17 Forest protection

Protection status of the monitoring plot is described following the MCPFE classification (FOREST EUROPE/UNECE/FAO 2010)

• MCPFE Class 1.1: No Active Intervention

  The main management objective is biodiversity.

  No active, direct human intervention is taking place.

  Activities other than limited public access and non-destructive research not detrimental to the management objective are prevented in the protected area.

• MCPFE Class 1.2: Minimum Intervention Guidelines

  The main management objective is biodiversity.

  Human intervention is limited to a minimum.

  Activities other than listed below are prevented in the protected area:

  • ungulate/game control

  • control of diseases/insect outbreaks

    Note: In case of expected large disease/insect outbreaks control measures using biological methods are allowed, provided no other adequate control possibilities in the buffer zone are feasible.

  • public access

  • fire intervention

  • non-destructive research not detrimental to the management objective

  • subsistence resource use

    Note: Subsistence use to cover the needs of indigenous people and local communities, in so far as it will not adversely affect the objectives of management

• MCPFE Class 1.3: Conservation Through Active Management

  The main management objective is biodiversity

  A management with active interventions directed to achieve specific conservation goal of the protected area is taking place

  Any resource extraction, harvesting, silvicultural measures detrimental to the management objective, as well as other activities negatively affecting the conservation goal, are prevented in the protected area.

• MCPFE Class 2: Main Management Objective ‘Protection of Landscape and Specific Natural Elements’

  Interventions are clearly directed to achieve the management goals landscape diversity, cultural, aesthetic, spiritual and historical values, recreation, specific natural elements.

  The use of forest resources is restricted.

  A clear long-term commitment and an explicit designation as specific protection regime, defining a limited area is existing.

  Activities negatively affecting characteristics of landscapes or/and specific natural elements mentioned are prevented in the protected area.

• MCPFE Class 3 : Main Management Objective ‘Protective Functions’

  The management is clearly directed to protect soil and its properties or water quality and quantity other forest ecosystem functions, or to protect infrastructure and managed natural resources against natural hazards.

  Forests and other wooded lands are explicitly designated to fulfil protective functions in management plans or other legally authorised equivalents.

  Any operation negatively affecting soil or water or the ability to protect other ecosystem functions, ability to protect infrastructure and managed natural resources against natural hazards is prevented.