The Macedonian Ecological Society, in cooperation with the Public Enterprise “National Forests” – Shar-Gostivar Branch, has already begun reforestation efforts in the Bukovik area, an important natural ecosystem and a key bio corridor for the Balkan lynx.
The reforestation campaign is in full swing – with joint efforts from ecologists and foresters, 21,000 seedlings of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) are being planted, a species that experts have identified as most suitable for the area. Not only is this species native to the region, but it is also the most dominant – the area itself is named Bukovik after the beech trees.
“After nearly two years since the start of the project, and following extensive research and field analysis, we have finally begun restoration activities in Bukovik, which is an extremely important bio corridor for large carnivores. I am proud that, for the first time, we are working together with the forestry sector toward the same goal – protecting a habitat that is home to the critically endangered Balkan lynx and contributing to the sustainability of forest ecosystems. I want to express immense gratitude for the dedication and excellent cooperation with PE ‘National Forests’, especially the Shar-Gostivar branch, whose expertise and on-the-ground efforts were key to the successful implementation of these activities,” said Sara Krstevska, Project Assistant at the Macedonian Ecological Society.
The seedlings were provided by “Pinus” – Kavadarci, of which 20,000 were procured and an additional 1,000 donated by the company – an act that highlights the importance of shared responsibility in protecting nature.
This initiative not only restores forest cover but also contributes to the protection of one of the last natural habitats of the endangered Balkan lynx. The Bukovik area is part of an important biological corridor that enables movement and survival of this rare wild cat.
The reforestation is being carried out as part of the “Northern Forests Initiative” project, which we are implementing in collaboration with our partners PPNEA from Albania and the IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with full support from the Swedish Postcode Foundation.
Through this action, the Macedonian Ecological Society sends a strong message: by restoring forests – we are restoring life.
The reforestation of Bukovik represents a long-term investment in nature and in the future of the region.
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