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 "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 serial properties comprising x 4  components. They 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):
Gorgany Nature Reserve

Roztochya Nature Reserve

Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (Satanivska Dacha site) Synevyr National Nature Park

Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park

1.d State, Province  or Region:
Gorgany Nature Reserve, Ukraine, lvano-Frankivsk region, Nadvirna district, Nadvirna town

Roztochya Nature Reserve, Ukraine, Lviv region, lvano-Frankove town

Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (Satanivska Dacha site), Ukraine. Khmelnytska region. Horodok district

Synevyr National Nature Park, Ukraine, Zakarpattia region, Mizhgirja district, Synevyr­ Ostryky village

Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park, Ukraine, Zakarpattia region, lrshava district, llnytsia village

1.e Latitude and Longitude or Universal Transverse  Mercator (UTM) coordinates:
Gorgany Nature Reserve: East: 24o 17'42" North: 48°28'42"

Roztochya Nature Reserve: East: 23°38'10.92" North 23°38'10.92"

Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (Satanivska Dacha site): East: 26.15.46,82° North 49.10.18,12°

Synevyr National Nature Park : East: 23.5° North 48.30°

Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park East: 23.110749" North 48.417372

Description of the component part(s)

Gorgany Nature Reserve: 
Gorgany Nature Reserve is located in the part of the Ukrainian Carpathians and belongs to the Skybova zone of the Carpathians. It is a unique protected area and contains a vertically and horizontally homogeneous belt of primeval and old-growth forests and it area is about 3073,2 ha (580,1 ha of them beech and mixed beech forests). In the grass cover of adjacent tree stands occurs a number of indicators of beech forests, such as Dentaria glandulosa, Symphytum cordatum, Asperula cynanchica, Sanicula europaea, that proves a potential possibilities for wider high -rise growth of beech under the climate change. The reserve area ranges from 710 to 1754, 6 meters above sea level and is covered by 92,8 % of forest vegetation. Mountainous part of the object is made up of the Carpathian flysch by conglomerates, sandstones, and clay and marl shiest of the Cretaceous and Quaternary periods. Apart from these characteristics steep slopes, meteorological conditions and natural hazards result in complex ongoing and high dynamic processes, which considerably affect the Beech forest ecosystems. A peculiarity of the proposed area is occurrence of the mixed beech primeval forests in the holistic phylogenetic complex of beech, beech-fir, beech-fir-spruce communities of mountain forests that are distributed in the ranges from 700 to 1400 m above sea level.

Roztochya Nature Reserve:
Roztochya Nature Reserve is part of the same physical and geographic area. Roztochya is a hilly ridge with a height difference of 203-403 meters above sea leveland  is located on the main European watershed. Beech in Roztochya forests belong to one of the main forest forming species. Primeval Beech Forests in Roztochya available, but preserved natural old growth forests.  growing  on  the  north-eastern  boundaries  of  continuous  habitat,  conservation  is important in relation to climate change. Beech turf soils occupy areas with surface deposits of limestone weathering products (rendzina) and have characteristics of Carpathian beech forests, because in turfgrass montane species are present. These forests are the habitat of many rare plant species (14 species of the Red Book of Ukraine ). The feature of the proposed sites is the presence of rare groups pine - beech forests (Pineto (sy/vestris) - Fageta (sy/vaticae). Beech is an ecosystem engineer and is located on the northern limits of the continuous distribution and pine is co Ecosystem engineer -and is located on the southern edge of the spread between the north and the Carpathian eastern parts of a continuous range. It is a rare type of association with Ecosystem engineer and co Ecosystem engineer stand. Communities are derivatives of mid Holocene mixed forests. There are more then 10 forest association involving beech in the reserve.

Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (Satanivska Dacha site):
Satanivska dacha site is located in central part of Podillya on Tovtra ridge which is the remnant of local sea reef barrier, which existed for more than 15 million years ago and because of that it belongs to Polonic-Podolic-Moldavan beech forest region.
This is the marginal plot of beech forest in Europe located on 370 - 390 m. above sea level. The territory has the following climate features: middle rainfall amount- 640.00 mm, middle air temperature during winter time- 2.9 °C, and during summer time+ 18.4 °C.
The plot is covered by 99% of forest and shrub vegetation. The forest is nominated to World Heritage List as an insular forest on marginal boundary of areal of Fagus sylvatica with evident Podillian ecotype and distinctive climatic conditions. The following associations are widespread: Carici pilosae-Fagetum, Galio odorati-Fagetum. During last 100 years the scientific research works are carried out as this plot is a very important one from the point of view of forest natural development on the areal boundary.

Synevyr National Nature Park :
The Synevyr National Nature Park is situated in the limits of the Watershed-Verkhovyna geomorphological Region of the Ukrainian Carpathians at the southern macroslopes of the Gorgan Mountain Ridge which is characterized by the flish steep slopes and stony deposits (gregots or gorgans). The total area of the "Synevyr" is ca. 43 000 ha within which 31 943 ha are covered by forests including 7 415 ha of the natural forests (mainly beech forests from Fagus sylvatica.  The largest territories of the natural beech forests are located in the northern part of the National nature park. Within the Ukrainian Carpathians the poor beech forests predominate only in the Synevyr National Nature Park. moreover, exactly there most of the beech forests are primeval ones.

The unique peculiarities of the beech forests in the Synevyr National Nature Park are their frequent distribution beyond the generally accepted limits for the poor beech forests (mainly at 900-1500 m above sea level). Here the communities of two associations of Fageta sylvaticae at ca.1400m change into the crooked beeches. The List of the Vascular Plants growing in the in the forests of the Synevyr National Nature Park with the participation of Fagus sylvatica  includes more than 200 species of the Vascular Plants within which 40 species are rare and 20 species are the tertiary relicts.

Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park :
The Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park is located in central Vyhorlat-Hutyn volcanic ridge within the foothills of the Eastern Carpathians. The park (6101 ha) is located at an altitude of 400 to 1085 m above sea level and 87% is covered with forests. The park covers a continuous massif of three climate zones (moderate-warm, moderate and cold) and strips of oak (Querceto retraeae-Fagetum), hornbeam-oak-beech (Sarrineto-Querceto-petraeae-Fagetum), oak  and beech (Fageto - Quercetum petraeae), beech (Fagetum sylvaticae), fragmented spruce-beech forest and spruce-birch woodlands (Black Mud bog) are present here. A characteristic feature of the proposed area is the distribution of pure and mixed beech primeval forests of the early Holocene on volcanic bedrocks.

Primeval beech forest sites here are embedded in natural alpine landscape: oligotrophic bogs, rocky outcrops, scree fields and subalpine meadows. These natural vegetation zones of beech forest belt are included as part of the proposed buffer zone.

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.

Gorgany Nature Reserve:
The high integrity of the proposed mixed beech forests is given by the high level of naturalness. It was documented that the forest area long historical period was undisturbed without human and forest management impact.  Hemeroby analysis shows that 57.5% of the nature reserve forests were classified as a primeval. 

The proposed World Heritage component part covers the primeval and old-growth mixed beech forests within this area including natural adjacent habitats to present this complex ecosystem mosaic completely. Ecological integrity, completeness of the species composition and natural correlation of species, primeval forest with all adjacent buffer zones ensures capability for well-organized self regulation.

All clusters of the object are interconnected by ecological corridors that formed the well preserved natural forests without human impact.
Mixed coniferous - beech forests of the reserve are indigenous phytocoenoses preserved on the edge spreading beech forests. Dendroecological research on some of this primeval stands showed mean tree ages ranging from 250 to 280 years. Lobaria pu/monaria, Usnea florida - primeval forest indicator species occur in the mixed beech primeval forests. In the mixed beech forests of proposed area occur 12 rare species of plants, including relics, and endemic species of the Red Book of Ukraine. The core fauna of proposed component includes specific complex of boreal-taiga and mountain species. There is occurrence of 7 species of woodpeckers  in mixed beech primeval forests.

The extensive area of the buffer zone that match to the rest of the reserve area (4816, 1 ha) which surrounding mixed beech forests is not separated by zones and ensures effective protection from active human intervention. Protection status of the candidate areas and their buffer zone according IUCN is Ia (Strict Nature Reserve) which ensure their integrity, preservation. The access to the primeval forest by scientist and visitors is strictly regulated to minimise human impact.

Roztochya Nature Reserve:
The oldest and best preserved beech forests of the reserve are proposed for inclusion in the World Heritage List. Beech forests of Roztochya are rare in Central Europe, communities that are of natural origin, characterized by a high degree of self-regulation and reproduction. Oldgrowth  natural beech forests in the reserve covering  about 300 hectares, representing approximately 15%  of  the  reserve.  Old  growth  beech  forests  in  Roztochya  have  simple structure. In the first tier, height of about 25-32 m, only beech grows, in the second tier except beech hornbeam growth. the closeness of the tree canopy, respectively, is 0.8; 0.4; average stock stand varies from 380 - 450 m3  I ha exceed 500 m3.   Pine-oak-beech and pine-beech forests characterized by long complicated three-tiered structure, developed understory. Stands are highly productive. More than thirty years beech forests are under state strict protection, they are well preserved, there is no management measures are implemented. Nominated  area surrounded by forests reserve, which are mostly natural origin. Most forests of the reserve are aged over 100 years. Due to conservation Roztochya ancient beech forests, there emerged conditions for wintering over 15 forest bird species that come here to spend the winter from  the north, European and Russian taiga. In winter for many forest birds, beech and hornbeam nuts are the main habitat for successful hibernation. For Aegithalos caudatus, species that comes from taiga in winter, Roztochya beech is the main environment that ensures the preservation of the species in difficult winter conditions.

Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park (Satanivska Dacha site):
The nominated plot is of insular character. The mean age of forest is 130 to 160 years old. This forest didn't suffer from forest management impact, as it was in status of reservation for the last 70 years. Today it is included into core area of Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park. The site is surrounded by the buffer zone made up of a forest with slight signs o forest management. The buffer zone is defined as the zone of controlled recreation of the Podilski Tovtry National Nature Park and it is formed by Fagus sylvatica, Carpinus betu/us, Quercus robur (Carpineto-Fagetum, Carpineto-Querceto roboris-Fagetum, Fagetum).

Synevyr National Nature Park:
According to the results of our study, the selected clusters of the Synevyr National Nature Park being the primeval or primeval beech forests correspond to the criteria of the nature forest ecosystems in Europe. In particular, their sizes and other essential peculiarities are sufficient to provide the nature processes inside of them and the protracted existence of the proper ecosystems. Moreover, the age of many trees is more than 200 years, the height of their trunks is more than 30 m and they are situated in three layers. These forests are able to renewal, the herbaceous-moss cover in them is not disturbed, the forest layer is present, rare, endemic and especially relict species are present but the adventives plants are absent. 

Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park:
The proposed nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List includes beech primeval forests and the associated natural habitats, which together form a complex mosaic ecosystem. Its integrity is based on a high degree of naturalness. It has been documented, that the forest area for  a long  historical period has not  suffered from  any economic impact. It  is  due to  the environmental integrity and the completeness of species composition, the primeval forests at this site together with all surrounding areas are capable of well-organized self-regulation. Primeval beech forests here are surrounded by well-preserved old-growth forests. where human impact is absent. The dendrochronological research in some of these virgin forest areas showed the average age of the stand from 250 to 280 years. In the primeval forests and the adjacent territories of the Enchanted Land NNP don't have any evidences of invasive species. No forest management has ever been held here. Large areas of the buffer zone surrounding beech primeval forests provide effective protection against active human intervention. The status of an absolute protection ensures the preservation of the natural state and functioning of the site.

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:

In comparison to the other beech areas from the Carpathian region, beech forests of Gorgany Nature Reserve:
- is a unique site which is located on the northern - east macroslope of the main watershed range;
- is reference model of successively replaced in vertical occurrence of all types of primeval beech forests of the Carpathians, which are represented by communities Piceeto- Abieto - Fageta, Piceeto - Fageta, Fageto (sylvaticae) -Piceeto (abieto) -Abietum (albae), Fageto (sylvaticae)-Abieto (albae) - Piceetum (abietis), Fageto (sylvaticae) - Piceeto (abieto) - Abietum (albae) that are main elements of biome. These forests are presented an outstanding example of undisturbed, well-preserved ecological models where can be observed all development stages and evolution cycles. The proposed area of mixed beech forests of the Gorgany Nature Reserve does not only complement the spectrum of presented beech forests to Natural Heritage, but also adds the remnants of natural beech forests in the Carpathian beech forest region.

Compared  to other areas of primeval forests and ancient beech forests, nominated to the World Heritage List, including Satanivska Dacha site with the same BFR "Polonic-Podolic-Moldovan", which presents Podilski type of beech on the eastern limits of the range, ancient beech forests of Roztochya Nature Reserve is a transitional between lowland  and mountain type of forests of the Carpathians, located in the far north-eastern limits of the range. These forests are characterized by significant species biological diversity. Complex vertical structure, the presence of Quercus robur consisting stand. Another unique feature of the site is beech stands formed with Pinus sy/vestris. Pure beech forest sites here have all features of the Carpathian forests with vivid montane type attributes in the grass layer: Aposeris foetida (L.) Less., Leucojum vernum L., Luzu/a sylvatica L., Polygonatum verticillatum All., Hedera helix L., Dentaria glandulosa Waldst. et Kit.

Compared with primeval forests and ancient beech forests, nominated  to the World Heritage List, including the Roztochya Nature Reserve, which is also located in the BRF "Polonic­ Podolic-Moldovan", the Satanivska  Dacha site is located on the far eastern border and has an insular character. These beech forests are of a special Podillia type of forest stands and highlight not only the presence of Quercus robur, but some species Prunus avium, which brings them  in resemblance with the sub-Mediterranean-type forests. They are characterized by a unique adaptation to extreme climatic conditions, such as a significantly lower humidity and a dry summer. They are also characterized by growth of dark gray forest soils on loess loams and clays. Beech forests of the Satanivska Dacha site are included in the list of rare habitats EUNIS-G1.531 (Media-European collinear neutrophile beech forests). Phytodiversity of forest area has features of edge effect as the Satanivska Dacha site is on the verge if deciduous forest and steppe zones. Thus the Satanivska Dacha site is an important subject, where can be seen the margin effects and reproduction of Fagus sy/vatica and its adaptability to continental conditions.

As a whole, the beech forests in the Synevyr National Nature Park are unique within the Ukrainian Carpathians with their frequent distribution  by far beyond the accepted upper limits (till 1500 m above sea level), moreover, on some tops of the mountains  they form the upper forest belt from the "crooked beeches". The universal value of this property consists in availability  of the essential characters and processes in the studied beech forests typical for the natural beech forests in Europe; moreover,  the examined  essential peculiarities  of the beech virgin forests  in the Synevyr National Nature Park enlarge the outlook on the diversity of the natural beech forests in Europe as a whole. Therefore, it is expedient to use the results of our study as a contribution to the modern concept of the biodiversity conservation in Europe. Compared to other parts of the ancient beech forests of the region of the Ukrainian Carpathians nominated to the UNESCO World Heritage List, beech primeval forests of Zacharovanyi Krai National Nature Park grow mainly on the volcanic and flysch bedrocks, not metamorphic or sedimentary rocks, which define their basic characteristics. Pure beech primeval forests of a climax character (Fageta sylvaticae) are distributed here within a wide elevation range - from 400 to 1085 m above sea level. Within these elevations there are also beech and sycamore (Acereto pseudoplatani-Fagetum) forests distributed. Here are distributed the following unique habitats: 9110 Luzulo-Fagetum. Luzulo-Fagetum beech forests, + 9130 Asperulo-Fagetum I Asperulo-Fagetum beech forests + 9140 Media-European subalpine beech forests, + 94EO mixed ash-alder alluvial forests of temperate and Boreal Europe (Aino-Padion, Alnion incanae, Salicion albae). + 3240 Alpine rivers and their ligneous vegetation with Salix elaeagnos + 6430 Hygrophilous tall-herb fringe communities of plains and of the montane to alpine levels. Ages, vertical, horizontal and spatial structure of primeval forests are characteristic and typical here. The primeval forests proposed for nomination are characterized by a significant phytocoenotic and floristic diversity. In particular, there have been registered 162 species of vascular plants, 4 species of mosses, 62 species of fungi at the site. These include a large proportion of rare species, including 29 species of higher vascular plants listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, 24 species that are protected at the regional level, included in Annex 12 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora threatened with extinction. Also there are found about 1500 animal species, of 32 which are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, 11 - in the European Red List, and 139 are listed in Annex II and Ill of the Bern Convention and others.

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.