The wood-pastures of Romania in Transylvania
ecology, agricultural perspectives and sustainable integration in the development of the cultural landscape
What’s it all about?
Wood-pastures are meadows with shrubs and trees. For centuries, these cultural landscapes have been used as pastures for grazing livestock. They are key elements of Europe’s ecological and cultural identity. Most of the wood-pastures still preserved in Europe are located in Romania.
What makes wood-pastures so special?
Wood-pasture ecosystems combine sustainable production, nature conservation and tradition. They are much richer in species (more biodiverse) than ordinary pastures and still hold special social value in many regions today. These cultural landscapes, some of which are centuries old, are enjoying increasing popularity thanks to their ancient tree populations, their attractive appearance and their economic and cultural diversity.
What is the problem?
Despite the resilience of these ecosystems, wood-pastures disappeared from large parts of Europe within a few decades (the 19th and 20th centuries). They are less economically viable and of no interest to intensive, mechanised agriculture. Consequently, the lack of recognition of the value of wood pastures in politics, legislation, forestry and agriculture, as well as socio-cultural factors, is leading to more and more wood-pastures being abandoned or cut down.
What is our goal?
We aim to optimise, further develop and raise awareness of the practical use of Romanian wood-pastures, and to embed knowledge of sustainable management within rural development. On this website, we make our findings available in the form of publications, articles, films and a comprehensive database.
Project duration: 2022 – 2025
Project reference: 37480/01
Project management:
Sponsor:
The wood-pastures of Romania in Transylvania
ecology, agricultural perspectives and sustainable integration in the development of the cultural landscape
What’s it all about?
Wood-pastures are meadows with shrubs and trees. For centuries, these cultural landscapes have been used as pastures for grazing livestock. They are key elements of Europe’s ecological and cultural identity. Most of the wood-pastures still preserved in Europe are located in Romania.
What makes wood-pastures so special?
Wood-pasture ecosystems combine sustainable production, nature conservation and tradition. They are much richer in species (more biodiverse) than ordinary pastures and still hold special social value in many regions today. These cultural landscapes, some of which are centuries old, are enjoying increasing popularity thanks to their ancient tree populations, their attractive appearance and their economic and cultural diversity.
What is the problem?
Despite the resilience of these ecosystems, wood-pastures disappeared from large parts of Europe within a few decades (the 19th and 20th centuries). They are less economically viable and of no interest to intensive, mechanised agriculture. Consequently, the lack of recognition of the value of wood pastures in politics, legislation, forestry and agriculture, as well as socio-cultural factors, is leading to more and more wood-pastures being abandoned or cut down.
What is our goal?
We aim to optimise, further develop and raise awareness of the practical use of Romanian wood-pastures, and to embed knowledge of sustainable management within rural development. On this website, we make our findings available in the form of publications, articles, films and a comprehensive database.
Project duration: 2022 – 2025
Project reference: 37480/01
Project management:
Sponsor:
