping of High Conservation Value Forests in the Republic of Moldova

Nicolae Talpă, Aurel Lozan, Aureliu-Florin Hălălișan, Victor Sfeclă and Bogdan Popa ()
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Nicolae Talpă: Department of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brașov, Șirul Beethoven No. 1, 500123 Brașov, Romania
Aurel Lozan: Forestry and Biodiversity Expert and World Bank Consultant, MD-2062 Chișinău, Moldova
Aureliu-Florin Hălălișan: Department of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brașov, Șirul Beethoven No. 1, 500123 Brașov, Romania
Victor Sfeclă: Department of Horticulture and Forestry, Faculty of Agricultural, Forest and Environmental Sciences, Technical University of Moldova, 48, Mircești Str., MD-2049 Chișinău, Moldova
Bogdan Popa: Department of Forest Engineering, Faculty of Silviculture and Forest Engineering, Transilvania University of Brașov, Șirul Beethoven No. 1, 500123 Brașov, Romania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 16, 1-16

Abstract: The research aims to identify potential High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) in Moldova, seen as crucial for biodiversity and providing long-term benefits. Despite the fact that forests only cover 11% of the Moldova’s territory, they account for more than 80% of the country’s biological diversity and have social, economic, climate, hydrological, and erosion-control benefits. The methodology involved mainly developing identification criteria of these forests, according to the approach developed by FSC, and processing the existing cartographic data using GIS techniques. The findings reveal that almost one-half of Moldova’s forests have potential for HCVFs: approximately 175,500 ha of forest land, accounting for 47.3% of the total forested area, were identified as potential HCVFs. Most of these forests are owned and managed by the state. An important outcome of this research is to contribute to the protection of valuable forest ecosystems and establish discussion platforms with stakeholders for their future conservation and long-term resource management. Forest managers, landscape planners, and beneficiaries of forest ecosystem services can use the findings to align management plans, prioritize conservation, and promote sustainable land use. Proper implementation of HCVF principles can attract donors and investors to support Moldova’s forestry sector.

Keywords: Republic of Moldova; high conservation value forests; forest certification; sustainable forest management; protected areas; forest ecosystem conservation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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