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):

Cluster of Central Balkan National Park, consisting of 9 component parts - the beech forests in 9 nature reserves Boatin, Tsarichina, Kozya Stena, Steneto, Stara reka, Dzhendema, Severen Dzhendem, Sokolna and Peeshti skali.

1.d       State, Province or Region:

Central Balkan National Park is located on the territory of five administrative regions: Lovech, Gabrovo, Stara Zagora, Plovdiv, and Sofia. Its territory falls within nine municipalities – Teteven, Troyan, Apriltsi, Sevlievo, Pavel banya, Karlovo, Sopot, Anton, and Pirdop.

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

Central Balkan National Park: East: 24.703017° North: 42.739174°

Description of the component part(s)

The Cluster of Central Balkan National Park consists of 9 component parts – the beech forests in nine strict reserves: Boatin Reserve, Tsarichina Reserve, Kozya Stena Reserve, Steneto Reserve, Stara Reka Reserve, Dzhendema Reserve, Severen Dzhendem Reserve, Sokolna Reserve and Peeshti skali Reserve in Central Balkan National Park.

Central Balkan National Park is located in the central and higher part of Stara planina Mountain (named Balkan Range) – the chief range of the Balkan Peninsula and Bulgaria and an extension of the Alpine-Carpathian folds. The Park contains of rare and endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems with great biological diversity, as well as historical sites of global cultural and scientific significance. The Park area (72 021.07 ha) ranges from 500 to 2 376 meters above sea level and forest cover more than 61% of it.

Central Balkan National Park is the biggest well protected old beech forest massif in Bulgaria. Beech occupies 29 960.4 ha – 71% of the forests in the National Park and 5.2% of the area of the beech forests in Bulgaria. Forests of natural origin in the Park are approximately 97%. Most of them are not affected by human activity in the last century. The average age of the beech communities in Central Balkan National park is 135 years. One of the most significant natural treasures of Central Balkan are the pure and mixed stands of beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) forests. Wide distribution of the species in Central Balkan National park include the beech forests of the Asperulo-Fagetum, Luzulo-Fagetum and Medio-European limestone beech forests of the Cephalanthero-Fagion habitat types. Less represented and fragmented are the forests of Fagus taurica Popl. (Fagus sylvatica, subsp. moesiaca (K.Malý) Szafer). A majority of the forests in the Park are composed of broadleaf species – beech, hornbeam, durmast, sycamore and others. The coniferous are mainly spruce and rumelian pine and the mixed forests consist mainly of beech and fir.

The most natural and well preserved beech forests in Central Balkan are included in the nine strict protected nature reserves in the Park – Boatin, Tsarichina, Kozya stena, Steneto, Stara reka, Dzhendema, Severen Dzhendem, Sokolna and Peeshti skali. The oldest beech forests in the 9 reserves covering an area of 10 862 ha, are proposed as component parts of the extended World Heritage Property. The rest part of the reserves (9157.6 ha), outside the beech forests and part or the whole territory of Central Balkan National park (52 001.47 ha), outside the reserves will be proposed as buffer zone of the potential World Heritage Property.

Component part - beech forest in Boatin Reserve

Boatin was declared as a Strict Nature Reserve in 1948. The territory is with compact, pure, virgin beech forests on the northern Balkan mountain slopes and contains well-preserved natural ecosystems with rich biodiversity. The Reserve is refuge to species like an ural owl, semi-collared flycatcher, flycatcher, black woodpecker, peregrine falcon, lesser spotted white-backed woodpecker, bear, wolf, which are an indicators of old-growth forests and well preserved ecosystems. In these beech forests there are trees more than 50 m height. The proposed for nomination as World Heritage beech forests in Boatin reserve represent about 1 271 ha (out of 1597.2 ha - the total area of Boatin Reserve) pure beech forests with altitude from 850 masl to 1 550 masl. Those are the typical beech forests with average age of about 180 years and very good natural conditions. In this big compact area are presented naturally many ecological processes.

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae (Community of Fagus sylvatica and Geranium macrorrhizum), Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae (Community of Fagus sylvatica and Luzula sylvatica ), Assoc. Asperulo-Fagetum sylvaticae, Umbilico erecti-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Aremonio agrimonoidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, subassoc. allietosum ursini, subassoc. laurocerasetosum officinalis and Associations Lerchenfeldio-Pinetum mugo and Assoc. Piceetum excelsae balcanicum.

Component part - Beech forest in Tsarichina Reserve

Tsarichina is a Strict Nature Reserve since 1949. The Reserve falls in the mountainous belt of beech and coniferous species. The Middle mountain belt of Fagus sylvatica L., Abies alba Mill. and Picea abies (L.) H.Karst. ranges from 1 000 (900 – 1 100) masl to 1 500 (1 400 – 1 600) masl and includes vast steep slopes and rounded peaks, deeply indented valleys and leveled hilltops.

Tsarichina reserve includes vast territory of beech forests with average age over 100 years unaffected by human activity. The pure and mixed forests of beech and fir in the Reserve are distinguished by rich variety of plant and animal species. The proposed for nomination as World Heritage beech forests in Tsarichina reserve represent about 1 431 ha (out of 3418.7 ha - the total area of Tsarichina Reserve). Subarctic type, like a Spruce forests with undergrowth of blueberries and the most northern-east habitat of Pinus peuce Griseb. (Tertiary relic and Balkan endemic) are presenting diversity of ecosystems.

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae (Community of Fagus sylvatica and Geranium macrorrhizum), Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae (Community of Fagus sylvatica and Luzula sylvatica, Community of Fagus sylvatica and Abies alba), Assoc. Asperulo-Fagetum sylvaticae Assoc. Umbilico erecti-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Galio rotundifolii-Abietetum albae (Community of Betula pendula, of Populus tremula ), Assoc. Veronico urticifoliae-Abietetum albae, Assoc. Moehringio pendulae-Piceetum abietis, Assoc. Piceetum excelsae balcanicum, Alliance Pinion peucis (Community of Pinus peuce ).

Component part - Beech forest in Kozya Stena Reserve

Kozya Stena is a Strict Nature Reserve since 1987. The Reserve falls in the middle mountain belt of Fagus sylvatica L. and Abies alba Mill. on northern slopes at an altitude from 900 masl to 1 600 masl. The forests are pure or mixed forests of beech and fir. Beech forests grown on the limestone rocks are distinguished by rich flora and fauna biodiversity. The proposed for nomination as World Heritage beech forests in Kozya Stena reserve represent about 637 ha (out of 904.3 ha - the total area of Kozya Stena Reserve). Many endemic species and communities, like Fagus sylvatica L. with Dafne blagiana Freyer, Daphne cneorum L. and Leontopodium alpinum Cass are presented here.

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Assoc. Galio pseudaristati-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Aremonio agrimonoidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, subassoc. violetosum reichenbachianae, Assoc. Galio rotundifolii-Abietetum albae, Assoc. Phyllitido-Aceretum, Assoc. Fraxino excelsioris-Aceretum pseudoplatani, Assoc. Veronico urticifoliae-Abietetum albae.

Component part - Beech forest in Steneto Reserve

Steneto is a Strict Nature Reserve since 1979. The Middle mountain belt of Fagus sylvatica L., Abies alba Mill and Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. ranges from 900 masl to 1 600 masl and includes vast steep slopes and rounded peaks. The Upper-mountain belt of Picea abies (L.) H.Karst. forests ranges from 1 500 (1 400 – 1 600) masl to 1 800 (1 700 – 1 900) masl. and includes deeply indented valleys, steep slopes and leveled hilltops. The proposed for nomination as World Heritage beech forests in Steneto reserve represent about 2 488 ha (out of 3578.8 ha - the total area of Steneto Reserve). The oldest beech forests in the reserve are aged about 250 years. Some trees reach age of about 300 years and a height of over 40 m. Compared to the rest of the forests in the National Park, these beech forests bear most conserved natural characteristics. Steneto reserve and its surrounding areas preserve the largest stand of termophilic forests that have rich herbaceous diversity and domination of the relict plants societies, found there warm shelter during the last Glacial Period. These are variegated and picturesque stands – on 1 ha there are up to 20 tree species – European hornbeam and European hop-hornbeam, European black-pine, Scots pine, spruce, fir, rowan, sycamore maple, Norway maple, Turkish hazel etc. There are about 1000 vascular plant species – 1/3 of Bulgarian Flora.

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Assoc. Rubetum idaei, Galio sylvatici-Carpinetum betuli, Galio pseudaristati-Fagetum sylvaticae, Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae, Asperulo-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Umbilico erecti-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Aremonio agrimonoidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Galio rotundifolii-Abietetum albae, Assoc. Phyllitido-Aceretum, Assoc. Fraxino excelsioris-Aceretum pseudoplatani , Alliance Aceri tatarici-Quercion, Alliance Carpinion orientalis ( Community of Carpinus orientalis and Poa nemoralis , Community of Ostrya carpinifolia, Community of Fraxinus ornus), Assoc. Genisto carinalis-Quercetum petraeae, Assoc. Seslerio latifoliae-Pinetum nigrae (Community of Juniperus oxycedrus), Assoc. Veronico urticifoliae-Abietetum albae, Assoc. Moehringio pendulae-Piceetum abietis.

Component part - Beech forest in Stara Reka Reserve

Stara Reka is a Strict Nature Reserve since 1981. The Reserve includes deeply indented valleys, steep southern slopes, part of which covered with pure and mixed beech forests. In the low-mountain belt the beech formed the mixed forests with Quercus delechampii Ten., Fraxinus ornus L., Carpinus betulus L. and Ostrya carpinifolia Scop. The beech prevails in the middle and high mountain belts in pure or mixed forests with Abies alba Mill and Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. In this most extensive zone are still Acer campestre L., Acer heldreichii Orph. ex Boiss, Betula pendula Roth. In the most northern part of the Reserve, beech forms the treeline in separate pure forests on steep south-facing slopes. The proposed for nomination as World Heritage beech forests in Stara Reka reserve represent about 634 ha (out of 1974.7 ha - the total area of Stara Reka Reserve).

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Assoc. Rubetum idaei, Galio sylvatici-Carpinetum betuli, Galio pseudaristati-Fagetum sylvaticae, Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae, Asperulo-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Umbilico erecti-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Aremonio agrimonoidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Galio rotundifolii-Abietetum albae, Assoc. Phyllitido-Aceretum, Assoc. Fraxino excelsioris-Aceretum pseudoplatani , Alliance Aceri tatarici-Quercion, Alliance Carpinion orientalis (Community of Carpinus orientalis and Poa nemoralis, Community of Ostrya carpinifolia, Community of Fraxinus ornus), Assoc. Genisto carinalis-Quercetum petraeae, Assoc. Seslerio latifoliae-Pinetum nigrae (Community of Juniperus oxycedrus), Assoc. Veronico urticifoliae-Abietetum albae, Assoc. Moehringio pendulae-Piceetum abietis.

Component part - Beech forest in Dzhendema Reserve

Dzhendema is a Strict Nature Reserve since 1953. The Reserve is the largest one in the National Park and includes about 1 690 ha beech forests on the southern slopes from 500 masl to 1 100 masl, which are proposed to be nominated as World Heritage (out of 4220.2 ha - the total area of Dzhendema reserve). The Reserve was declared to secure protection of the centuries old beech forests, the chamois population, and the most significant active flora formation center on silicate bedrock. Dzhendema covers almost the whole range of altitudes characteristic for Central Balkan National park, starting at 580 masl of the Byala river gorge and reaching 1 800 masl of the edge of the Raiskite rocks. Dominated beech forests are untouched from human activity due to its difficult accessibility. The average age is 120 – 150 years, but some individuals reach more than 200 years. Forests are mainly broad-leaved and beech dominates species such as european hornbeam, european hop-hornbeam, oriental hornbeam, sycamore maple, norway maple, tataria maple, flowering-ash, turkish filbert, sessile oak, birch, common ash, rowan, etc. grow there. In the lower parts there are representatives of oaks. The typical for the lower belt is the formation Fagetum – Querqus delechampii. For the Middle belt Fagus sylvatica L. formed pure or mixed forest with Abies alba Mill, Acer pseudoplatanus L., Fraxinus excelsior L. and others. The coniferous forests occur in the western part of the Reserve and consist mainly of spruce formations and single fir trees. Some mixed beech–spruce forests cover just a small area located also in the western section. This place is amazing with very deep valleys, numbers of caves, high waterfalls and big rocks. The combination of geology, topography and climatic conditions are a prerequisite for the emergence of shaping center for new plant forms and species. This is an environment characterized by the presence of endemic, rare and endangered species. Dzhendema reserve is a favorable habitat for the chamois, aesculapian snake, alpine chough, greater spotted woodpecker, golden eagle, red squirrel, fox, roe deer, wild boar, wolf and brown bear.

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Galio sylvatici-Carpinetum betuli, Galio pseudaristati-Fagetum sylvaticae, Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae, Asperulo-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Umbilico erecti-Fagetum sylvaticae , Assoc. Aremonio agrimonoidis-Fagetum sylvaticae , Assoc. Galio rotundifolii-Abietetum albae, Assoc. Phyllitido-Aceretum, Assoc. Fraxino excelsioris-Aceretum pseudoplatani, Alliance Aceri tatarici-Quercion, Alliance Carpinion orientalis (Community of Carpinus orientalis and Poa nemoralis, Community of Ostrya carpinifolia, Community of Fraxinus ornus), Assoc. Genisto carinalis-Quercetum petraea, Assoc. Veronico urticifoliae-Abietetum albae.

Component part - Beech forest in Severen Dzhendem Reserve

Severen Dzhendem is a Strict Nature Reserve since 1983. Ancient beech and mixed beech and fir forests covering more than 880 ha – almost two-thirds of the steeply sloped forest are proposed to be nominated as World Heritage (out of 1610 ha - the total area of Severen Dzhendem reserve). Severen Dzhendem contains some subalpine grassy and forest habitats. The Middle mountain belt of Fagus sylvatica L., Abies alba Mill. and Picea abies (L.) H. Karst. covers northern slopes and very steep valleys at an altitude from 900 masl to 1 600 masl. Main environment-forming species is European beech. The average age of the forests is 155 years. Here can be found also Acer heldreichii Orph. ex Boiss. and Acer pseudoplatanus L. Undergrowth of shrubs is formed by Taxus baccata L., Prunus laurocerasus L., Corylus avelana L., Rubus idaeus L., Vaccinium myrtillus L. A range of rare and endangered wildlife species have found their last refuge in this impenetrable natural forest, which is home to an unusual community of Juniperus communis var. saxatilis Pall., Rhododendron myrtifolium Schot & Kotschy. There is one special refuge of Taxus baccata, which is very significant from conservation point of view.

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae, Asperulo-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Umbilico erecti-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Aremonio agrimonoidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Rhododendro myrtifolii-Vaccinietum, Assoc. Veronico urticifoliae-Abietetum albae, Assoc. Moehringio pendulae-Piceetum abietis, Assoc. Piceetum excelsae balcanicum.

Component part - Beech forest in Sokolna Reserve

Sokolna is a Strict Nature Reserve since 1979. The beech forest are mainly in the low and middle mountain belts between 600 masl – 1 500 masl. On a territory of about 790 ha which are proposed to be nominated as World Heritage (out of 1250 ha - the total area of Sokolna reserve) the European beech formed pure and mixed forests with Carpinus betulus L., Acer heldreichii Orph. ex Boiss., Abies alba Mill., Quercus dalechampii Ten. and Fraxinus excelsior L. There are interesting inversions of places where beech in mesoterm conditions remain lower than oak found in kseroterm conditions on the slopes and ridges. In the lower parts of Sokolna have been distributed forests with sub-Mediterranean character with dominant of Carpinus orientalis Mill., Fraxinus ornus L. and Siringa vulgaris L. Above them, on separate spots on steep terrain are beech formations with an average age of above 100 years. Coniferous species in small groups are presented from the Pinus nigra J. F. Arnold, which in karst terrain forms the treeline. Here Juniperus oxycedrus L. can be seen surprisingly high – at 1 200 masl. Also here is the lowest altitude – 1 400 masl at which Leontopodium alpinum Cass. can be found. In the most humid parts of the valleys under beech trees there is Prunus laurocerasus L. The largest habitat of Taxus baccata L. in Bulgaria is located in Sokolna. Various biotic and abiotic factors are a prerequisite for the wide variety of ecosystems and processes.

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Assoc. Galio sylvatici-Carpinetum betuli, Assoc. Galio pseudaristati-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Asperulo-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Phyllitido-Aceretum, Assoc. Fraxino excelsioris-Aceretum pseudoplatani, Assoc. Staphyleo-Tilietum tomentosae, Assoc. Genisto carinalis-Quercetum petraeae, Alliance Carpinion orientalis (Community of Carpinus orientalis and Poa nemoralis, Community of Ostrya carpinifolia, Community of Fraxinus ornus).

Component part - Beech forest in Peeshti Skali Reserve

Peeshti Skali is a Strict Nature Reserve since 1979, situated on northern slopes and valleys of the Balkan Range. The forest vegetation in the Reserve is completely dominated by beech. Treeline reaches up to 1 800 masl. The forests are pure forests of Fagus sylvatica L. with participation of single Abies alba Mill, Carpinus betulus L. and Acer platanoides L., A.pseudoplatanus L., Sorbus aucuparia L., Fraxinus excelsior L. and Ulmus glabra Huds. The middle mountain belt of Fagus sylvatica L. ranges from 1 000 masl to 1 600 masl. Relatively unaffected by human beech forests in Peeshti skali Reserve which are proposed to be nominated as World Heritage cover a territory of 1 041 ha (out of 1465.7 ha - the total area of Peeshti skali Reserve). Their age is over 170 years with characteristics of primary forests. During the autumn the reserve is amazing as a red deer coupling place.

The most valuable associations with the participation of Fagus sylvatica in the nature reserve are: Luzulo luzuloidis-Fagetum sylvaticae (Community of Fagus sylvatica and Geranium macrorrhizum), Festuco drymejae-Fagetum sylvaticae (Community of Fagus sylvatica and Luzula sylvatica), Assoc. Asperulo-Fagetum sylvaticae, Assoc. Aremonio agrimonoidis-Fagetum sylvaticae, subassoc. allietosum ursini , subassoc. laurocerasetosum officinalis.

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.

The old primeval beech forests of the Central Balkan National Park are one of the most valuable natural assets of its territory. They are important part of the European beech forests – large enough, non-fragmented, wild, old-growth and with low human impact. The virgin old beech forests cover 24 578.3 ha, and they are well preserved especially in hardly accessible, gorgeous places. The forests in the National Park where beech dominates have average age of 135 years and cover more than 29 000 ha – area big enough to ensure appropriate conditions for big mammals and unique forest communities with high conservation value. This huge area where beech prevails provides suitable conditions for 107 vertebrate species including rare species, connected with the old growth beech forests and its surrounding: Ficedula parva, Ficedula semitorquata, Bubo bubo, Strix uralensis, Martes martes, Glaucidium passerinum, Dryocopus martius, Picoides leucotus, Ursus arctos, Canis lupus etc. These forests are important as a dwelling place for: 18 species globally endangered or having a globally significant populations (13 mammals, 4 birds and 1 amphibian species). Here 25 species endangered in Europe are with Euro-conservation significant populations (9 mammal species, 15 birds and 1 reptile). Also 29 species of high conservation importance at the national level (5 mammals, 21 birds, 2 reptile species and 1 amphibian species) can be found. Combined with gorgeous valleys, waterfalls, rocks in an inspirational landscape, these forests are some of the most beautiful places in the region.

The proposed as component parts of the extended World Heritage Property virgin beech forests in the 9 strict nature reserves of Central Balkan National Park are presenting many ecotypes with amazing diversity of abiotic and biotic elements and processes: from small beech trees on the rocks of timber-line – 5 m high (20 – 30 cm diameter) in Sokolna and Peeshti skali reserves, to the giant trees of moesian beech – 50 meters high and more than 1 m diameter in Boatin reserve. In the Park territory there are xerothermal and mesophylic beech forests, old-growth forest more than 240 years old, beech forest on silicate and limestone, wide altitude range – from 650 masl to 1 700 masl, many expositions, soils etc. All these different beech forests are natural ecosystems in dynamic balance, providing opportunity to study and monitor immense variety of the ecological conditions and evolutionary processes. The genetic value of these forests is immeasurable and keeps esteemed species and ecotypes for the future generations.

The size of the proposed for nomination as World Heritage beech forests is 10 862 ha (1^st "b" IUCN category) surrounded by a buffer zone which will include the rest part of the nature reserves outside the beech forests (9157.6 ha) and part or the whole territory of Central Balkan National park (52 001.47 ha).

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:

The proposed for nomination as World Heritage territories of 10 862 ha include ancient beech forests in 9 strict nature reserves: Boatin (1 271 ha), Tsarichina (1 431 ha), Kozya Stena (637 ha), Steneto (2 488 ha), Stara Reka (634 ha), Dzhendema (1 690 ha), Severen Dzhendem (880 ha), Sokolna (790 ha) and Peeshti Skali (1 041 ha). As buffer zone will be proposed the rest part of the 9 reserves, outside the beech forests and part or the whole territory of Central Balkan National Park, outside the reserves.

The territory of Central Balkan National Park is with negligible human impact which guarantees the conservation of habitats, processes and natural dynamics of beech forests.

The beech forests in the 9 reserves of Central Balkan National Park are natural addition to the existing World Heritage Property in Moesian-Balcanic Beech Forest Region, because they are ancient and virgin forests in large compact massifs providing opportunities for conservation of variety of ongoing and future processes in the ecosystems.

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.