Northeastern Bulgaria is facing a critical ecological situation. The condition of forest ecosystems and shelterbelts in the region is deteriorating drastically, requiring immediate changes in forest management methods, warn representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Executive Forest Agency, and the scientific community.
According to the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food, Prof. Ivan Paligorov, the problem is extremely serious. Over the last decades, the average temperature in the region has risen by about 1.5 degrees, and precipitation is becoming increasingly extreme – short-lived but with enormous intensity. These changes put at risk not only sensitive species but also local plantations such as linden, oak, and hornbeam.
Sanitary felling and restoration with native species are necessary
To prevent the complete disappearance of the plantations, experts emphasize the need for sanitary and forced felling. The goal is to free up territories that can then be restored primarily with native tree species, which are best adapted to the local climate.
Assoc. Prof. Georgi Kostov from the University of Forestry adds that climate change is only one of the factors. The main problem is that a large part of the forests are under strong human influence and have reached the end of their life cycle. In Bulgaria, about 1.8 million hectares of forests are in poor condition or threatened with dying out.
The economic scale of the crisis
The consequences of this process are not only ecological but also involve enormous financial risks. According to Assoc. Prof. Kostov's assessment, the country could lose about 200 million cubic meters of timber, which at current prices amounts to a potential loss of about 10 billion euros. The restoration of the affected territories will require investments of the same magnitude.
Shelterbelts at risk in Dobrudja
Particular attention is being paid to the forest shelterbelts in Dobrudja. Although they occupy only 3% of the area, they are critical for agriculture – they increase land productivity by 10% and protect the soil from erosion. In dry years, the presence of these belts increases yields by up to 35% and reduces production costs.
The Mayor of Ruse, Pencho Milkov, confirmed that urban vegetation in the municipality is already reporting the effects of climate change, with some species no longer able to survive in the local environment. New strategies for water management and adaptation of the cities' green systems are needed.
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Experts conclude that the solution requires a long-term strategy: updating laws, inventorying affected areas, and transitioning to more drought-resistant species in future afforestation efforts.