Forests along roads - a case of stability, resilience and biodiversity

Abstract

: The importance of forest strips along communication routes has to be put into the context of stand stability, resilience to disturbances and biodiversity while satisfying societal needs. In order to address such important issues, through the data provided by the forest management plans, an analysis of the forest stands structure and composition of the forest stands in the Transylvanian alps in Romania was carried out. The forest distribution according to age and species has provided an uneven aged, multi-layered forest with a high tree and plant communities diversity, which according to the slenderness index, have shown a high degree of stability and resilience. Based on species diversity above ground, the stands have shown increased biodiversity from a plant community point of view and an enhanced structural connectivity. The species richness in mixed broadleaved forests was higher than in pure stands whereas, in resinous forests, the species richness was higher in pure spruce stands as compared to mixed stands where spruce participation was secondary. On a national scale, Natura 2000 sites consists of more than 25% of the total forested area, contributing to the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030, EU Green Deal and the EU Forest strategy 2030 targets and commitments.