Traditional direction of vegetation dynamics in the Eastern-Carpathians

We investigated the traditional knowledge of vegetation dynamics in the Gyimes region (Eastern Carpathians, Romania). The study area is situated originally in the spruce-forest zone. It was changed in the last three centuries into a diverse landscape with forest patches and extended species-rich grasslands. We carried out our research in a 2000 person community by participatory field work and semistructured interviews. The local community has a detailed knowledge and great deal of experience with natural environment-transformations. Clearcut-succession processes, grassland restoration are the most important elements of this knowledge. Locals distinguish 9-10 stages of clearcut succession with elaborated nomenclature. Noteworthy are also the efficient ways of grassland restoration (e.g. scattering of hayseed, oversowing with Onobrychis viciifolia). This knowledge is adequate for management of one of the most diverse landscapes in Europe.

We investigated the traditional knowledge of vegetation dynamics in the Gyimes region (Eastern Carpathians, Romania). The study area is situated originally in the spruce-forest zone. It was changed in the last three centuries into a diverse landscape with forest patches and extended species-rich grasslands. We carried out our research in a 2000 person community by participatory field work and semistructured interviews. The local community has a detailed knowledge and great deal of experience with natural environment-transformations. Clearcut-succession processes, grassland restoration are the most important elements of this knowledge. Locals distinguish 9-10 stages of clearcut succession with elaborated nomenclature. Noteworthy are also the efficient ways of grassland restoration (e.g. scattering of hayseed, oversowing with Onobrychis viciifolia). This knowledge is adequate for management of one of the most diverse landscapes in Europe.