1.5 Million Saplings Planted for a Climate-Resilient Forest
One and a Half Million Saplings Planted to Create Climate-Resilient Forests
The Gemenc Forest and Wildlife Management Zrt. has made significant strides in reforestation by planting one and a half million saplings and 23 tons of acorns in the recently concluded planting season. According to a statement from the forestry company released on Tuesday, the initiative involved the planting of 313 hectares of renewable forests, adhering to sustainable forest management practices. The primary goal of these efforts is to establish more climate-resilient, indigenous mixed forests.
In addition to new plantings, the company undertook the task of replacing previously planted trees that were damaged, covering an area of approximately 150 hectares—three times the usual workload. This increase in effort was largely attributed to the devastating floods last year that impacted the Danube, which left many young forests submerged for days or even weeks. The extreme drought and record-breaking heatwaves also contributed to substantial damage in sandy and hilly forest areas.
Over the past thirty years, Gemenc has harvested only 75-80% of the permitted timber, prioritizing conservation efforts and ensuring that more trees are planted than are harvested. As a result, forest density has been steadily increasing in the Gemenc area, which is part of the Danube’s tidal region in southern Hungary.
The company highlighted that the oak and ash forests within its jurisdiction can no longer regenerate naturally due to the current environmental conditions. Instead, these forests have been created and maintained through dedicated forestry work and management practices. Efforts to achieve continuous forest cover in mountain forests have faced challenges, primarily due to factors like lower rainfall, reduced groundwater availability, and the impact of invasive plant species. Nevertheless, experts continue to search for viable solutions.
Emphasizing ecological integrity, the forestry has placed special focus on replanting native species, including common oak, black poplar, and white willow, which are well-suited to the local environment.
Efforts like these reflect a broader commitment to reforestation, with local initiatives aiming to plant 100,000 trees by 2026, further contributing to a sustainable future.
Via MTI, Featured Image: MTI/Tibor Katona
This initiative underscores the ongoing dedication to preserving Hungary’s natural landscapes while adapting to changing environmental conditions.
