From 5th to 8th June 2023, at the invitation of Antonio Marzo, Commander of the “Forest Carabinieri” in Italy (Arma dei Carabinieri), employees of the SWSFE took part in an international conference “The Forest Factor” and a related event “LIFE in forest marketplace”, which was held in Rome, Republic of Italy. The focus of the international conference “The Forest Factor – More nature to fight climate change” is aimed at the protection of forests as a key element in the fight against climate change and their vital role for biodiversity. The event was attended by representatives of government institutions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, the public, scientists, teachers and the media. In the final part of the event, all participants discussed the possibilities for future cooperation in the context of the topics discussed at the conference.
The Southwestern State Forest Enterprise presented with a stand the project LIFE19 CCA/SK/001276 entitled: “Climate-Smart Forest Management in Central and Eastern Europe” CLIMAFORCEELIFE. The project has already afforested 100 ha of dry resistant tree species (Quercus ilex , Quercus suber, Quercus pubеscens, Quercus coccifera, Quercus ithaburensis, Cedrus atlantica, Cupressus sempervirens, Pinus nigra and Pinus brutia) on the territory of the State Forest Unuts (SFU)- Petrich, Sandanski and Gotse Delchev. A specialized forest machine (harvester) was also purchased, with which coniferous plantations are thinned on the territory of State Hunting Unit Vitoshko Studena, SFU Nevestino, SFU Kyustendil and SFU Radomir. The project was evaluated as eligible for presentation at the Conference by the organizers and caused great interest due to the experimental nature of the activities. The stand was visited by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry in Italy – Francesco Lollobrigida, as well as by all the official guests of the event. Meetings were held with fellow foresters and carabinieri caring for Italy’s biodiversity. A discussion about future joint projects was held with Federico Benvenuto, representative of the Ministry of Environment and coordinator for potential partners in Italy.
