Old-growth beech forests - Joint Natural Heritage of Europe

Abstract

ncient trees are witnesses of cultural and natural history. Old-growth forests are like the “backbone” or “lungs” of the Biosphere. The beech (Fagus sylvatica) is a miracle tree, and beech forests are an outstanding example for adaptation to diverse site conditions and for resilience in changing environment. The expansion of beech from their glacial refuge areas to large parts of our continent, the succession of beech forests, the change from mixed deciduous forests to beech dominated deciduous forests, and the co-evolution with the cultural history in Europe is a fascinating story. And, as a specific European phenomenon beech forests promote a common European identity. The inscription of European Beech forests in the UNESCO World Heritage List improves the public awareness for the value and importance of virgin forests and supports the movement for the protection of remaining old-growth forests in Europe.