Virgin beech forests in Romania could be included in the Unesco World Heritage list after a nomination process was started by national government bodies, WWF and Greenpeace. They have signed a protocol of cooperation for a period of two years, which is as long as it takes for all necessary procedures for the designation of new sites by Unesco.

WWF contributes to the process with technical expertise. Its forestry specialists will collaborate in the analysis of the selected sites based on research in the field and will work closely with local stakeholders to achieve the necessary agreements. WWF also supports the process with 15,000 euros.

The nomination of virgin beech forests for UNESCO World Heritage list is an extra step to protect these national riches. We should not forget that several years ago WWF led a campaign to save the virgin forests of the country which was supported by thousands of people. Romania features exceptional samples of natural beech forests. They have not undergone any human intervention and are a true source of education and inspiration, which is of critical importance to the effort to improve the management of forests.

Luckily, beech trees are still predominant in the Romanian forests. These pearls - the natural beech forests – have to be not only well-known, but also appreciated by humanity - along with those people who have complied with their greatness and importance over time.

Virgin forests are among these last areas where nature survives in its pure form, without any human intervention. They are stable ecosystems in which up to 13,000 species live. WWF believes that these forests, which represent 65% of the remaining virgin forests in Europe (outside of Russia), have a real heritage value for both Romania and the world.