Extension to the Joint World Heritage Property “Primeval Beech forests of the Carpathians (Slovak Republic and Ukraine) and the Ancient Beech forests of Germany (Germany)”

Description

The future nomination, which is subject of this Tentative List entry, represents an extension to the World Heritage property “Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany” (Germany, Slovakia, Ukraine, WHC ref-no 1133bis). This property was inscribed by the World Heritage Committee first in 2007 as “Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians, Slovakia and Ukraine” and extended in 2011 by the component parts “Ancient Beech Forests of Germany” (Germany) to the present serial transnational site. The future nomination (its name will be decided at a later stage of the process) is of serial, transnational character and consists of 33 components parts in 12 State Parties. The component parts represent an outstanding example of undisturbed, complex temperate forests, its postglacial expansion process and exhibit the most complete and comprehensive ecological patterns and processes of pure and mixed stands of European Beech across a variety of environmental conditions. They contain an invaluable genetic reservoir of Beech and many species associated and dependent on these forest habitats.

Name(s) of the component part(s)

1.c       Name(s) of the national component part(s):

Hayedos de Picos de Europa
Hayedos de Navarra
Hayedos de Ayllón

1.d       State, Province or Region:

Hayedos de Picos de Europa: autonomous community of Castilla y León (province of León).
Hayedos de Navarra: autonomous community of Navarra
Hayedos de Ayllón: autonomous community of Madrid, autonomous community of Castilla la Mancha (province of Guadalajara), autonomous community of Castilla y León (province of Segovia).

1.e       Latitude and Longitude or Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates:

Hayedos de Picos de Europa: 340.053 – 4.778.787 (ETRS89)
Hayedos de Navarra:   943 – 4.760.822  (ETRS89)
Hayedos de Ayllón:   737 – 4.558.555  (ETRS89)

Description of the component part(s)

All the components proposed from Spain are located in the Pyrenaic-Iberian beech forest region (BFR).

Hayedos de Picos de Europa

This component part is located in a large calcareous massif called Picos de Europa near the coast of Cantabria at the southern watershed of the Cantabrian mountain range. It is located in the Atlantic biogeographical region and is a pure beech montane forest in an Atlantic climate with high humidity. Two core areas were selected, one called Canal de Asotín (88 ha) over karstic limestone, and the other Cuesta Fría (185 ha) on acidic rock. They are characterised by good interaction between the beech forests and other types of vegetation: in Canal de Asotín with shrub formations of orocantabric oak (Quercus orocantabrica), hazel (Corylus avellana) thickets and holly (Ilex aquifolium) woods. In Cuestafría with birch (Betula celtiberica) forests and sessile oak (Quercus petraea) forests.The phytosociological association in Canal de Asotín is Epipactido helleborines-Fagetum while in Cuesta Fría two different associations are found: Blechno spicanti-Fagetum and Carici sylvaticae-Fagetum. The buffer zone surrounding the two core areas extends over 10,490 ha and consists mainly of beech forests and related habitats. The entire cluster is included in the Picos de Europa National Park in the Province of León.

Hayedos de Navarra

This component part is located in the western-most part of the Pyrenees range. It is located in the Alpine biogeographical region characterised by a continental climate along with some Atlantic influence. The core areas of Lizardoia and Aztaparreta are the last remnants of primeval forests in the Pyrenees. They are mixed fir-beech forests, undisturbed due to a combination of inaccessibility and historical reasons. Both are protected as integral (strict) reserves. Together they cover an area of 239 ha at an altitude of between 890 and 1730 metres above sea level. The phytosociological association in the core areas is Scillo lilio-hyacinthi-Fagetum with a considerable number of Abies alba trees. The buffer zone surrounding the core areas covers over 24,723 ha and is managed in 3 contiguous Natura-2000 Special Areas of Conservation (SAC): Larra-Aztaparreta, Larrondo-Lakartxela and Roncesvalles-Selva de Irati. This buffer zone consists mainly of semi-natural beech forests but also Pinus uncinata forests, shrub formations, natural subalpine grassland and rocky slopes in a superb mountainous landscape near the border with France. The beech forest in this area (Irati) is renowned as the largest and best preserved beech forest in Western Europe.

Hayedos de Ayllón

Located in the Spain’s central mountain range and well within the Mediterranean biogeographical region, these enclaves in the Southwestern-most limit of beech forest are small but important remnants in the global range of the species. The core areas of Hayedo de Montejo de la Sierra (province of Madrid) and Hayedo de Tejera Negra (province of Guadalajara) are the best representation of beech forest remnants in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. The beech forest known as Hayedo de Riofrío de Riaza (province of Segovia) included in the buffer zone, also possesses special ecological and biogeographical importance. The first core area accounts for most of Hayedo de Montejo covering over 71 ha and is protected as a “Reserve” in the Natural Site of National Interest (IUCN category Ib) known as Hayedo de Montejo de la Sierra. It is included in the Biosphere Reserve of Sierra del Rincón and also declared a Natura-2000 site. This was a medieval woodland or dehesa and the removal of cattle after 1960 marked the beginning of an important beech colonization of open areas competing efficiently with oaks in the previous existing forest area. Meanwhile, Mediterranean oaks colonized open areas beyond the forest limit displacing Erica shrubs. The second core area covers the upper part of Hayedo de Tejera Negra, over 255 ha protected as a ‘Reserve’ (IUCN category Ia) included in the Natural Park of Sierra Norte de Guadalajara, and also a Natura-2000 site. This is an outstanding high-altitude beech stand. The buffer zone surrounding the two core areas covers over 14.116 ha in different protected areas of the three autonomous communities involved: Biosphere Reserve in Madrid, Special Protection Area in a Natural Park in Castilla la Mancha and a Natura-2000 site in Castilla y León. Main forest types are high altitude beech forest in Tejera Negra and mixed oak (Quercus pyrenaica and Q. petraea) – beech forest in Montejo. There is also a unique remnant of beech forest colonizing high-altitude bedrock belonging to Riofrío de Riaza in the buffer zone. The phytosociological association in these three beech forests is Galio rotundifolii-Fagetum.

Justification of Outstanding Universal Value

The “Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany” (the title of a finite European nomination will be decided at a later stage of the process) are indispensable to understanding the history and evolution of the genus Fagus, which, given its wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere and its ecological importance, is globally significant. These undisturbed, complex temperate forests exhibit the most complete and comprehensive ecological patterns and processes of pure and mixed stands of European Beech across a variety of environmental conditions, such as climatic and geological conditions, throughout all European Beech Forest Regions. They comprise all altitudinal zones from the coast up to the forest line in the mountains and further include the best remaining examples of the outer boundaries of the European Beech forest range. Beech is one of the most important elements of forests in the Temperate Broadleaf Forest Biome and represents an outstanding example of the re-colonization and development of terrestrial ecosystems and communities after the last ice age. The continuing northern and westward expansion of Beech from its original glacial refuge areas in the eastern and southern parts of Europe can be tracked along the natural corridors and stepping stones spanning the continent. More recent changes in the distribution pattern of this species relate to direct influences of human disturbance and the more complex effects of anthropogenic climate change. Both historical and present serial patterns of distribution represent natural evolutionary strategies for adapting and surviving environmental change. The dominance by Beech across extensive areas of Europe is testament to the tree’s genetic adaptability.

Statements of authenticity and/or integrity

The selected Beech forest sites not only represent the full serial diversity found across Europe but are also of sufficient size to maintain the natural processes necessary for the long-term ecological viability of the wider ecosystem. Buffer zones including surrounding protected areas (nature parks, biosphere reserves) will be managed sympathetically to ensure the long-term conservation of the particular character of the designated Beech forest together with its inherent attributes. Other than the extent of forest area and presence of an effective buffer zone key characteristics used in the site selection process included the average age of forest stand and the period of lapse since it was last managed or actively disturbed. The evaluation criteria used in the selection process help to describe the degree of naturalness of a forest, but also provide some indication of the inherent functional capacity of the ecosystem. Finally, where appropriate, special importance was given to connectivity between Beech forests and the surrounding complementary habitats as a perceived prerequisite for ecosystem functioning and adaptation to environmental change.

Hayedos de Picos de Europa

These beech forests present a high degree of naturalness. These pristine conditions are due to their inaccessibility (Canal de Asotín) and protection status as a National Park for the past 96 years (Cuesta Fría). Canal de Asotín also became part of the park in 1995. Protection is guaranteed at both locations thanks to a sufficiently large buffer zone (10,490 ha) forming part of the Picos de Europa National Park (IUCN category II) and Biosphere Reserve. Maturity of these beech forests is apparent judging from the presence of stands with high age stand structure, tree recruitment in gaps, abundant dead wood and other on-going ecological patterns and processes.

Hayedos de Navarra

The selected core areas are protected under IUCN category Ia. Both core areas display a high degree of integrity, are undisturbed and are extensive enough to efficiently maintain ecological processes. There are no signs of timber extraction in the past and the forest is characterized by old growth structure with monumental trees. An ongoing dendroecological search identifies a natural population curve with an old beech determined to be 404 years old and others estimated to reach 500 years. The management plans for the two reserves addresses conservation and scientific purposes only. Buffer zone management is under the three SAC management plans, joined for the sustainable conservation of the beech forests and their associated habitats. This area is home to the old-growth beech forest specialized white-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos, about 50 breeding pairs, the main part of its population in Spain) on its western edge of the global range showing the high degree of maturity of these beech forests.

Hayedos de Ayllón

The selected core areas are protected under IUCN category Ia and Ib. Hayedo de Montejo de la Sierra is not actually undisturbed forest. It has been affected by humans down through history but in recent decades has been efficiently evolving into a mature forest exhibiting structures and elements of old-growth beech forests such as deadwood and very large trees. The last timber exploitation was in 1970 and since 1974 the beech forest has been completely protected and devoted to conservation, scientific search and environmental education. Hayedo de Tejera Negra is a completely different case: the lower parts were intensively coppiced up to 60 years ago. Only the upper parts, which have been selected as the core area, were saved from such intense harvesting due to low yield  and inaccessibility.  They grow under natural conditions near the tree limit (at around 1950 m) developing a form of krummholz around the edge. Buffer zone management is dictated by their respective management plans, with a strong commitment to sustainable conservation of natural habitats and the recovery and expansion where possible of beech forests.

Justification of the selection of the component part(s) in relation to the future nomination as a whole

In the selection process of suitable primeval and ancient Beech forests in Europe,  a classification system defining Beech Forest Regions (BFR) in Europe has been developed. Each BFR is characterised by its specific climatic and floristic situation and showing an individual history of postglacial Beech forest development differing in time of first Beech arrival and the different genetic ecotypes of Beech, as Beech was re-colonising Europe after the last ice-age from different refuge areas. It is considered that a finite serial transnational European nomination will include candidates from all BFR. Therefore, the best suitable Beech forest sites in each BFR have been selected to represent the different ecotypes and postglacial development processes in a most representative way. Each component part within one BFR brings specific aspects and significantly adds additional value to the series as a whole. These specific aspects are shown in the following: Important climate and flora changes can be observed in the Pyrenaic-Iberian BFR along two principal ecological gradients: moisture and soil condition. Each one of the selected component parts in Spain has its specific characteristics with regard to these gradients inside the BFR. Each is found in a different bioclimatic region: Alpine, Mediterranean and Atlantic.

Hayedos de Picos de Europa

This stand is located in the Atlantic bioclimatic region. These stands are pure beech forests in genuine atlantic conditions with a hiperhumid ombroclimate (average annual precipitation >1600mm). Special features in each of the core areas: in Canal de Asotín severe conditions on karstic rocky slopes and in Cuesta Fría natural succession and contact with related habitats: birch or oak forests. It is near to a glacial refuge area in the North of the Iberian Peninsula and located in the path of a recent beech expansion to the west through the Cantabrian range.

Hayedos de Navarra

This component part is located in the Alpine bioclimatic region. It comprises the last remnants of primeval beech forests in the Pyrenaic-Iberian BFR and, by extension, in Western Europe. In a continental-humid climate and over nutrient-rich soils, these montane fir-beech forests are unique in the BFR. They mark the global western boundary of this type of mixed forest. They are near one of the few scientifically demonstrated glacial refuge areas in the North of the Iberian Peninsula and for that reason they are likely to show some relevant genetic differentiation within the global range of beech.

Hayedos de Ayllón

This component part is located in the Mediterranean bioclimatic region. It constitutes the south-western frontier of Europe’s beech range. Influenced by a Mediterranean climate and surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation formations these beech forests likely reflect unique genetic ecotypes in adaptation to xeric conditions. Until recently, these beech enclaves were thought to have a recent origin as a result of recolonization migration from the Balkans through the Pyrenees and the Iberian mountain range. Lately some scientists are considering the existence of a glacial refuge of beech in these mountains. For over 20 years now, Hayedo de Montejo has been an important research site for physiological and genetic beech adaptation to drought and climate change.v

Comparison with other similar properties

The occurrence of deciduous forests with trees from the genius Fagus is limited to the Holarctic of Earth’s northern hemisphere. They are found throughout the nemoral zones for climatic reasons and are limited to certain conditions. The genus of beech (Fagus) is a typical element of deciduous forests. It comprises of 14 species that exist under humid climate conditions in the three major Holarctic regions of deciduous forest: in the east of North America, in Europe/West Asia, and in East Asia. It’s counterpart in the southern hemisphere is the cognate Nothofagus genus (Fagaceae) native to the Neotropical, Australian and Antarctic floristic realm. Forests with Nothofagus are already represented in World Heritage Sites of Los Glaciares National Park (Argentine), Lorentz National Park (Indonesia) and Gondwana Rainforest of Australia. Forests with trees from genus Fagus are found outside of Europe in the World Heritage sites of Shirakami-Sanchi (Japan).

In Europe beech forests are represented (beside the existing site of “Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany”, which is concern of this extension) in the World Heritage site of Plitvice Lakes National Park (Croatia), Durmitor National Park (Montenegro) and Pirin National Park (Bulgaria). In the National Park of Plitvice Lakes, the outstanding universal value chosen is the lake-system built by travertine barriers (criterion vii, viii and x). The Dumitor National Park was nominated for the outstanding Canyon (criterion vii, viii and ix). In Pirin National Park the outstanding universal value is the natural coniferous forest and its functioning ecosystem as well as the glacial geomorphology of the region (criterion vii, viii and ix). In all three sites, beech forests are covered, but they are not core part of the nomination. The Plitvice Lakes National Park includes the Corkova uvala primeval forest, compost of beech, silver fir and spruce forest. This forest is of high scientific and natural value. The proposed new sites are more important for representation of on-going ecological processes, climatic adaptation of Fagus sylvatica and diversity of site conditions and geo-morphological characteristics of beech forest communities. They meet the sufficient size of minimum 100 ha needed to ensure integrity of the site, while Corkova Uvala primeval forest within Plitvice Lakes National Park has a size of 75 ha. Therefore, values of this primeval forest will be additionally emphasised in the future management of the existing world heritage site and presented as complementary to the Ancient Beech Forests serial site.

All in all this extension is of crucial importance for the long term conservation of European beech ecosystems. The size of the component parts as well as their spatial distribution cover a variety of environmental conditions and the genetic diversity of beech. No other already existing World Heritage Site unites these features, which makes the extension to a unique project in terms of conservation of the ancient beech forests of Europe.