Presentation at Natura 2000 biogeographical seminar

Implementing the EC wilderness guidance in an Alpine environment – Kalkalpen National Park

Zoltán Kun, Chairman

TargetNot arguing that wilderness should take over N2000, but protect the last pieces STRICTLYWilderness and Wild land are disappearing (infrastructure + urbanisation + unsustainable development)Growing pressure on the EU Directives to ensure minimisation of obstacles to economic recoveryBudgetary constraints Priority for wilderness is downgradingMy examples will show that its possible within N2000 framework

Basic Information

Basic dataNatura 2000 code: AT3111000Alpine biogeographical regionIUCN Category National Park (Cat. II)Total size of protected area: 21,454 haTotal size of relevant N2000: 20,847 haSize of wilderness:? (claimed between 15,000 ha and 17,600 ha)

The importance of

zonation

core-zones with non-intervention management (green) and surrounding bark beetle control strips (pink and yellow)

Dominant N2000 habitat

types9150 Limestone beech forest9130 beech forest9140 sub-alpine beech forest9410 Acidophilus picea forests of the montane to alpine levels9420 Alpine Larix decidua and/or Pinus cembra forests

Important Annex II species

Yellow-bellied toed

Capercaillie

Black grouse

Hasel grouse

Lynx

Restoration measures

Applying a systematic approach in restoring wilderness

The objective is to designate 75% of the total area as wildernessProhibition of extractive useDecrease fragmentationClosing and if needed removing existing roads (310 km)

Wilderness guidence documentKalkalpen was taken as a role model for restoring wilderness values in mountain forestThe challenge was to overcome the forestry regulation which orders the park management to act in case of bark beetle outbreak Creating an exception!

Legal backgroundCooperation with various stakeholders (the national state forestry company, private landowners, NGOs) in order to prepare a wilderness development planEnforcing the plan through- The district administration- General assembly of the National Park (!)

Monitoring

Species monitoring actionsCapercaillieLynx reintroductionWilderness management practice contributed to the apearance of 6 different species of woodpeckers

Ecosystem dynamicsAnalysing the consequences of natural disturbances- Bark beetle- Avalanches- Windfall 2008 Kyril storm resulted the increase

of deadwood from 16 m3/ha to 25 m3/ha- Succession processes- Floods

Social effectSpecial emphasis is given to visitor management and wilderness interpretationDeveloping a clear message to visitors about wilderness (As Nature Intended)Opportunity to learn about ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity benefits, saving genetic resources Kalkalpen is part of a larger green belt!

Polistovsky NR © Polistovsky Nature Reserve archive

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