Representatives of the Executive Forest Agency visited the region around the city of Novi Sad to exchange experience on the sustainable management of shelterbelts in the context of climate change. Between 7–10 July, the Bulgarian foresters learned about the practices of their Serbian colleagues, who presented historical data and information on the creation of shelterbelts and the challenges related to their effective management.
The experts visited shelterbelts established more than 60 years ago by agronomists to combat wind erosion. These consist of four-row plantations of Turkey oak, which over time have become mixed with black locust and ash. Notably, there is significant natural regeneration observed in the area, which, according to the specialists from the Institute of Agronomy managing the shelterbelts, is largely due to the high rainfall in the region.
The forestry officers also visited an experimental plot equipped with special devices that record real-time data on growth, soil moisture, and other key indicators. These field measurements provide essential insights for adaptive management of shelterbelts under changing climate conditions – including rising temperatures and reduced precipitation.
The visit also included the laboratories of the Institute of Forestry for Lowland Areas and Ecology in Novi Sad, where research is conducted on forest territories across Serbia’s lowland zones. The laboratories are equipped with modern instruments for comprehensive analysis (soils, air, vegetation, etc.) and are operated by highly qualified staff.
This exchange visit was part of the activities under the project “LIFE for Eagle’s Habitats” (LIFE18/NAT/BG/001051), funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union, which aims to implement conservation measures for the Lesser Spotted Eagle and its habitats in Bulgaria.