Carpathian biosphere reserve

Geographical location can be relative. Transcarpathia, in the Ukrainian Carpathians, in times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was considered to comprise the very geographical centre of Europe. And later on, as it is well-known, this region belonged to several different states, representing their northern, western or eastern ‘edge’. To express it in a positive way: Whilst developing and maintaining a specific local identity, especially related to the Hutsul culture, Eastern Transcarpathia has attracted and connected manifold people and peoples. In spite of political turbulences and changes, and under incredibly complicated circumstances, it has maintained its natural beauty and richness. Since the historical attempts of defining the geographical centre of Europe close to the city of Rakhiv on the Tysa river, many places have claimed a similar position. Wherever Europe may find and define its middle, one fact will not be changed easily: Today’s Eastern Transcarpathia represents a European epicentre of wilderness and authochnonous and functional forests. This unique feature is permanently attracting researchers, students, forest scientists and conservationists from all over the world; especially the well-conserved forests of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve have become a reference point for European forest ecology and conservation. In consideration of the continental and global importance of this ecological treasure we have launched an explorative project to identify necessities and options how the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve could be further developed and fostered. In a Ukraine-German endeavour that was also supported by Austrian and British institutions and persons, we have systematically analysed the current and potential future situation of this region and made some progress towards strategic development of the site’s management. Whilst the project generated enormous motivation and capacity among the participating teams, we feel that a public dissemination of all the gathered knowledge and experience can further enhance the management of the area and also stimulate action by additional players. Thus, we offer this project document, not as an encyclopaedic and final treatment of the management issues related to the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, but rather as an invitation to join efforts, learn together and work for the maintenance of the unique heritage of Carpathian forests – across cultures, borders and disciplines. The document also contains original insights about assets, change and transformation processes in an exciting region neighbouring the current Eastern EU border.