Romania is home to the crown jewels of Europe’s natural heritage – irreplaceable, ancient forests. The vast tracts of untouched forests, found mainly in the Carpathian mountains, have disappeared from most other countries in Europe. These forests are home to the largest populations of wolves, bears and lynx in the EU. They are the lungs of Europe and their protection is critical to fighting the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Yet, these forests are under a clear and present threat.
Logging in Romania, both legal and illegal, is out of control. Forests are being lost at a devastating rate. For decades, environmental groups have been calling out the illegality of logging and corruption in its supply chain. Logging for wood products and fuel for bioenergy is driving this terrible bonanza that is destroying Romania’s natural heritage. Adding to the devastation of overlogging for timber products, around two thirds of Romania’s so called “renewable energy” comes from the burning of wood from its forests.
This week, Al Jazeera revealed that it is business as usual in Romania’s forests. Click here to watch its latest report Romania: Rape of the Forest. Environmental NGO Agent Green has been at the forefront of the fight to protect Romania’s forests for over a decade. Agent Green needs all the support it can get. Please visit Agent Green’s website and make a donation to help protect the last ancient forests in Europe.