European Wilderness Network Book by European Wilderness Society

European Wilderness Network 2019

PaanajĂ¤rvi Wilderness, Russia

www.european-wilderness.network

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Dear Friends of the Wild The European Wilderness Network is currently leading the way in connecting, stewarding and saving the last Wilderness in Europe, and the Network is continuously updated by the European Wilderness Society team as we monitor and audit areas across Europe. This book describes all the Wilderness currently in the European Wilderness Network, along with information about the biodiversity and tourism experiences, and carefully selected photos that demonstrate the beauty, solitude and naturalness of Wilderness. Here in this book you will find Wilderness, WILDCoast, WILDForest, WILDIsland and WILDRivers. From Europe’s last primeval forests to its soaring peaks, from the Atlantic coast to the Arctic tundra, and a whole host of diverse landscapes in between. Each area has been certified by the European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System, and assessed on their scale, naturalness, undevelopedness and undisturbedness. But what is Wilderness? Broadly speaking it is an area of wild nature, driven by dynamic open-ended natural processes, and free from human society’s impact. Some call it ‘self-willed land’. Here nature takes charge. It is a vital element of Europe’s natural and cultural heritage, and provides important economic, social and environmental benefits. But beyond these attributes, it also has a spiritual aspect. Being in Wilderness is an experience, and the opportunity to discover how Europe once was, before human societies stamped their mark on the land. These carefully audited areas represent the wildest places in Europe, and all provide the opportunity to feel and see true Wilderness. Turn the pages to discover the last remaining Wilderness in Europe. Let’s get Wild!

Rila Wilderness, Bulgaria

European Wilderness Society Founded on more than 20 years of Wilderness work by our members, the European Wilderness Society is the only PanEuropean, Wilderness and environmental advocacy non-profit, non-government organisation. It has a dedicated multi-cultural and experienced team of Wilderness and wildlife specialists, nature conservationists, researchers and scientists, tourism experts, marketing and business professionals, legal advisors and Wilderness advocates, whose mission is to: XX XX XX XX

identify designate steward promote

Europe’s remaining Wilderness, WILDCoasts, WILDForests, WILDIslands and WILDRivers. Here non-human intervention leads to open-ended, dynamic processes.

Vlado Vancura Wilderness Director, European Wilderness Society

Potential Wilderness in Triglav, Slovenia 2018

Why should we protect Wilderness? Wilderness performs a range of natural, social, economic, cultural and spiritual functions more efficiently than modified landscapes. Among these are: XX Conserving natural processes XX Securing evolutionary genetic potential XX Conserving biodiversity, especially large herbivores, top predators and scavenger communities XX Protecting essential ecosystem services XX Connecting landscapes XX Capturing and storing carbon dioxide XX Building scientific knowledge and understanding of natural processes XX Inspiring people

From these definitions stem ten principles, 59 criteria and 300+ indicators, which are well-defined and enable a fully transparent, practical Wilderness designation and assessment process. One of the main strengths of the European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System is the two different dimensions it incorporates; the quality of Wilderness (such as biodiversity), and the quality of Wilderness stewardship (such as existence of management plans). It also includes the four qualities of Wilderness as defined by the European Commission (2013). In this respect, all Wilderness areas audited by the European Wilderness Society and present in this book have undergone an assessment of the current quality of Wilderness, and the current quality of its responsible authorities. Each Wilderness is assigned one of four labels – platinum, gold, silver or bronze, reflecting its quality and the commitment of its governing team.

The Journey to Wilderness Designation The European Wilderness Society will first develop a Wilderness vision with the Wilderness candidate. Based on this vision, steps such as an initial examination of the area, analysis of available research, and Wilderness-focused trainings take place. The area will then prepare for a multi-day field audit. This will be either a Quick-or Full-Audit, using the guidelines of the European Wilderness Quality Standard. Following the fieldwork are several months research and analysis of findings. Ultimately reports are published (such as a Wilderness Brief, Quick-Audit Report, Executive summary including list of recommendations, or Full-Audit 200 page Report).

Majella Wilderness Re-Audit 2018

Wilderness Assessment In response to the need to identify and audit Wilderness, the European Wilderness Society developed the European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System. This is a habitat- independent, European-wide process, which uses the definitions of Wilderness and Wild Areas developed by the Wilderness Working Group of the Wild Europe Initiative.

After this process, if the area is certified as Wilderness, it is listed in the European Wilderness Network. Network Partners then receive support from the European Wilderness Society in the form of knowledge-exchange, project development and marketing. The European Wilderness Society will also continue monitoring, and conduct a Re-Audit every 10 years.

“

A Wilderness is an area governed by natural processes. It is composed of native habitats and species, and large enough for the effective ecological functioning of natural processes. It is unmodified or only slightly modified and without intrusive or extractive human activity, settlements, infrastructure or visual disturbance. Wild areas have a high level of predominance of natural processes and natural habitat. They tend to be individually smaller and more fragmented than Wilderness, although they often cover extensive tracts. The condition of their natural habitat, processes and relevant species is however often partially or substantially modified by human activities such as livestock herding, hunting, fishing, forestry, sport activities or general imprint of human artefacts.

”

Wilderness Academy Days 2015

European Wilderness Network The growing demand for more Wilderness in Europe has led to the creation of the European Wilderness Network. This Network includes European Wilderness from the Mediterranean up to the Arctic Circle, from the Atlantic coast to the Ural Mountains. All certified members of the European Wilderness Network have been audited according to the European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System and then classified according to the predominant habitat into the following five categories: XX XX XX XX XX

Wilderness - Wilderness with a mixed habitat and a minimum Wilderness zone size of 1 000 ha WILDCoast - Wilderness combining terrestrial, coastal and marine habitat WILDForest – Wilderness with a predominant forest habitat WILDIsland – Island with a terrestrial, coastal and surrounding marine habitat WILDRiver – Wilderness along rivers and riverbank habitats

This process is in full compliance with a common set of Wilderness principles, criteria and indicators. The European Wilderness Society works in cooperation with their international partners to expand the European Wilderness Network.

Wilderness WILDCoast WILDForest WILDIsland WILDRiver

www.european-wilderness.network © European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

KĂźre Wilderness, Turkey

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

European Wilderness Network Wilderness Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness, Georgia.................................................................................................................................................... 8 Central Balkan Wilderness, Bulgaria........................................................................................................................................................... 10 Čepkeliai Wilderness, Lithuania .................................................................................................................................................................. 12 Chornyy Dil Wilderness, Ukraine ............................................................................................................................................................... 14 Darvaika Wilderness, Ukraine .................................................................................................................................................................... 16 Fulufjället Wilderness, Sweden .................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Gorgany Wilderness, Ukraine...................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Hohe Tauern Wilderness, Austria ............................................................................................................................................................... 22 Hoverla Wilderness, Ukraine ....................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Kalkalpen Wilderness, Austria .................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness, Germany ............................................................................................................................................. 28 Küre Wilderness, Turkey .............................................................................................................................................................................. 30 Majella Wilderness, Italy .............................................................................................................................................................................. 32 Maramarosh Wilderness, Ukraine .............................................................................................................................................................. 34 Oulanka Wilderness, Finland ...................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Paanajärvi Wilderness, Russia ..................................................................................................................................................................... 38 Peneda-Gerês Wilderness, Portugal ............................................................................................................................................................ 40 Podyjí Wilderness, Czech Republic ............................................................................................................................................................ 42 Retezat Wilderness, Romania ...................................................................................................................................................................... 44 Rila Wilderness, Bulgaria ............................................................................................................................................................................. 46 Soomaa Wilderness, Estonia ........................................................................................................................................................................ 48 Teiču Wilderness, Latvia ............................................................................................................................................................................... 50 Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness, Ukraine .............................................................................................................................................. 52 Zacharovanyy Kray Wilderness, Ukraine .................................................................................................................................................. 54 Team in Action .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 56

WILDCoast Archipelago WILDCoast, Finland .............................................................................................................................................................. 58 Jasmund WILDCoast, Germany ................................................................................................................................................................. 60

WILDForest Hainich WILDForest, Germany .................................................................................................................................................................. 62 Kalkalpen WILDForest, Austria .................................................................................................................................................................. 64 Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest, Ukraine .................................................................................................................................................. 66 Thayatal WILDForest, Austria ..................................................................................................................................................................... 68 Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest, Ukraine ........................................................................................................................................... 70 Zacharovanyy Kray WILDForest, Ukraine ................................................................................................................................................ 72

WILDIsland Vilm WILDIsland, Germany ....................................................................................................................................................................... 74

WILDRiver Dyje WILDRiver, Czech Republic .............................................................................................................................................................. 76 Kitka WILDRiver, Finland ........................................................................................................................................................................... 78 Mala Uholka WILDRiver, Ukraine ............................................................................................................................................................. 80 Olanga WILDRiver, Russia .......................................................................................................................................................................... 82 Oulanka WILDRiver, Finland ..................................................................................................................................................................... 84 Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver, Ukraine ............................................................................................................................................................ 86 Thaya WILDRiver, Austria ........................................................................................................................................................................... 88 Velyka Uholka WILDRiver, Ukraine .......................................................................................................................................................... 90 © European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness

The 50 325 ha Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness was audited and monitored in 2003, 2004, 2006 and in 2012 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Wilderness area Management area

Map scale 1 : 1 200 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

50 325 ha 2003 2012 Old-growth Lesser Caucasus conifer and evergreen forest, high number of rare and endemic species, rare species such as bear, wolf, imperial eagle

approx. 30 000

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

approx. 65 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

107 000 ha

Wilderness Uniqueness

Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness Georgia

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

ALIT Y QU

Wilderness is an important element of the long-term vision of Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park. When the park was established, the Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness was already adopted as a fundamental element. The park is known as an outstanding Wilderness, which is successfully monitored by a committed management team. Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is included on the list of 35 world priority ecoregions of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and on the list of 34 world hot spots of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 50 325 ha Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness is embedded in the Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park, Georgia. The Borjomi-Kharagauli National Park is the first national park and largest protected territory in Georgia, situated in the Lesser Caucasus, southwest to the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital of Tbilisi. It spans an area of 107 000 ha with total length of 95 km from west to east and a width between 3 and 26 km.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness is home to relict, endemic, rare and vulnerable flora and fauna species. The mountainous forest in Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness has been preserved in its pristine and virgin state. In the virgin forests live populations of brown bear, wolf, lynx, red deer and chamois. Birds are particularly easy to encounter and to observe during a hike here, such as the unique Caucasian black grouse - in total 217 bird species are listed on the territory of National Park. As the Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness lies on the migration route of many migrating birds, in spring and autumn you can see large flocks of beautiful yellowish bee-eater.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The vast and remote Borjomi-Kharagauli Wilderness is accessible via 12 marked trails. These trails provide the opportunity to experience various corners of the park and Wilderness, rich biodiversity, and remote corners of these wild mountains. The trails offer a wide variety of one or several days tours, experiences of rich evergreen forest (spruce, pine, fir-tree and mixed coniferous forests), spectacular alpine meadows, high mountain peaks and sub-tropical Kolchic forests. If you decide to hike to Mount Samethskhvario (2 642 metres above sea level), the highest point of the national park, you will enjoy a picturesque variety of plants blossoming in July and August. Additionally, the park offers hiking, horse riding, biking, snow shoeing, cultural and educational tours.

Contact Borjomi Kharagauli Wilderness Borjomi Kharagauli National Park 23 Meskheti St.Borjomi Borjomi 1200, Georgia Phone: +995 5 77 64 04 80, +995 5 77 64 04 44 Website: www.nationalparks.ge

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Central Balkan Wilderness

Wilderness area Management area

Map scale 1 : 1 160 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

20 019 ha 2003 2010 Old-growth Rhodope mixed forest, alpine meadows, deep canyons, gorges, waterfalls, rare- and Wilderness indicator species such as bear, wildcat, chamois, wolf, and eagle

approx. 35 000

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

approx. 60 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

71 669 ha

The 20 019 ha Central Balkan Wilderness was audited in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2020.

Wilderness Uniqueness

Central Balkan National Park Central Balkan Wilderness Bulgaria

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

ALIT Y QU

The Central Balkan National Park is one of the largest and most valuable of all protected areas in Europe. It is the third largest protected territory in Bulgaria, spanning an area of 71 669 ha. Recently, nine components of Central Balkan National Park were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 20 019 ha Central Balkan Wilderness is embedded in the Central Balkan National Park, Bulgaria. The Central Balkan Wilderness is entirely inside the borders of nine strict nature reserves (IUCN Ia), which fall within the boundaries of Central Balkan National Park (IUCN II). Central Balkan Wilderness is covering 28% of the park territory and consists of the following nine strict nature reserves: Boatin, Tsarichina, Kozya Stena, Steneto, Severen Dzendem, Peesti, Sokolna, Dzendema and Stara Reka.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Central Balkan Wilderness includes large high-mountain meadows, vertical rock faces, deep canyons, waterfalls, compact and often untouched beech forests as well as numerous peaks with altitudes higher than 2 000 m. The Central Balkan Wilderness is home an overwhelming biodiversity with rare and endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems, as well as historical sites of global cultural and scientific significance. In Central Balkan Wilderness, you can find the brown bear, wolf, red deer, chamois, river otter and â&#x20AC;&#x201C; amongst over 200 bird species - the imperial and golden eagles. Some individual species, particularly the chamois, have been affected in history by illegal hunting in the Central Balkan National Park.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Tourists, naturalists, and scientists alike appreciate the Central Balkan Wilderness as a favourite spot. The highest waterfall of the Balkan Peninsula, the deepest cave of Bulgaria or a large protected beech forest are just some of the attractions youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll encounter around here. A set of specialized routes including ten equestrian and four mountain bike trails are carefully managed and monitored, as well as thematic routes for bird, plant, and large mammal watching. Additionally, you can explore local culture and history, caving, photography, alpine skiing experiences. There are multiple tourist chalets scattered throughout the Central Balkan National Park, some of them close to the border of the Wilderness with a combined capacity of over 1 000 beds, all operated by the Bulgarian Tourism Union.

Contact Central Balkan Wilderness Central Balkan National Park 3 Bodra smyana Str 5300, Gabrovo, Bulgaria Phone: +359 66 801277 Website: www.visitcentralbalkan.net

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Čepkeliai Wilderness

Wilderness Uniqueness

Map scale 1 : 880 000

2011 Large active raised peat-bogs, lowland sedge fens and black alder swamps, surrounded by lichen pine forests on continental dunes approx. 35 000 approx. 4 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Wilderness area Management area

13 004 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

69 745 ha

PLATINUM

Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

Dzūkija National Park and Čepkeliai Strict Nature Reserve Čepkeliai Wilderness Lithuania

The 13 004 ha Čepkeliai Wilderness was audited in 2011 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2021.

Protected area

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 13 004 ha Čepkeliai Wilderness is embedded in the Dzūkija National Park and Čepkeliai Strict Nature Reserve, Lithuania. Čepkeliai Wilderness is the largest contiguous piece of Wilderness in Lithuania consisting of two areas: Čepkeliai and Musteika Strict Nature Reserves. It is located in the southeastern corner of Lithuania and forms one ecological complex, representing the most valuable ecosystems of wetlands and surrounding forests, at the border with Belarus. Čepkeliai Wilderness has been protected since 1961 and Čepkeliai Strict Nature Reserve, established in 1975, was nominated as Ramsar area together with Kotra Landscape Reserve in Belarus in 1993. Čepkeliai Wilderness is a unique area that has been only slightly impacted in the past centuries by activities of local people, such as cutting of grass and collection of berries.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Čepkeliai Wilderness holds pine forest at the tops of inland dunes and in rolling sandy plains, intersected by river valleys and vast areas of wetland. Beneath this seemingly monotonous veil of pine forests, dry grasslands and orchid filled meadows, raised bogs, fens and transitional mires, sand dunes, fast-flowing rivers and streams have become the habitat for a multitude of rare plants and animals. Some of them are unique for Lithuania or for Western Europe. It provides nesting grounds for the capercaillie, the symbol of Čepkeliai Wilderness. Čepkeliai Wilderness is home to wolves, lynx, black grouse, cranes, European beaver and more than 4 000 other species of animals and plants. In nearly every village situated in the woods, you’ll hear the sharp cry of the green woodpecker or the sound of the hoopoe. Furthermore, dry riverside pastures and sand openings are a paradise for bees and bumblebees, and many rare species of butterflies enjoy the warm, open slopes around rivers.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Čepkeliai Wilderness is offering well-designed visitor infrastructure that allows the general public to visit and experience the edges of this vast Wilderness. Boardwalks and watchtowers guide people along the western border of vast peatbogs without the risk of getting lost or damage to the Wilderness. Visitor programmes such as birdwatching are regularly combined with nature talks and interpretive programmes.

Contact Čepkeliai Wilderness Dzūkija National Park Address street: Varėnos r. Vilniaus g. 3, Postal code city: 65334, Merkinė, Lithuania Phone: +370 310 44641 Website: www.gamta.cepkeliai-dzukija.lt

Chornyy Dil Wilderness

Wilderness Protected area

Map scale 1 : 940 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

1 580 ha 2016 Large contiguous area of old growth broadleaf and conifer forest, undisturbed watershed of Pesya river, favourable habitat for wolf, bear and many other rare species

approx. 100

L DE R N E

SILVER

approx. 5 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

42 704 ha

The southern part of Chornyy Dil Wilderness was subject to a Quick-Audit in 2016 and meets the Silver Wilderness Quality Standard due to its outstanding Wilderness quality. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2020.

Wilderness Uniqueness

Synevyr National Nature Park Chornyy Dil Wilderness Ukraine

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

The Synevyr National Nature Park includes five additional areas with Wilderness potential: Kamjanka, Darvaika, Kvasovets, Strymba and Vilshany. Chornyy Dil Wilderness represents an example of a large genetic reservoir, on which many species associated with in this forest habitat are dependent.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 1 580 ha Chornyy Dil Wilderness is embedded in Synevyr National Nature Park, Ukraine. Chornyy Dil Wilderness preserves large areas of unique primeval old-growth broadleaf and conifer forest, wild streams and the natural state of the Carpathian mountain landscapes. Chornyy Dil Wilderness has potential for further enlargement. The Wilderness has no roads and is without any management intervention. Furthermore, there has been minimal human impact over the last 60 years, and according to Ukrainian legislation the area is not open to the public.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Chornyy Dil Wilderness provides a safe refuge for populations of all Carpathian carnivores, such as brown bear, wolf, wildcat and lynx. The area is also home to fox, red deer, roe deer, squirrels, martens, badgers, ermines, wood grouse, and grouse. It offers protection for endangered animal species, notably the horned owl and two kinds of tritons. Typical dwellers in the area are the stork and eagle-owl. A rich variety of life can be found in the dying trunks, such as the Rosalia longicorn beetle (Rosalia alpina). Chornyy Dil Wilderness flora includes several hundreds species of vascular plants, of which many are included to Ukraine’s Red Book of endangered species and Europe’s Red List. The Chornyy Dil Wilderness encompasses remarkable fragments of old growth forest as well as the upper watershed of the wild Pesya River.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to Chornyy Dil Wilderness is strictly limited and controlled. A visit to Chornyy Dil Wilderness is permitted only for special groups of experts. The area is located approx. 140 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 160 km from the city of Ivano Frankivsk. The Synevyr National Nature Park, besides Chornyy Dil Wilderness, has many examples of old growth broadleaf and conifer forests as well as favourable habitats for wolf, bear and many other rare species. These species are used for environmental education, one of the priorities of Synevyr National Nature Park, which aims to raise awareness of the environment and sustainability issues, and to positively influence the attitudes, behaviour, and activities of visitors and the local population.

Contact Chornyy Dil Wilderness Synevyr National Nature Park Synevyr-Ostriky village, 90041, Zakarpats‘ka oblast, Ukraine Phone: +380 3146 27618 Website: www.npp-synevyr.net.ua

Darvaika Wilderness The 1 450 ha Darvaika Wilderness is embedded in Synevyr National Nature Park, Ukraine. The Darvaika Wilderness is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe. The Darvaika Wilderness has high potential for further enlargement. The Wilderness has no roads and is without any management intervention. Furthermore, there has been minimal human impact over the last decades, and according to Ukrainian legislation the majority area is not open to the public. There is a tourist trail passing by on the ridge.

Wilderness information

Darvaika Wilderness is one of several Wilderness areas in Synevyr National Nature Park. This includes Chornyy Dil Wilderness and four additional areas with Wilderness potential: Kamenka, Kvasovets, Strymba and Vilshany.

Wilderness Uniqueness

Map scale 1 : 760 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

1 450 ha

L DE R N E

SILVER

approx. 100

approx. 5 000

E U ROP E A

2018 2018 Large contiguous area of old growth broadleaf and conifer forest, favourable habitat for wolf, bear and many other rare species

Wilderness Protected area

42 704 ha

The Darvaika Wilderness was subject to a Quick-Audit in 2018 and meets the Silver Wilderness Quality Standard due to its outstanding quality. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2021.

Number of visitors per year to the the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

Synevyr National Nature Park Darvaika Wilderness Ukraine

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Darvaika Wilderness represents an example of undisturbed oldgrowth mixed forests (beech, maple, fir, spruce and remnants of mugo pine). The area contains a large genetic reservoir, on which many species are dependent and can be associated with in this forest habitat. The Darvaika Wilderness provides a safe refuge for populations of all Carpathian carnivores such as brown bear, wolf, wildcat and lynx. The area is also home to fox, red deer, roe deer, squirrels, martens, badgers, ermines, wood grouse, and grouse. It offers protection for endangered animal species, notably the horned owl. Typical dwellers in the area are the stork and eagle-owl. A rich variety of life can be found in the dying trunks, such as the alpine longicorn Rosalia beetle. The Darvaika Wilderness flora includes several hundreds species of vascular plants, of which many have been entered into Ukraine’s Red Book of endangered species, and Europe’s Red List.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to Darvaika Wilderness is limited and controlled. A visit to the Darvaika Wilderness is permitted only on a tourism trail passing Wilderness along the western border. The trail offeres a great experience for visitors to understand the uniqueness of this place. The area is located approx. 210 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 140 km from the city of Ivano Frankivsk. The Synevyr National Nature Park, besides Darvaika Wilderness, has many examples of old growth broadleaf and conifer forests as well as favourable habitats for wolf, bear and many other rare species. These assets are used for environmental education.

Contact Darvaika Wilderness Synevyr National Nature Park Synevyr-Ostriky village, 90041, Zakarpats‘ka oblast, Ukraine Phone: +380 3146 27618 Website: www.npp-synevyr.net.ua

Fulufjället Wilderness

Wilderness Uniqueness

2002 2012 Dense boreal old-growth forest, bare mountains with large fields of lichens, Sweden’s highest waterfall - Njupeskar (93m), Old Tjikko, one of the world’s oldest trees, alpine areas with heaths of brush, grass and lichens. Suitable habitat for brown bear, wolverine, Eurasian lynx and Siberian jay approx. 58 000 approx. 26 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 1 280 000

19 000 ha

Wilderness area Management area

38 500 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

Fulufjället National Park Fulufjället Wilderness Sweden

PLATINUM

The 10 440 ha Fulufjället Wilderness was audited and monitored in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and in 2012 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 19 000 ha Fulufjället Wilderness is embedded in Fulufjället National Park, Sweden. Located at the border with Norway, Fulufjället Wilderness is a virtually untouched Scandinavian nature area in the county of Dalarna. Fulufjället Wilderness is named after the mountain Fulufjället that is 1 044 m high. It covers the Swedish part of the Fulufjället massif, which is the southernmost part of the Scandes in Sweden. The Norwegian part of the massif is protected by Norway’s Fulufjellet National Park.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Fulufjället Wilderness is a high plateau, deeply gouged by several rivers that flow into the mighty river Dalälven, which creates the unique topography of the Fulufjället National Park. The geography is dominated by bare mountains and valleys with dense old-growth forest. There is no reindeer grazing in Fulufjället Wilderness, so the mountain heath is covered with a thick carpet of heaths of brush, grass and lichens. In this arctic tundra is also Old Tjikko, one of the oldest trees in the world. Although the tree is small, scientists have proved that the tree is over 9 500 years old. This tree can reproduce by shooting new sprouts from the roots. During warmer periods the spruce grew upright like a tree, while during colder times it has grown more like a bush, letting the snow cover and protect it during the winters. The park is a great location for several species of birds, including the bluethroat, the rare gyrfalcon and bold Siberian jay, the symbol of the park.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Fulufjället Wilderness is close to the majority of the country’s population. The number of visitors has dramatically increased, by about 40% when compared to 2001, before the creation of Fulufjället National Park. Notable sights include Sweden’s largest waterfall, Njupeskar, with a total height of 93 m, and a free fall of 70 m. For thousands of years the water of the Njupeskär waterfall has carved out a deep canyon, which many visitors come to see. The top of the falls, with a fantastic view of the canyon and the landscape, is the main motivation of these visits. Another visitor attraction is to observe the impact of a great flood in Fulufjället Wilderness from a big storm back in 1997.

Contact Fulufjället Wilderness Naturum Fulufjället, box 128 Postal code city: 790 90, Sarna, Sweden Phone: +46 10-225 03 49 Website: www.fulufjallet.se

Gorgany Wilderness The 4 800 ha Gorgany Wilderness is part of the Gorgany Nature Reserve. This area preserves the natural state of the Carpathian mountain landscapes, typical natural complexes, unique primeval beech forests, and in particular forest with Swiss pine (Pinus cembra).

Wilderness information

The area contains a large genetic reservoir of beech, on which many species are dependent and can be associated with in this forest habitat. The Gorgany Wilderness is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

4 800 ha

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness Uniqueness

Map scale 1 : 440 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

L DE R N E

GOLD

approx. 100

approx. 500

E U ROP E A

Large contiguous area of old-growth beech, Swiss pine and mixed forest, favourable habitat for wolf, bear and many other rare species

Wilderness area Management area

2016

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

5 344 ha

ALIT Y QU

The 4 800 ha Gorgany Wilderness was subject of a Quick-Audit in 2016 and meets the Gold Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2020.

Gorgany Nature Reserve Gorgany Wilderness Ukraine

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Gorgany Wilderness consists of large areas with contiguous old-growth broadleaf and conifer forests. It is an area of great international importance and a local hotspot for biodiversity depending on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. The Gorgany Wilderness contains rare primeval, well-protected forest with relict tree species such as Swiss pine. This peculiar and diverse landscape has a high number of rare, relict or endemic species. The diverse flora of the Gorgany Nature Reserve includes 459 species, containing 72 rare plants species and 35 species of plants listed in the Red List of Ukraine. Over 1 500 species of vertebrates and invertebrates are registered within the Gorgany Wilderness and in the adjacent areas, and 55 of them are listed in the Red List of Ukraine.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to the Gorgany Wilderness is permitted only for guided tours and for participants of workshops. Gorgany Wilderness is located ca. 60 km from Ivano-Frankivsk town. The area is accessible for cars and busses. Nature trails provide a unique experience in Gorgany Wilderness. The trails lead through old-growth forest.

Contact Gorgany Wilderness Gorgany Nature Reserve Komarova Str., 7 78400, Nadvirna, Ivano-Frankivsk reg., Ukraine Phone: +380 3475 20483 Website: www.gorgany.if.ua

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Hohe Tauern Wilderness The Hohe Tauern Wilderness is located in the south-western part of National Park Hohe Tauern, Salzburg. The Hohe Tauern Wilderness is a landscape that used cover the Alps after the last ice age, about 12 000 years ago. It is a large contiguous piece of Wilderness and it includes several important habitats types, such as abandoned alpine pastures, bare rocks, glaciers and freshly exposed land after glacier retreat. The preservation of alpine and glaciated Wilderness has been targeted as a priority and the natural rewilding is the main tool for the preservation of Hohe Tauern Wilderness.

Wilderness information

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness Uniqueness

Map scale 1 : 1 960 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

6 700 ha

L DE R N E

GOLD

approx. 5 000

approx. 1 350 210

E U ROP E A

2015 2017 The large contiguous areas of glaciated and post-glaciated landscape with number of unique species like ibex, chamois, and golden eagle

Wilderness area Management area

80 500 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

Hohe Tauern National Park Hohe Tauern Wilderness Austria

ALIT Y QU

The Hohe Tauern Wilderness was audited in 2015 and 8 456 ha met the Gold Wilderness Quality Standard of which 6 700 ha were certified in 2017. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2025.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity In Hohe Tauern Wilderness you find high Alp mountain landscapes, natural complexes and areas of unique mixed and conifer forests, including a desolate wasteland of rock and scree. Nowadays, animals and plants are colonising this new habitat very gradually, especially species from the cold steppes of Central Asia, from the Arctic region and the Siberian tundra. The plant cover in alpine meadows is lush, but extremely patchy and limited to ice-free rocky outcrops in the upper nival zone. It consists of a handful of vascular plant species, mosses, lichens and algae. A specialised group of algae even thrives on the snow surface. In the sub-nival zone, the sparse vegetation is again dominated by mosses and lichens, with some interspersed vascular plants that grow in cushions and tiny carpets. In the lowest part of the alpine zone, shrubs like alpine rose, bilberry and cowberry invade the grasslands. Hohe Tauern Wilderness is home to mountainous animal species like chamois, ibex, bearded and griffon vultures, and golden eagle.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Hiking from the valley up into the glacier-crowned summit region is a unique opportunity to experience in Hohe Tauern Wilderness. The experience is comparable with a trip to the Arctic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with all climate zones from Central Europe to the Polar region. It provides an unforgettable experience especially in summer with its high mountain Wilderness and peaks over 3 000 m, glaciers, glacial streams, waterfalls, mountain lakes, alpine grasslands and its centuries-old maintained pastures. A very special experience is to discover the Wilderness, accompanied by a Wilderness ranger. In summer (from July to September) a wide range of guided tours and trekking tours, lasting from a half-day up to several days, are offered on a regular basis.

Contact Hohe Tauern Wilderness Hohe Tauern National Park Nationalparkverwaltung 5730 Mittersill, Austria Phone: +43 6562 40849-0 Website: www.hohetauern.at

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Hoverla Wilderness

Wilderness Uniqueness

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

2016 The large contiguous areas of old conifer forest with presence of large carnivores and extensive alpine meadows approx. 110 000 approx. 5 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 980 000

4 477 ha

Wilderness area Management area

50 495 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

Carpathian National Nature Park Hoverla Wilderness Ukraine

BRONZE

The 4 477 ha Hoverla Wilderness was subject of a Quick-Audit in 2016 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2020.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 4 477 ha Hoverla Wilderness is part of Carpathian National Nature Park. The area preserves the natural state of the Carpathian mountain landscapes, typical natural areas and large complexes of unique mixed and conifer forests with presence of the large carnivores (bear, wolf and lynx). Carpathian National Nature Park includes three large Wilderness, which qualify to become a member of European Wilderness Network: Hoverla Wilderness, Pip Ivan Wilderness and Siniak Wilderness.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Hoverla Wilderness is a large area with contiguous conifer forests. The Hoverla Wilderness contains rare, old, well protected forest. The peculiar and diverse landscape has a high number of rare species. The area provides a safe refuge for native populations of all typical Carpathian carnivors such as brown bear, wolf, wildcat and lynx. Hoverla Wilderness hase been without any management intervention for several decades, with the exeption of the surrounding Hoverla Peak, which is excluded from the Hoverla Wilderness.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Hoverla Wilderness is located ca 140 km from Uzhhorod and ca 40 km from Ivano-Frankivsk town. The area is accessible for cars and buses by the asphalt road. Close to the Hoverla Wilderness is the highest peak of Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains – Hoverla (2 061 m) attracting thousands of visitors every year. The rest of the Hoverla Wilderness is not accessible for the public.

Contact Hoverla Wilderness Carpathian National Nature Park Yaremche st. Vasyl Stus, 6, 78 500, Yaremche, Ivano-Frankivsk region, Ukraine Phone: +380 3434 22731 Website: www.cnnp.if.ua/en/

Kalkalpen Wilderness

Wilderness area Management area

Map scale 1 : 600 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

13 034 ha 2015 The large contiguous area of old-growth mixed and conifer forest in central Europe with presence of large carnivores

approx. 40 000

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

approx. 210 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

20 820 ha

E U ROP E A

Wilderness Uniqueness

Kalkalpen National Park Kalkalpen Wilderness Austria

The 13 034 ha Kalkalpen Wilderness was audited in 2015 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2025.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

ALIT Y QU

The 13 034 ha Kalkalpen Wilderness is embedded in the Kalkalpen National Park, Austria. Kalkalpen National Park is a large protected area, located in the north-eastern Limestone Alps in Upper Austria. The park consists of the two mountain ranges Sengsengebirge and Reichraminger Hintergebirge. Kalkalpen Wilderness features the largest forest region in central Europe and the largest karst in Austria. It is a colourful mosaic of pristine forests, hidden gorges and untouched mountain streams. The long-term vision is to protect dynamic Wilderness. Successful implementation of this vision illustrates current achievements, where the midterm goals - to create a protected area - were established and had been partially achieved. Practical outcomes of this vision will be that 75% of the national park area will reach the Wilderness standard. Within the Kalkalpen Wilderness, there is a smaller designated WILDForest with a unique beech forest character.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Kalkalpen Wilderness is a large contiguous piece of wild land and it includes several important habitats types, such as conifers, mixed and broadleaf forest, alpine pastures and rocks. The flora of Kalkalpen Wilderness and the Kalkalpen National Park represents 927 vascular plant species, which have been documented through biotope mapping. This represents about one third of all plant species that exist in Austria. Priority species include also the sporadically presence of wolf, the protected alpine long-horned Rosalia beetle, and the bear moth. In 1999, the Eurasian lynx was reintroduced in Kalkalpen National Park. This was an important step for the return of the Eurasian lynx to the Alps.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Kalkalpen Wilderness is an important place from a tourism and recreational perspective. Visitors and other recreational activities have a long tradition in Kalkalpen National Park and the management has made great strides to minimise the negative impact of tourism, in particular in the Kalkalpen Wilderness. Canoeing is not possible because of the steepness and ruggedness of relevant river sections. Mountain biking is directed to the Kalkalpen Wilderness transition zone with abandoned forest roads. Paragliding is forbidden by the regulations of the Kalkalpen National Park, which do not allow for any aerial traffic for sports. Pitching tents is allowed in designated spots throughout the Kalkalpen National Park.

Contact Kalkalpen Wilderness Nationalpark Allee 1 4591 Molln, Austria Phone: + 43 (0) 7584 3651 Website: www.kalkalpen.at

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit Wilderness Uniqueness

2014 High diversity in habitat types and abundance of plant and animal species. Formerly a military training ground, the large area has been left alone over the last 15 years for natural spontaneous development. approx. 93 000 approx. 15 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 208 000

5 600 ha

Wilderness area Management area

6 921 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

Naturschutzgebiete Königsbrücker Heide Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness Germany

SILVER

The 5 600 ha Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness was subject of a Quick-Audit in 2014 and meets the Silver Wilderness Quality Standard. The European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2020.

Protected area

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 5 600 ha Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness is a large coherent nature conservation area, which provides good conditions for the re-naturalisation of previous military training grounds, with the potential to become a prime Wilderness in Germany. The Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness has not actively been managed for more than 15 years. It provides a unique experience of natural spontaneous dynamics and implementation of non-intervention management.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness is located on the transition from hill to lowland landscapes and includes extremely dry, damp and wetland areas. This results in the diversity of habitats as well as abundance of plant and animal species. In the Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness live a certain number of threatened and endangered animals. For example, the area is repopulated by the wolf, the beaver and the otter. There is also a large population of roe and red deer, wild boar and red fox. Many bird species can be found in this area such as the hoopoe, kingfisher, the golden oriole and woodlark. A characteristic bird for Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness is the nightjar. Currently, there are around 100 nightjar breeding pairs in this area.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness is located approx. 30 km from Dresden and is accessible for cars and buses due to the good asphalt roads. The Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness inherited a network of road and scattered unexploded munition from the past military activities. Large amounts of this were removed, but due to safety reasons the area is not open for tourism.

Contact Königsbrücker Heide Wilderness Königsbrücker Heide Nature Reserve Weißbacher Straße 30 01936 Königsbrück, Germany Phone: +49 35795 4990 100 Website: http://www.koenigsbrueckerheide.eu

Küre Wilderness

Map scale 1 : 880 000

2012 Old-growth mixed forest, deep canyons, gorges, caves, canyons, waterfalls. Rare species include bear, wolf, and Egyptian vulture approx. 10 000 approx. 5 000

Wilderness area Management area

26 162 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

37 750 ha

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

Wilderness Uniqueness

Küre Mountains National Park Küre Wilderness Turkey

ALIT Y QU

The 26 162 ha Küre Wilderness was audited in 2012 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. The European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 26 162 ha Küre Wilderness is embedded in the Küre Mountains National Park, located in northern Turkey. The park stretches over the mountain range of Küre Mountains and extends over the Kastamonu and Bartin Province. The Küre Wilderness is well-known in Turkey because of its intact forests, wildlife, endemic plant species, caves, canyons, and waterfalls. The Küre Wilderness is also globally important for nature conservation. It is one of the nine forest hot spots in Turkey with its natural values, Wilderness, geological features, landscape and cultural values.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The forest ecosystem of Küre Wilderness, located on karst bedrock, is dominated by coniferous and deciduous trees. In small openings in the forest, the herbaceous and bushy plants are dominant. The combination of different ecological factors resulted in various types of ecosystems. The biological importance of Küre Mountains National Park is bound to the fact that it offers different habitats for different animals. It is home to 48 of the 160 mammal species that live in Turkey, including the wildcat, otter, brown bear and deer. As for birds, 129 different species have been documented. Among these is the Egyptian vulture, a globally endangered species. High cliffs with wide and deep valleys provide a habitat for vultures, falcons, eagles and night raptorial birds. However, the area is also important for waterfowls that breed and spend the night by the nearby seashore, and for temperate zone forest species.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Küre Mountains National Park is Turkey’s well-known eco-tourism centre and it offers excellent Wilderness experiences, such as canyon crossing, observing waterfalls or visiting caves. Exploring the amazing canyon system of the Küre Wilderness is one of the best adventures for everyone who visits this Turkish Wilderness. Observing magnificent waterfalls also belongs to the visitors’ favourite activities. The most well-known of these is Ilica Waterfall, located near Ilica village. In the secluded thick forests of Kurucasile visitors can also find the Gölderesi Waterfall, and in the Bartin region the scenic Ulukaya Waterfall.

Contact Küre Wilderness Küre National Park Bartın 1.Ring Road Avenue Bartın Governor‘s Office 3. Floor, Kemerköprü, Bartın, Turkey Phone: +90 378 227 18 44 Website: www.kdmp.gov.tr

Majella Wilderness

Map scale 1 : 1 000 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

2005 2018 Apennine beech forests with yew and ilex, rare fragment of old-growth black pine forest, alpine and subalpine calcareous grasslands, dwarf pine and rhododendron, deep canyons, large mammals (chamois, wolf, marsican bear), and many endemic plant species approx. 530 000 approx. 125 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Wilderness area Management area

15 960 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

74 095 ha

PLATINUM

Wilderness Uniqueness

Majella National Park Majella Wilderness Italy

Majella Wilderness is home to several glacial relicts, which had a widespread distribution during the quaternary glaciations, and are now represented by the dwarf poppy, capillary sedge and alpine aster, especially at high altitudes. Majella Wilderness is also home to a rare old-growth black pine forest with trees up to 700 years of age.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

Majella Wilderness is home to an amazingly large and rich Wilderness. It includes the most inaccessible and wildest area of the Central Apennines. The Wilderness consists of limestone mountains of the Majella massif, the Morrone massif, Monte Porrara, Monte Pizzalto and Monte Rotella, separated by valleys and karst plateaus.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 15 960 ha Majella Wilderness is embedded into the Majella National Park, Italy. The Majella National Park is situated in the Abruzzo Region of Central Italy, one of the most impressive, wild and extensive mountain ranges of the Apennines, containing more than 30 peaks higher than 2 000 m. The elevation range within the National Park is from 130 to 2 793 m (Mt. Amaro).

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The Majella Wilderness was audited and monitored in 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Re-Audit was implemented in 2018 and 15 960 ha of Wilderness meet the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard.

Biodiversity Majella Wilderness has one of the best-preserved Apennine ecosystems. Due to its altitude, inaccessibility and prominence, most of Majella Wilderness is uninhabited. Consequently there are less human-made structures, such as skiing resorts and roads, compared to other National Parks in Italy. Nearly half of all mammal species found in Italy are present in Majella Wilderness. The Apennine wolf, red and roe deer, wildcats, chamois, wolf and marsican bear are all found here. The golden eagle is often seen and other spectacular sights include the white-backed woodpecker, honey-buzzard, lanner falcon and the dotterel. Majella National Park has many endemic plant species, including Crepis magellensis and Centaurea tenoreana. Majella Wilderness hosts a rare remnant of Apennine primeval old-growth black pine forest, growing on steep inaccessible slopes above a deep canyon. Black pine natural forests are very rare in the Apennines and those of Majella are among the best preserved. Additionally, Majella is one of only two places where the Pinus mugo dwarf scrub is found in the Apennines.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Majella Wilderness is a well-known destination for local and international visitors and provides an opportunity for Wilderness experiences in the heart of the Apennine mountains. The area is the first certified Wilderness in the Mediterranean. Spectacular canyons, dense beech forest and mountain tops provide extraordinary Wilderness experiences. Majella Wilderness contains around 200 kilometres of hiking trails.

Contact Majella Wilderness Majella National Park Via Badia 28 Sulmona (Ag), Italy Phone: +39 0871/80371 Website: www.parcomajella.it

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Maramarosh Wilderness The 3 162 ha Maramarosh Wilderness is embedded in the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. The Reserve preserves the largest areas of unique old-growth beech and mixed forests in Europe and the natural state of the Carpathian mountain landscape. The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve already hosts the certified Platinum Uholka - Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness and KuziyTrybushany WILDForest. The Reserve further includes two additional, large areas with Wilderness potential: Svydovec and Chornohora.

Wilderness information

Size of the Wilderness

3 162 ha

Maramarosh Wilderness represents an outstanding example of undisturbed old-growth mixed forest (beech, fir and spruce), several wild streams, such as the Bilyi and Yavornykovyi streams, and rare fragments of subalpine and alpine habitats (tree line with mugo pine, juniper, alder and rhododendron), which are characteristic for the natural state of the Carpathian mountain landscapes (subalpine and alpine habitats, a small subalpine lake). The area contains a large genetic reservoir, which many species depend on and can be associated with in this forest habitat. Parts of Maramarosh Wilderness are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

2018

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

L DE R N E

SILVER

approx. 1 800

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 152 000

approx. 20 000

Wilderness area Management area

Large area of old-growth beech and mixed forest with wild rivers and rare fragments of subalpine and alpine habitats, favourable habitat for wolf, bear and many other rare species

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

57 880 ha

Wilderness Uniqueness

Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Maramarosh Wilderness Ukraine

E U ROP E A

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 3 162 ha Maramarosh Wilderness was subject to a QuickAudit in 2018 and meets the Silver Wilderness Quality Standard due to its outstanding Wilderness quality. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2023.

Biodiversity The Maramarosh Wilderness is a large area with old-growth beech and mixed beech-spruce-fir forests. It is an area of great international importance and a local hotspot for biodiversity which depends on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. It contains representatives of flora and fauna typical for old-growth Carpathian beech and mixed forests. The most striking and impressive features of this area are the big trees; broken tree stems are covered with a variety of fungi. The area has a permanent small population of brown bears, wolves and lynxes. Typical bird dwellers in the area are the black stork and eagle-owl.

Wilderness Tourism Experience People can access Maramarosh Wilderness using two marked trails. This requires a permit, due to the border zone with Romania (European Union boundary). The Maramarosh Wilderness is located approx. 190 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 110 km from Ivano Frankivsk. The starting point for hikers is usually Dilove village. The two marked trails provide a unique experience in Maramarosh Wilderness. The trails lead through primeval beech and mixed forest, passing through traditionally used alpine meadows (poloniny) and reach the highest peak in the Maramarosh massive, Pop Ivan Maramaroskyi (1 938 m).

Contact Maramarosh Wilderness Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Krasne Pleso Street, 77 90600, Rakhiv, Ukraine Phone: +380 3132 22193 Website: www.cbr.nature.org.ua/main.htm

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Oulanka Wilderness

The 12 924 ha Oulanka Wilderness was audited and monitored in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2012 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Wilderness area Management area

Paanajärvi Wilderness Map scale 1 : 709 000

12 924 ha 2002 2012 Old-growth northern boreal pine forest dominated by scots pine forest, mires and swamps

approx. 15 000

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

approx. 175 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

29 000 ha

Wilderness Uniqueness

Oulanka National Park Oulanka Wilderness Finland

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

ALIT Y QU

The Oulanka Wilderness Program identified in 2007 that Oulanka Wilderness and is fitting to the European Wilderness Quality Standard. It also guarantees an ecological link with Paanajärvi Wilderness at the Russian side of border. The outcome of this process was also the creation of the first transboundary International Wilderness: Oulanka-Paanajärvi Wilderness.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 12 924 ha Oulanka Wilderness is embedded in the Oulanka National Park, Finland. The Oulanka National Park is located close to the Arctic Circle at the border with Russia. The park is traversed by two large rivers flowing east, the Oulanka WILDRiver and Kitka WILDRiver with several tributaries, such as the rivers Maaninkajoki and Savinajoki. Oulanka Wilderness is separated into three sections by the management, which are not ecologically fragmented: Border Zone (2 200 ha), Main Section (10 724 ha), and Sukerijärvi (2 103 ha).

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Oulanka is full of versatile and demanding plant species. Partly due to the calcium-rich bedrock there are many rare species. The difference in temperature between the high rising hills and low river valleys make an ideal environment for several rare plants like the park’s emblem: the calypso. Another threatened plant, but common in this area, is silene or lady’s-slipper. In Oulanka’s meadows, you may catch a glimpse of the endangered copper violet butterfly. Riverbeds and alluvial meadows are home to rare butterflies and 100 bird species nest in the park. Rare birds like the Siberian jay and the capercaillie also take refuge in these herb-rich forests. This area hosts several large herbivores like the moose and the half-tame reindeer. Smaller mammals are also typical in the area. Of the large carnivores, the bear inhabits Oulanka National Park. The wolf, wolverine and lynx, however, are quite rare. In the Wilderness, the golden eagle and the whitetailed eagle are common.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Attractions that offer unforgettable experiences in unspoilt Oulanka Wilderness play a vital role in the context of increase in nature tourism, summer tourism, and building awareness for the importance of European Wilderness. Discover the boreal forests alone or with a group and find yourself amazed by their pure beauty. The Russian frontier runs along the eastern edge of Oulanka National Park, and just over the border lies Russia’s attractive Paanajärvi National Park, representing huge potential for cross-border nature tourism. Oulanka National Park already collaborates closely with its twin park Paanajärvi.

Contact Oulanka Wilderness Oulanka National Park Oulangan luontokeskus, Liikasenvaarantie 132 93900, Kuusamo, Finland Phone: +358 206 39 6850 Website: www.nationalparks.fi/oulankanp

Paanajärvi Wilderness

Map scale 1 : 646 000

2005 2012 Boreal taiga, lakes and clear river, native predators such as wolf, bear, lynx, and wolverine, wide variety of plant species. approx. 6 000 approx. 2 500

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Wilderness area Management area Oulanka Wilderness

30 000 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

104 371 ha

PLATINUM

Wilderness Uniqueness

Paanajärvi National Park Paanajärvi Wilderness Russia

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

The Paanajärvi Wilderness is well protected under the Russian federal law. There is also great potential to enlarge the Paanajärvi Wilderness in the National Park limits, because the majority of the park is an area without any extractive use.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 30 000 ha Paanajärvi Wilderness is embedded in the Paanajärvi National Park, Russia. Paanajärvi Wilderness is located right at the Arctic Circle and preserves the representative examples of natural values of the whole Karelia region, at the Finnish–Russian border. There is a well-developed Sister Park Program with the Oulanka National Park at the Finnish side. Paanajärvi Wilderness protects a large piece of typical and pristine Scandinavian and Russian taiga and the region with vast forests and hundreds of pristine lakes and rivers. The boreal forests with lakes reach into far horizons with no sign of human presence, any roads or towns. The Paanajärvi Wilderness and Olanga WILDRiver create a great example of pristine and remote Wilderness.

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 30 000 ha Paanajärvi Wilderness was audited and monitored in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Biodiversity The Paanajärvi Wilderness provides safe refuge for many species typical for this region, such as elk, lynx, hare, and lemming. Besides this the boreal forests are home to brown bear, wild reindeer and wolverine. Altogether, 36 mammal species inhabit this area. During winter times, you can find otters as well as wolf tracks along the rivers. Many rare birds nest in the Paanajärvi Wilderness, such as golden eagle. The flora of Paanajärvi Wilderness consists of approximately 1 190 plant species, of which 130 have an endangered or vulnerable status. Most of the forest in the park is completely untouched by humans.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Paanajärvi National Park and particularly Paanajärvi Wilderness are offering a unique experience in unspoiled Karelian region. In the last few years, more and more visitors are heading to this area, particularly from nearby Finland, to discover and experience large-scale boreal Wilderness. Visitors can come across the great grey owl, which protects its nest fearlessly. On the open mountain summits, they can meet local, courageous inhabitants: the lemming and ptarmigan. But first of all, they can enjoy the vast panoramic view over the unspoiled Paanajärvi Wilderness full of conifer forest, crystal clear lakes and the Olanga WILDRiver.

Contact Paanajärvi Wilderness Paanajärvi National Park Republic of Karekia, Loukhi region, 186667, Pjaozerski, Russia Phone: +8 814 39 48 504 Website: www.eng.paanajarvi-park.com

Peneda-Gerês Wilderness

Wilderness area Management area

Map scale 1 : 614 000

5 000 ha 2007 2011 The frontier between the Euro-Siberian and Mediterranean regions with four distinct biomes: oak forest, shrubbery, marshes and riparian vegetation. Wild, inaccessible landscape with rare and unique species, such as the wild ponies “Garranos”, wolf, otter, and golden eagle

approx. 25 000

L DE R N E

GOLD

approx. 250 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

70 290 ha

Wilderness Uniqueness

Peneda-Gerês National Park Peneda-Gerês Wilderness Portugal

The 5 000 ha Peneda-Gerês Wilderness was audited and monitored in 2007, 2008 and 2011 and meets the Gold Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2021.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 5 000 ha of Peneda-Gerês Wilderness is embedded into the Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal. The Peneda-Gerês National Park was created in 1971 due to its national and international scientific values, with the aim to protect the existing human and natural resources. Since the Peneda-Gerês National Park was established, it has been acknowledged as the wildest area of Portugal. The area also has a cultural history from prehistoric times through Roman occupation to the present day. Cultural influences in the area represented a challenge for the National Park in achieving a Wilderness Quality Standard without extractive use. As there is currently grazing in the large part of the potential Wilderness, a contract was signed allowing for a withdrawal of grazing over a 10-year period to ultimately expand Peneda-Gerês Wilderness into this area. However, in the view of the verifiers, it was also considered necessary for the park to implement a Transitional Core Zone Implementation Plan in this area to facilitate the reversion to a natural state as close as possible.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Peneda-Gerês Wilderness provides a safe refuge for many species typical for this region. The foothills of the Serra da Gerês and the Serra da Cabreira constitute the frontier between the Euro-Siberian and Mediterranean regions. The flora in this Peneda-Gerês Wilderness is of high phyto-geographic importance. The floristic diversity includes 823 vascular plant species that occur in 128 types of natural vegetation. In the oak forests, which are common throughout the park, butcher’s broom, maple and Portuguese laurel can be found amongst the oak trees. In the past many large mammals and birds significantly suffered in the Peneda-Gerês Wilderness, such as the population of grey wolf and the golden eagle. The bear also disappeared from the region in the 17th century and the extinct Portuguese ibex, locally known as Gerês goat, was last seen last in the 1890s. More than a century later, its vacant ecological niche was reoccupied naturally by Spanish ibexes coming from Galicia, and their population numbered approximately 100 animals by 2011. The Peneda-Gerês Wilderness is home to a large range of fauna (235 species of vertebrates), including the rare wolf, golden eagle and Pyrean desman.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Peneda-Gerês Wilderness is offering the unique opportunity to observe spontaneous Wilderness restoration in a Mediterranean country. There is a wide spectrum of local services and opportunities, not only to enjoy this corner of Portugal, but also to learn about and explore Peneda-Gerês Wilderness. Visits include sampling the local gastronomy, canoeing tours, visiting an old village, and sun bathing in amazing landscapes.

Contact Peneda-Gerês Wilderness Peneda-Gerês National Park Av. António Macedo 4704-538 BRAGA, Portugal Phone: +351 253 203 480 Website: www2.icnf.pt/portal/ap/pnpg

Podyjí Wilderness Wilderness information

254 ha 2017 Well-protected area of mixed deciduous forests in the lower continental region Pannonia lowland, left to spontaneous development

Podyjí National Park Thayatal National Park

Due to the fragility of Podyjí Wilderness fragments, the exact location of Podyjí Wilderness is not disclosed. Map scale 1 : 141 000

approx. 10 000

L DE R N E

BRONZE

approx. 200 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

6 276 ha

Wilderness Uniqueness

Podyjí National Park Podyjí Wilderness Czech Republic

E U ROP E A

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

ALIT Y QU

The 254 ha Podyjí Wilderness is embedded in the Podyjí National Park, Czech Republic. It is the smallest National Park in the Czech Republic and located in the south-eastern part of the country, at the border with Thayatal National Park in Austria. The Podyjí region has been systematically protected since 1978, when the Podyjí Protected Landscape Area was declared. In 1991, the Podyjí National Park was declared, including the most valuable part of the former Podyjí Protected Landscape Area. Podyjí National Park has a good potential for expansion of Wilderness. A significant part of the area (85%) is covered with forests, of which a considerable percentage is currently left to spontaneous development. The aim in the coming years is to let 75% of Podyjí National Park and Thayatal National Park develop under spontaneous succession. The Podyjí Wilderness is only accessible to the public on the marked trails and roads. In the restoration zone, temporary management interventions are being carried out in order to reach the near-natural state of forest stands.

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 254 ha Podyjí Wilderness was subject of a Quick-Audit in 2017 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2023.

Biodiversity The territory of Podyjí Wilderness and Podyjí National Park has a very high biodiversity. There are approximately 1 300 vascular plants species, nearly 1 000 macroscopic fungi species, about 300 species of lichens and 300 species of mosses, 209 bird species, 66 mammal species, 7 reptile species, 25 fish species, 13 amphibian species, and around 10 000 species of invertebrates. Also, Podyjí National Park forests have an extremely high diversity. There are 89 forest types, like oak and hornbeam-oak forests, relict pine forests, spring alluviums alder forest, and the native beech forests in the highest parts of the national park.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Podyjí National Park lies in a very densely populated area with very good transport accessibility, 80 km from Vienna, 180 km from Prague. The park itself is not accessible for cars, but is accessible by a dense network of marked footpaths for cyclists and pedestrians. The paths lead into the Podyjí Wilderness and therefore the character of the area can be seen from several attractive sightseeing points. A system of information panels in the field provide the visitors with valuable information about the area.

Contact Podyjí Wilderness Podyjí National Park Na Vyhlídce 5 669 01 Znojmo, Czech Republic Phone: +420 515 282 240 Website: www.nppodyji.cz

Retezat Wilderness The 10 440 ha Retezat Wilderness is embedded in the Retezat National Park, the oldest national park in Romania. The park is located in the southwestern part of the Carpathian Mountains. It contains more than 30 peaks over 2 200 metres and 54 permanent lakes. The park was created in 1935, when the Romanian government set aside an area that was part of the Retezat Mountains and created the country’s first National Park. The Retezat Wilderness protects one of the last remaining pristine areas of the Carpathian Mountains, and is also an important model to protect Wilderness all over the Carpathians. The Gemenele (“The Twins” in Romanian) is a scientific reserve containing the strictly protected Retezat Wilderness already for several decades. This Retezat Wilderness is protecting an intact primeval forest and a landscape shaped by glaciers in the past.

Wilderness information

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

2004 2010 Old-growth conifer forest, steep granite and limestone mountains, wild mountain creeks, glacial lakes, favourable habitat for rare species such as bear, wolf, and eagles

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

approx. 18 000

approx. 20 000

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 446 000

10 440 ha

Wilderness area Management area

38 047 ha

E U ROP E A

Wilderness Uniqueness

Retezat National Park Retezat Wilderness Romania

The 10 440 ha Retezat Wilderness was audited in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. The park was scrutinised due to several complaints of legal and illegal logging activities. Their certification and membership of the European Wilderness Network was reviewed in 2017. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2020.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Retezat Wilderness is a well preserved protected area that represents the natural values of the Southern Carpathian region. The environment has many high quality values, such as rich endemism, large size, well preserved forests, high number of endangered species, and species that play an important role for biodiversity conservation and the development of natural ecological processes. The flora of Retezat Wilderness consists of approximately 1 190 plant species, of which 130 have the “endangered” or “vulnerable” status. In Retezat Wilderness, you will find one of the last remaining pristine forests in Europe, homeland for all Carpathian Wilderness iconic species. More precisely, 55 species of mammals can be found in Retezat, accounting for 23% of all European terrestrial mammals species. Wolves, brown bear, wild boar, Eurasian lynx, wildcat, chamois, marmot, roe deer and red deer, as well as small carnivore species such as badger and otter find suitable habitats in the park. Eagles soar through the sky, on the hunt for a meal.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Retezat National Park, and particularly Retezat Wilderness, are offering unique experiences in unspoiled Carpathian Wilderness. In the last years, many new tourism businesses developed around the park and several focus on providing experiences in the Retezat Wilderness. Hikers will find that they share trails with many of the big animals, including chamois, red and roe deer, wild boars, bear, wolves, and foxes, and may come across lynx tracks. Bird watchers will be treated with over 120 species of nesting birds in Retezat Wilderness.

Contact Retezat Wilderness Retezat National Park Administration Salasu de Sus com 337420, Nucsoara nr. 284, Hunedoara County, Romania Phone: +40 733 888586 Website: www.retezat.ro

Rila Wilderness

Map scale 1 : 1 000 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

2005 2010 Old-growth mixed forest, alpine meadows, deep canyons, gorges, waterfalls, rare species such as wolf, bear, capercaillie, hazel grouse, and eagles approx. 60 000 approx. 25 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Wilderness area Management area

16 222 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

81 046 ha

PLATINUM

Wilderness Uniqueness

Rila National Park Rila Wilderness Bulgaria

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

Rila Wilderness is one of the largest and most valuable Wilderness areas in Europe. It includes four large Wilderness areas - Parangalica, Central Rila Reserve, Ibar and Skakavitsa. All these areas apply non-intervention management as the underlying principle for Wilderness management and all these areas fully meet the European Wilderness Quality Standard. Rila Wilderness covers a large part of the Rila mountain range with high peaks, deep valleys, forests and mountain pastures. The endemic flora and invertebrate fauna of the Wilderness are of global significance. Rila Wilderness is also rich with high mountain glacial lakes. Of particular value are the forest ecosystems with their high percentage of naturalness, which have endemic forest complexes including Macedonian pine and wide expanses of dwarf pine at the timberline.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 16 222 ha Rila Wilderness is embedded in the Rila National Park, the largest national park in Bulgaria. The park is located in the south-western part of the country. Rila National Park was established in 1992 to protect several ecosystems and Wilderness areas of national importance. The parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s altitude varies from 800 metres near Blagoevgrad to 2 925 metres at Musala Peak, the highest summit in the Balkan Peninsula.

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 16 222 ha Rila Wilderness was audited in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2020.

Biodiversity The Rila Wilderness falls within the Rodope montane mixed forest terrestrial ecoregion of the Palearctic Temperate broadleaf and mixed forest. Forests occupy more than half of the Rila Wilderness area. There are approximately 1 400 species of vascular plants, 282 species of mosses and 130 species of freshwater algae recorded in Rila National Park. The fauna is represented by 48 species of mammals, 99 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and amphibians and 5 species of fish, as well as 2 934 species of invertebrates, of which 282 are endemic. Rila Wilderness is home to rare and endangered wildlife species and communities, self-regulating ecosystems of biological diversity, as well as historical sites of global cultural and scientific significance. The terrain includes large high-mountain meadows, vertical rock faces, precipices, deep canyons, waterfalls, and numerous peaks, of which many are situated at altitudes of 2 000 metres and higher.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Rila Wilderness is a well-known spot for tourists, naturalists, and scientists. A set of specialised routes including equestrians and mountain bike trails have been developed, as well as thematic routes for bird, plant, and large mammal watching. The trails crossing the Rila Wilderness are carefully managed and monitored. There are a number of tourist chalets scattered throughout the Rila National Park, some of them close to the border of Rila Wilderness, operated by the Bulgarian Tourism Union.

Contact Rila Wilderness Rila National Park Bistrica 12B 2700 Varosha, Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria Phone: +359 884 111 400 Website: www.rilanationalpark.bg

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Soomaa Wilderness Wilderness information

Map scale 1 : 389 000

39 640 ha 11 530 ha

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

approx. 15 000

approx. 50 000

E U ROP E A

2009 2011 Large active raised peat-bogs, wetlands and alluvial forests ALIT Y QU

Wilderness area Management area

Soomaa National Park Soomaa Wilderness Estonia

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit Wilderness Uniqueness Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

The 11 530 ha Soomaa Wilderness is embedded into the Soomaa National Park, located in the south-eastern corner of Estonia. The Soomaa National Park, situated in Transitional Estonia, was created to protect large pristine raised bogs, floodplain grasslands, wet forests and meandering rivers. Soomaa Wilderness consist of four large peat-bogs: Kuresoo, Valgeraba, Ordi and Kikerpera. The bogs are separated from each other by the Pärnu, Halliste, Navesti, Raudna, Lemmjõgi, and Kõpu rivers. Alongside these rivers, floodplain meadows and floodplain forests occur. Soomaa Wilderness is the most valuable part of the remaining extensive peat-bog Wilderness in south-west Estonia. Kuresoo Bog is one of the two best surviving large bogs in Estonia with a high species diversity. The Soomaa Wilderness is a Ramsar site of protected wetland. Soomaa Wilderness is known for having five unique seasons, the fifth season being the high-water season. A number of local rivers from surrounding uplands meet in a relatively small area between the bogs and swamp forests. Once or twice a year, when the snow melts across the country, the rivers fill with melting water and break their banks.

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 11 530 ha Soomaa Wilderness was audited in 2009 and 2011 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2021.

Biodiversity Soomaa Wilderness is an extensive Wilderness, containing large peat-bogs and thick forests interlaced by numerous rivers and the floodplains that border them. The Soomaa Wilderness is a home and breeding area for several mammals that are extinct or very rare in other parts of Europe. The most numerous species of the large mammals are the roe deer, elk, and wild boar. Beaver, lynx, wolf, and bear are found in Soomaa Wilderness as well. The alluvial meadows and forests that cover the riverbanks are of great botanical value. Approximately 200 species of flora have been recorded, including gladiolus, iris, and sedum. The unique swamp forests (carrs) surrounding the bogs are also full of rare and threatened species.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Soomaa National Park and particularly Soomaa Wilderness are offering a unique experience. It’s a good place to be if you enjoy bird watching as 185 species of birds have been recorded in Soomaa. Among rare and endangered species, the most impressive species are the black grouse, the willow grouse, the golden eagle, the black stork, the lesser spotted eagle and the great snipe. At the edges of the bogs, capercaillie breed and further into the forest, the nature in Soomaa National Park offers home for several woodpecker species, owls and many others. During migration season the bogs are a staging site for geese and swans. Visitor birdwatching programmes are regularly combined with canoeing and bog walking trips with services offered by local partners.

Contact Soomaa Wilderness Visitor Center of Soomaa national park Kõrtsi-Tõramaa, Tipu Village, Kõpu Rural Municipality, Viljandi County, Estonia Phone: +372 435 7164 Website: https://kaitsealad.ee/eng/soomaa-national-park

Teiču Wilderness

Map scale 1 : 386 000

19 777 ha 4 570 ha 2017 Large intact area of bog moss and wetlands

L DE R N E

BRONZE

approx. 1 000

approx. 3 000

Wilderness area Management area

Teiču Strict Nature Reserve Teiču Wilderness Latvia

The 4 570 ha Teiču Wilderness was subject to a Quick-Audit in 2017 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2021.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit Wilderness Uniqueness Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 4 570 ha Teiču Wilderness is embedded into the Teiču Strict Nature Reserve. Teiču Reserve is the largest nature reserve in Latvia and it is one of the largest areas of intact bog moss in the Baltic. It is a remote and large, contiguous Wilderness located in the centre of Latvia. Teiču Wilderness protects a large complex, representing valuable ecosystems of wetlands and forest. All natural resources are completely excluded from economic and other human activities. Teiču Wilderness is one of four strict nature reserves in Latvia and is well known due to its high species diversity. The Teiču Wilderness is a wetland of international importance, a Ramsar site since 1995 and Natura 2000 area since 2004.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Teiču Wilderness enjoys an unusual high degree of protection, being a “strict nature reserve” as defined by Latvian authorities. It is one of only four such nature reserves in Latvia. This is a designation reserved for areas with little or no human activity and rare or typical ecosystems. Since 2004, it has been part of the EU-wide Natura2000 network. The Teiču Wilderness contains large areas of bog moss and wetlands interlaced by small rivers and lakes. The Teiču Wilderness is home to a number of rare or threatened species, including 38 protected species of flowering plants and ferns and 24 protected species of moss. It is also an important habitat for animals, including invertebrates. The Teiču Wilderness is a breeding, feeding and resting place for numerous migratory and rare water birds such as cranes and geese. This territory is governed by uncontrolled natural processes and provides a good condition to study rare plant species and habitats characteristic for wetlands.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to the Teiču Wilderness is regulated. The area is divided into two parts, a regulated access area and a restricted access area. The access to the restricted access area is normally forbidden, only visits for scientific purposes may be conducted and require a permit from the relevant authority. Access to the regulated access area is possible during a limited time of the year (1 June to 31 October), visitors are accompanied by a guide with the proper credentials. There is also an observation tower, accessible without a guide, located in the part of the nature reserve located in Krustpils Municipality. The regulated access area is offering a unique experience. It’s a great place to be if you enjoy birdwatching.

Contact Teiču Wilderness Teiču National Reserve Baznīcas iela 7, 67509545, Sigulda, 2150 Tālr. Latvia Phone: +371 261 12686 Website: www.daba.gov.lv/public/eng/protected_areas/

Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness Wilderness information

7 117 ha and 3 WILDRivers – upper watersheds of Mala Uholka River (7 km), Velyka Uholka River (8 km) and Shyrokyy Luh River (9 km). approx. 20 000 approx. 1 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 577 000

2015

Wilderness area Management area

13 034 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

57 880 ha

PLATINUM

Wilderness Uniqueness

Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness Ukraine

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

E U ROP E A

The 7 117 ha Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is part of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve. The area preserves the largest area of unique old-growth beech forest of Europe and the natural state of the Carpathian mountain landscapes. The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve includes three additional, large areas with Wilderness potential: Svydovec, Chornohora, Maramorosh. The Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest is already a certified Bronze Wilderness. Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness represent an outstanding example of undisturbed temperate beech forests and provides a sample of the pure stands of European beech. The area contains a large genetic reservoir of beech, on which many species are dependent and can be associated with in this forest habitat. The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 7 117 ha Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness was audited in 2017 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness also includes the UholkaShyrokyy Luh WILDForest and 3 WILDRivers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; upper watersheds of Mala Uholka River (7 km), Velyka Uholka River (8 km) and Shyrokyy Luh River (9 km). A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2027.

Biodiversity The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is the largest area with contiguous old-grow beech forests in Europe. It is an area of great international importance and a local hotspot for biodiversity that is dependent on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. It contains representatives of flora and fauna typical for old-growth Carpathian beech forests. The most striking and impressive features of this forest are the trees; broken tree stems are covered with a variety of fungi and a rich variety of life can be found in the deadwood trunks, such as the protected alpine longicorn Rosalia beetle. The area has a permanent population of the brown bears, wolves and lynxes. Typical bird dwellers in the area are the black stork and eagle-owl.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is permitted only for guided tours and for participants of workshops. The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is located approx. 90 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 60 km from Ivano Frankivsk. The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is accessible for cars and busses. Two nature trails, in Mala Uholka and Velyka Uholka, provide a unique experience in Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness. The trails lead through primeval beech forest, passing the caves in limestone massive, and the Karst Bridge.

Contact Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Krasne Pleso Street, 77, 90600, Rakhiv, Ukraine Phone: +380 3132 22193 Website: www.cbr.nature.org.ua/main.htm

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness

Wilderness area Management area

Map scale 1 : 237 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

2015 2015 Broadleaf beech forest and wild mountain creeks, old-growth beech forests, and peatbogs approx. 2 000 approx. 100

L DE R N E

BRONZE

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

1 332 ha

Wilderness Uniqueness

6 101 ha

E U ROP E A

Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the Wilderness First Audit Most Recent Audit

Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness Ukraine

The 1 332 ha Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness was audited in 2015 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2025.

Protected area

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

ALIT Y QU

The 1 332 ha Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness is embedded in the Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park, Ukraine. Ukraine contains excellent examples of Wilderness. These well protected Wilderness areas in the Trans-Carpathian region represent a biodiversity spectrum for all Carpathian Mountains. Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park with Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness is one of the most ambitious protected areas in Ukraine, as the international recognition for the protection of its Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness was sought for years. Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness preserves the natural state of the beech forest in the central part of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains. Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness has been committed to protect self-regulated natural processes for several years. Recently, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness is located in the north-eastern corner of the Carpathians. The purpose of the Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park is to protect the representative ecosystems of the eastern Carpathian region, which have a high biodiversity. The Wilderness also has high aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational and health improving values. Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness is a home to many species, some endemic and rare in the Carpathian Mountains, including newts, white-back woodpecker, beaver, red deer, wild boar, squirrel, and lynx.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Due to strict protection, visitors are not allowed to visit the Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness. Nevertheless, visitors have a wide range of opportunities in the park and can enjoy the unique broadleaf beech forest. Several areas provide very similar experiences compared to the remote Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness. The Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park has around 600 visitors annually, which is increasing yearly. The majority of visitors are locals or from within the region, who use the area mainly for picnics and short walks. There are very few hikers or campers who explore the park on their own.

Contact Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park Partyzanska Str. 90130 Ilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nytsya Village, Irshava Distr. Transcarpathian Reg. Ukraine Phone: +380 3144 79002 Website: www.nppzk.info/kontakti.html

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Team in Action

Hohe Tauern Audit, Austria 2015 Maramarosh Audit, Ukraine 2018

WILDArt Hike, Ukraine 2018

Zaccharovanyy kray, Ukraine 2016

Hohe Tauern Audit, Austria 2015

Kalkalpen National Park, Austria 2015

Synevyr, Ukraine 2018

Hohe Tauern, Austria 2018

Kalkalpen National Park, Austria 2015

Thayatal Audit, Austria 2018

WILDArt, Ukraine 2018

Vlado Vancura, 2018

Wilderness Advocate Ceremony, 2018

Free Svydovets Campaign, Ukraine 2018

Hohe Tauern, Austria 2015

Audit, Ukraine 2017

US-Europe exchange 2018

Maramarosh Audit, Ukraine 2018

Uholka Shyrokyy Luh Audit, Ukraine 2017

Austria, 2017

Excursion planning, WILDArt 2018

Archipelago WILDCoast

Wilderness Uniqueness

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

2007 2010 Large, contiguous marine WILDCoast with rich underwater life and small islands exposed to the extreme conditions of the open Baltic Sea. approx. 50 000 approx. 50

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 1 680 000

10 600 ha

WILDCoast area Management area

50 000 ha

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDCoast

Archipelago National Park Archipelago WILDCoast Finland

PLATINUM

The 10 600 ha Archipelago WILDCoast was audited and monitored in 2007, 2008 and in 2010 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2020.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDCoast First Audit Most Recent Audit

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 10 600 ha Archipelago WILDCoast is embedded in the Archipelago National Park, Finland. Archipelago WILDCoast is part of one of the largest archipelagos in the world and forms an endless sea with thousands of islands and rocky islets. While Archipelago National Park has traditional land uses, like fishing and small-scale agriculture on the islands, the Archipelago WILDCoast is the only continuous marine fishing-free and strictly protected no-go zone in the Baltic.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Archipelago WILDCoast at the edge of Baltic Sea is characterised by windswept pine forests on the rocks, low deciduous forests and bare rocky islets, which show parts of the ancient bedrock. The Archipelago WILDCoast provides a safe refuge for the declining population of the Baltic ringed seal and also for the more common grey seal. Once in a while the white-tailed eagle circles in the sky on the hunt for prey. This species is the largest breeding bird in Finland and the whole of Northern Europe. Other species of small rodents and moose can be seen on the islands. Under water, the Archipelago WILDCoast is an area with very unique ecosystems, depending on the amount of the sunlight.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Archipelago WILDCoast is strictly protected, but visitors have a wide range of opportunities in the rest of the Archipelago National Park. You can enjoy the very unique archipelago scenery, with common activities like sailing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, cycling, diving and snorkelling. If you enjoy bird watching, you are in for a treat. Activities focusing on ‘learning in nature’ have become more common. This includes programs that are particularly available to schools. These focus on experiencing nature, the outdoors and practical skills.

Contact Archipelago WILDCoast Archipelago National Park Meripuistontie (Sinisimpukantie) 25930, Kasnäs, Finland Phone: +358 206 39 4620 Website: www.nationalparks.fi/en/archipelagonp

Jasmund WILDCoast

806 ha: 350 ha terrestrial, and 456 ha marine 2016 2017 Chalk cliffs with beech forest on top, narrow strip of sea, and a wild sea coast.

approx. 700 000

L DE R N E

BRONZE

approx. 1 000 000

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 380 000

3 072 ha

WILDCoast area Management area

Jasmund National Park Jasmund WILDCoast Germany

The 806 ha Jasmund WILDCoast was subject to a Quick-Audit in 2016 and 2017 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2021.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDCoast First Audit Most Recent Audit Wilderness Uniqueness Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDCoast

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 806 ha Jasmund WILDCoast is embedded in the core zone of Jasmund National Park, Germany. Jasmund National Park is an iconic national park in Germany due to its magnificent scenery of the stunning coastline. The Jasmund WILDCoast is a compact and complete ecosystem of chalk cliffs, a sea coast, and a narrow strip of sea. “Let nature be nature” is the main slogan of Jasmund National Park. Recently, Jasmund National Park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Thanks to the effects of climate, terrain and soil, the Jasmund National Park has an unusually broad range of habitats. The beech forests colonise a wide spectrum of locations that are rich or poor in nutrient content, dry or wet, and on chalk as well as outwash substrates. Different bog types are incorporated in the forest like mosaics, and the chalk plateau is crossed by a network of streams. During the last ice age, the Jasmund chalk substrate was covered and compressed by glaciers several times. In the post-glacial period when the Baltic Sea developed, the unusually dynamic chalk coast of the forest landscape emerged steeply from the sea, forming Jasmund WILDCoast. The wide variety of habitats is the basis for the great wealth of flora and fauna. The beech forests are found at their natural borders at Jasmund WILDCoast. Remarkable are also the rare lady’s slipper and the coralroot. The peregrine falcon nests on the slopes of the chalk cliffs, as well as several colonies of house martins. On Jasmund WILDCoast you may encounter the fallow deer and spot the majestic white-tailed eagle. Also, the marine habitats along Jasmund WILDCoast are very important and rich in biodiversity. Here, nature is left on its own.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The chalk cliffs of Jasmund WILDCoast are a cradle of tourism in Germany and for more than two centuries a magnet attracting visitors. Attractive scenery, wild coasts and high cliffs together with rare forms of beech forest attract large amounts of visitors every year. The central information point is the Königsstuhl National Park Centre. This center provides information fully in the line with park’s philosophy and long-term objective “Let nature be nature”. A wide portfolio of programs convey the beauty and uniqueness of Jasmund WILDCoast at the highest possible level in order to achieve a lasting awareness of Jasmund WILDCoast in all visitors.

Contact Jasmund WILDCoast Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park Im Forst 5 18375 Born am Darß, Germany Phone: +49 38234 502 Website: www.nationalpark-jasmund.de

Hainich WILDForest

Map scale 1 : 440 000

1 570 ha, with potential of enlargement for additional 1 500 ha 2017 Large contiguous area of broadleaf and mixed forest.

approx. 20 000

L DE R N E

SILVER

approx. 300 000

WILDForest area Management area

7 500 ha

The 1 570 ha Hainich WILDForest was subject to a Quick-Audit in 2017 and meets the Silver Wilderness Quality Standard.

Hainich National Park Hainich WILDForest Germany

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDForest European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit Wilderness Uniqueness Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDForest

One of the main objectives of the park is the protection of native beech forest. Recently, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site – Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 1 570 ha Hainich WILDForest is embedded into the Hainich National Park, Germany. The Hainich National Park was founded in 1997, as the 13th national park in Germany and the only one in Thuringia. Over 90% of Hainich National Park is not in economic use, where nature is returning to its roots. In contrast to economic forests, the woodland in Hainich WILDForest may develop back, untouched, into a primeval woodland in the heart of Germany, true to the motto of the German national parks “Let nature be nature”.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity In Hainich WILDForest people can find the largest contiguous deciduous forest in Germany, uninfluenced by mankind. It is not the typical German oak, but the beech tree that dominates here. An important source of biodiversity is the forest’s deadwood. Deadwood does not mean that there is no life in it, on the contrary. About one quarter of all the forest’s inhabitants depend on deadwood for nesting places or food sources. Also bats often make their home under the peeling bark. The area is home to the wolf, lynx, wildcats and badgers, together with the roe and red deer as well as the black woodpecker, chaffinch and pied flycatcher.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Hainich WILDForest is offering wide spectrum of activities, including a Wilderness experience. A very special adventure is the Canopy Walk. The Canopy Walk winds along a length of 530 m from the lower crown section up to the tops of the primeval woodland canopies. Besides the National Park Centre, the park offers programs such as Wildcat Woodland for Kids, Primeval Woodland Wild Camp or walking and cycling tours.

Contact Hainich WILDForest Hainich National Park Address street: Bei der Marktkirche 9 Postal code city: 99947 Bad Langensalza, Germany Phone: +49 361 57 3914 000 Website: www.nationalpark-hainich.de

Kalkalpen WILDForest

WILDForest area

Map scale 1 : 420 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

5 251 ha 2015 Large contiguous area of old-growth beech and mixed forest, favourable habitat for wolf, bear and many other rare species

approx. 12 000

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

approx. 210 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness

20 820 ha

The 5 251 ha Kalkalpen WILDForest was audited in 2015 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2025.

Wilderness Uniqueness

Kalkalpen National Park Kalkalpen WILDForest Austria

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDForest European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

ALIT Y QU

The Kalkalpen WILDForest is an hotspot for biodiversity, depending on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. The Kalkalpen WILDForest is an important reference area for comparisons with managed forest. Data from this forest provide an important basis for the evaluation and improvement of nature conservation and the forest management concept all over Europe. KalkalpenWILDForest is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 5 251 ha Kalkalpen WILDForest consists of four areas (Hintergebirge, Bodinggraben, Urlach, Wilder Graben) with highly valuable beech forests that are embedded within the boundaries of the Kalkalpen Wilderness. The borders of the Kalkalpen WILDForest are mainly composed of visible biogeophysical barriers. Urlach and Bodinggraben are both bounded by the mountain ridges of the Sengsengebirge.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The Kalkalpen WILDForest is an area of a great international importance and a local hotspot for biodiversity, depending on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. It contains representatives of flora and fauna, which are typical for old-growth beech forests. The most striking and impressive features of this forest are big trees, broken tree stems covered with a variety of fungi and the deadwood trunks of fallen trees. Priority species include also the sporadically present wolf, the protected alpine long-horned Rosalia beetle, and the bear moth. In 1999, the Eurasian lynx was reintroduced in Kalkalpen National Park. This was an important step for the return of the Eurasian lynx to the Alps.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Kalkalpen National Park law states that the conventional form of tourism and hiking are not subject to restrictions within the park. The Kalkalpen WILDForest is an important place from a tourism- and recreational perspective. Visitors and other recreational activities have a long tradition in Kalkalpen National Park and the management has made great strides to minimise the negative impact of tourism, in particular in the Kalkalpen WILDForest. Mountain biking is directed outside of the Kalkalpen WILDForest with abandoned forest roads. Pitching tents is allowed in designated spots throughout the Kalkalpen National Park.

Contact Kalkalpen WILDForest Nationalpark Allee 1 4591 Molln, Austria Phone: + 43 (0) 7584 3651 Website: www.kalkalpen.at

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest The 1 370 ha Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest is embedded in the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, located in western Ukraine. The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve includes several large WILDForests. The Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest is a hotspot for biodiversity, depending on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. The old-growth forests of Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest is an important reference area for comparisons with managed forest. Data from this forest provides an important basis for the evaluation and improvement of nature conservation and the forest management concept all over Europe. The Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

Wilderness information

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDForest

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

2017 Contiguous area of old-growth beech and mixed forest, favourable habitat for wolf, bear and many other rare species

L DE R N E

BRONZE

approx. 100

approx. 20 000

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 233 000

1 370 ha

WILDForest area Management area

57 880 ha

E U ROP E A

Wilderness Uniqueness

Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest Ukraine

The 1 370 ha Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest was subject to a Quick-Audit in 2017 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2021.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDForest European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest represents an outstanding example of undisturbed temperate beech forests and provides a sample of the pure stands of European beech. The area contains a large genetic reservoir of beech, on which many species are dependent and can be associated with in this forest habitat. It contains representative species of flora and fauna, typical for old-growth Carpathian beech forests. The most striking and impressive features of this forest are big trees, broken tree stems covered with fungi and the deadwood trunks of fallen trees. The area is a place with a permanent, extensive populations of brown bears, wolves and lynx. Typical dwellers are the black stork and eagle-owl. Rich variety of life can be found in the deadwood trunks, such as the protected alpine longicorn rosalia beetle.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to the restoration zone of Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest is permitted for guided tours and also for individuals or groups of travellers. The area is located approx. 130 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 140 km from Ivano-Frankivsk. The area is accessible for cars and buses. The trails through the restoration zone of Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest provide a unique WILDForest experience. The trails lead through old beech forest, passing the limestone massifs, and end up on steep cliffs with a wide panaroma. Hiking the trails, also because of safety, is recommended with a professional guide.

Contact Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Krasne Pleso Street, 77, 90600, Rakhiv, Ukraine Phone: +380 3132 22193 Website: www.cbr.nature.org.ua/main.htm

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Thayatal WILDForest

Number of visitors per year to the protected area

250 ha 300 ha 2018 Well-protected area of mixed deciduous forests in the lowland of the Pannonia region, left to spontaneous development approx. 50 000

Thayatal National Park Podyjí National Park

Due to the fragility of Thayatal WILDForest fragments, the exact location of Thayatal WILDForest is not disclosed. Map scale 1 : 148 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

There is no public access to the Thayatal WILDForest (only on special occasions excursions or for research)

Number of visitors per year to the WILDForest

1 360 ha

The 250 ha Thayatal WILDForest was subjected to a QuickAudit in 2017 and 2018 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. The Thayatal National Park and Podyjí National Park together with the European Wilderness Society will consider the opportunity to implement a European Wilderness Quality Standard Full Audit and create the first Transboundary Wilderness in the Central Europe in the coming years.

Wilderness Uniqueness

Thayatal National Park Thayatal WILDForest Austria

BRONZE

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDForest Potential enlargement of WILDForest European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

The Thayatal WILDForest is characterised by extraordinary scenery, being home to features such as rocky amphitheatres, cliffs and broadleaf mixed forest. The Thayatal WILDForest is the key element and driving force behind the establishment of the transboundary Wilderness of the Podyjí National Park in Czech Republic and Thayatal National Park in Austria, and has been since the beginning of conservation efforts in this area.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 250 ha Thayatal WILDForest is embedded in the Thayatal National Park, Austria. It is Austria’s smallest National Park, located in the north-eastern part of the country, at the border with Podyjí National Park in the Czech Republic. Thayatal National Park was established in the year 2000. The name Thayatal can be translated into the ‘valley of the Thaya river’, which is an impressive valley with steep cliffs, dense broadleaf forests and valuable fragments ecosystems.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The territory of Thayatal National Park has a very high biodiversity. There are several hundreds of vascular plant species, fungi, lichens, mosses, birds and mammals. There is a rich variety of forest types, such as oak and hornbeam-oak forests, relict pine forests, spring alluviums alder forest, and the native beech forests in the higher parts of the National Park. The Thayatal WILDForest is located in an impressive valley with steep cliffs, gentle meadows, natural forests and fascinating flora and fauna. The area is located on a distinct climatic border where continental and Central European flora and fauna come together. A significant part of the area is covered with forests, of which a considerable percentage is currently left to spontaneous development. The aim in the coming years is to let 75-85% of Thayatal National Park develop under spontaneous succession and to protect spontaneous dynamics of biodiversity.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Thayatal National Park lies in a very densely populated area with good transport accessibility, 95 km from Vienna and 220 km from Prague. The park itself is not accessible for cars, but is accessible by a network of marked paths for pedestrians. Only the city of Hardegg, which is situated in the centre of the National Park is accessible by bike or car. The paths lead around the Thayatal WILDForest, therefore the character of the area can be seen from several attractive sightseeing points. A system of information panels in the field outside of the WILDForest provide the visitors with valuable information about the area. Additionally, there are paths that lead along parts of the Thaya river, which provide several sightseeing points to view the character of the river. Thayatal WILDForest is not accessible for tourists, but a network of paths enable visitors to discover and experience the surrounding Thayatal forest and river, which also have a wild character.

Contact Thayatal WILDForest Thayatal National Park 2082 Hardegg, Austria Phone: +43 2949 70050 Website: www.np-thayatal.at/en

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest TThe 7 117 ha Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest is embedded in the Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness, in the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, located in western Ukraine. The Carpathian Biosphere Reserve includes Kuziy-Trybushany WILDForest and three additional large areas with Wilderness and WILDForest potential: Svydovec, Chornohora, and Maramorosh.

Wilderness information

The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest is a hotspot for biodiversity, depending on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. The old-growth forests of Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest is an important reference area for comparisons with managed forest. Data from this forest provide an important basis for the evaluation and improvement of nature conservation and the forest management concept all over Europe. Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

7 117 ha

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

L DE R N E

PLATINUM

approx. 1 000

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 249 000

approx. 20 000

WILDForest area Management area

2017 2017 Large contiguous area of old-growth beech and mixed forest, favourable habitat for wolf, bear and many other rare species

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDForest

57 880 ha

Wilderness Uniqueness

Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest Ukraine

E U ROP E A

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDForest First Audit Most Recent Audit

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 7 117 ha Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest was audited in 2017 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest also includes three WILDRiversâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; upper watersheds o Mala Uholka River (7 km), Velyka Uholka River (8 km) and Shyrokyy Luh River (9 km) and Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2027.

Biodiversity The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest is the largest area with contiguous, old-growth beech forests in Europe. It is an area of a great international importance and a local hotspot for biodiversity depending on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. It contains representatives of flora and fauna typical for old-growth Carpathian beech forests. The most striking and impressive features of this forest are the trees, including the broken tree stems covered with a variety of fungi and the deadwood trunks of fallen trees. The area has a permanent population of brown bears, wolves and lynxes. Typical bird dwellers are the black stork and eagle-owl. A rich variety of life can be found in the deadwood trunks, including the protected alpine longicorn Rosalia beetle.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is permitted only for guided tours and for participants of workshops. The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is located approx. 90 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 60 km from Ivano Frankivsk. The Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness is accessible for cars and buses. Two nature trails, in Mala Uholka and Velyka Uholka, provide a unique experience in Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest. The trails lead through primeval beech forest, passing the caves in limestone massive, and the Karst Bridge.

Contact Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh WILDForest Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Krasne Pleso Street, 77 90600, Rakhiv, Ukraine Phone: +380 3132 22193 Website: www.cbr.nature.org.ua/main.htm

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest The 1 332 ha Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest is partially embedded in the Zacharovanyy kray Wilderness and in Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park, Ukraine. Ukraine contains many excellent examples of WILDForest. These well protected WILDForests in the Trans-Carpathian region represent the high biodiversity of all of the Carpathian Mountains. Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest preserves the natural state of the beech forest in the central part of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains. Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest has been committed for several years to protect self-regulated natural. Recently, the park was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe.

Wilderness information

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDForest

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

approx. 100

L DE R N E

BRONZE

approx. 2 000

ALIT Y QU

Map scale 1 : 224 000

2015 2015 Broadleaf beech forest and wild mountain creeks, old-growth beech forests, and peatbogs

WILDForest area Management area

1 332 ha

Wilderness Uniqueness

6 101 ha

E U ROP E A

Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDForest First Audit Most Recent Audit

Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest Ukraine

The 1 332 ha Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest was audited in 2015 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2025.

Protected area

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest is located in the north-eastern corner of the Carpathians. The purpose of the Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park is to protect the representative ecosystems and high biodiversity of the eastern Carpathian region. The WILDForest also has high aesthetic, scientific, educational, recreational and health improving values. Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest is a home to many species, some endemic and rare in the Carpathian Mountains, including newts, white-back woodpecker, beaver, red deer, wild boar, squirrel, and lynx.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Due to the strict protection of Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest, visitors are not allowed to see this area. Nevertheless, visitors have a wide range of opportunities in the park and can still enjoy the unique broadleaf beech forest. Several areas provide very similar experiences compared to the remote Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest. The Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park has around 600 visitors annually, which is increasing yearly. The majority of visitors are locals or from within the region, who use areas mainly for picnics or short walks. There are very few hikers or campers who explore the park on their own.

Contact Zacharovanyy kray WILDForest Zacharovanyy kray National Nature Park Partyzanska Str. 90130 Ilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;nytsya Village, Irshava Distr. Transcarpathian Reg. Ukraine Phone: +380 3144 79002 Website: www.nppzk.info/kontakti.html

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Vilm WILDIsland South East Rügen Biosphere Reserve Vilm WILDIsland Germany

Size of the Island

171 ha: 94 ha terrestrial, 77 ha marine

Wilderness Uniqueness

Map scale 1 : 214 400

Small island located close to the Rügen Island with old beech and mixed forest and well protected beaches approx. 900 000 approx. 10 000

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

Wilderness area Management area

2017

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDIsland

162 ha: 85 ha terrestrial, 77 ha marine

GOLD

Size of the WILDIsland European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

23 500 ha

The 162 ha Vilm WILDIsland was subject to a Quick-Audit in 2017 and meets the Gold Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2021.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 162 ha Vilm WILDIsland is part of South East Rügen Biosphere Reserve, Germany. Vilm WILDIsland is covered by old broadleaf forests with small lagoons, sandy beaches and attractive coastal features. Vilm WILDIsland is located five kilometres east from Rügen Island. It is the oldest protected area in Germany, and has been a Nature Reserve since 1936. Since 1990 it is part of the core zones of the South East Rügen Biosphere Reserve. The ancient forests on Vilm WILDIsland have never been managed by forestry. It is one of the most natural forest stand and wildest coasts in the South Baltic region. Due to non-intervention management, the strictly protected WILDIsland Vilm has developed in natural succession for many decades.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Vilm WILDIsland represents a piece of native wild forest and coastal landscape of high integrity. Vilm WILDIsland has a high importance as a local hotspot of biodiversity that is dependent on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. It contains representative flora and fauna species typical for ancient forests and coastal habitats. It is for example a permanent nesting place of the white-tailed sea eagle. The shallow coastal waters surrounding Vilm WILDIsland provide a resting area for migratory birds and a safe refuge for various species of geese, such as the greylag, bean and greater white-fronted geese.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The South East Rügen Biosphere Reserve is located 20 km northeast of Stralsund, the main access point to Rügen Island, the Biosphere Reserve and Vilm WILDIsland. The area of the Biosphere Reserve is accessible by train, car and buses. The main attraction of the South East Rügen Biosphere Reserve is the significant and diverse cultural landscape, including coast and sea, which represents almost 95% of the biosphere reserve area. Visitors have many options of easy, moderate or demanding hiking excursions to explore the diversity of this area. Access to Vilm WILDIsland is permitted only for guided tours and for participants of workshops in collaboration with the International Academy for Nature Conservation, part of the German Federal Agency for Nature Conservation (Bundesamt für Naturschutz – BfN). Visitors from guided tours are impressed and enlightened to experience Vilm WILDIsland.

Contact Vilm WILDIsland Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve Circus 1 18581 Putbus, Germany Phone: +49 38301 8829-0 Website: www.biosphaerenreservat-suedostruegen.de

Dyje WILDRiver

2.7 ha 2017 Surrounded by mixed deciduous forests in the lower continental region Pannonia lowland, left to spontaneous development approx. 200 000

Podyjí National Park Thayatal National Park

Due to the fragility of Dyje WILDRiver, the exact location of Podyjí Wilderness and Dyje WILDRiver is not disclosed. Map scale 1 : 141 000

approx. 10 000

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDRiver

6 276 ha

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

The 2 km Dyje WILDRiver was subject to a Quick-Audit in 2017 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Full-Audit is scheduled for 2023.

Wilderness Uniqueness

Podyjí National Park Dyje WILDRiver Czech Republic

BRONZE

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area WILDRiver Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDRiver European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

The Dyje WILDRiver, since the beginning of conservation efforts in this area, is the key element and driving force behind the establishment of the Podyjí National Park and transboundary protected area of Podyjí National Park in Czech Republic and Thayatal National Park in Austria.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The Dyje WILDRiver spans a length of over 2 kilometres and is embedded in the Podyjí Wilderness. The Podyjí Wilderness is part of the Podyjí National Park, Czech Republic. The Dyje WILDRiver is characterised by extraordinary scenery, being home to features such as rocky amphitheatres, cliffs, meanders and alluvial river terraces around the River.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The surrounding area of Dyje WILDRiver has a very high biodiversity. There are approximately 1 300 vascular plants species, nearly 1 000 macroscopic fungi species, approximately 300 species of lichens and 300 species of mosses, 209 bird species, 66 mammal species, 7 reptile species, 25 fish species, 13 amphibian species, and around 10 000 species of invertebrates.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Podyjí National Park lies in a very densely populated area with very good transport accessibility, 80 km from Vienna, 180 km from Prague. The park itself is not accessible for cars, but is accessible by a dense network of marked footpaths for cyclists and pedestrians. The paths lead along the Dyje WILDRiver and therefore the character of the area can be seen from several attractive sightseeing points. A system of information panels in the field provide the visitors with valuable information about the area.

Contact Dyje WILDRiver Podyjí National Park Na Vyhlídce 5 669 01 Znojmo, Czech Republic Phone: +420 515 282 240 Website: www.nppodyji.cz

Kitka WILDRiver

Map scale 1 : 136 000

2002 2012 Kitka WILDRiver and Oulanka WILDRiver surrounded by old-growth northern boreal pine forest, mires and swamps approx. 175 000 approx. 15 000

WILDRiver

16 km

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDRiver

29 000 ha

L DE R N E

BRONZE

Wilderness Uniqueness

Oulanka National Park Kitka WILDRiver Finland

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDRiver First Audit Most Recent Audit

ALIT Y QU

The Kitka WILDRiver (together with Oulanka WILDRiver) since the beginning of conservation efforts in this area is the key element and driving force behind the establishment of the Oulanka National Park and later on the transboundary protected area Paanajärvi National Park in Russia. Both rivers are flowing through the Oulanka Wilderness and Oulanka National Park down to the Paanajärvi National Park and Lake Paanajärvi in Russia. The Kitka WILDRiver and Oulanka WILDRiver (Finland) together with the Olanga WILDRiver (Russia) create an international WILDRiver of great value.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The Kitka WILDRiver spans over a length of 16 kilometres and is embedded in the Oulanka Wilderness and in Oulanka National Park, Finland. The Kitka WILDRiver is characterised by extraordinary scenery, being home to features such as spruced flood-lands, pine stands growing on sandy soil and past hills covered by dwarfed tundra vegetation.

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 26 km Kitka WILDRiver (together with Oulanka WILDRiver) was audited and monitored in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2012 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Biodiversity The surroundings of Kitka WILDRiver are full of versatile plant species, and due partly to the calcium-rich bedrock there are also many rare species. Along the Kitka WILDRiver there are habitats for uncommon butterflies. Rare birds like the Siberian jay and the capercaillie also take refuge along the Kitka WILDRiver.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Kitka WILDRiver is offering a unique experience in unspoiled region. In the last few years, more and more visitors are heading to this area, particularly from nearby Russia, to learn and experience the sister of the Olanga WILDRiver and the boreal forest in Finland. Visitors can come across the semi-domestic reindeer, great grey owl, and many other Nordic species. But first of all, they can enjoy the Kitka WILDRiver.

Contact Kitka WILDRiver Oulanka National Park Oulangan luontokeskus, Liikasenvaarantie 132 93900, Kuusamo, Finland Phone: +358 206 39 6850 Website: www.nationalparks.fi/oulankanp

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Mala Uholka WILDRiver

Map scale 1 : 58 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

2017 Mala Uholka WILDRiver is surrounded by old-growth temperate beech forests approx. 20 000 approx. 600

WILDRiver

7km

The 7 km long Mala Uholka WILDRiver (together with Velyka Uholka WILDRiver and Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver) was audited in 2017 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2027.

29 000 ha

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Mala Uholka WILDRiver Ukraine

PLATINUM

The Mala Uholka WILDRiver is flowing through the Tereblya River down to the Tisa River.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDRiver European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit Wilderness Uniqueness Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDRiver

The Mala Uholka WILDRiver (together with Velyka Uholka WILDRiver and Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver) is an excellent example of an unmodified Carpathian mountain river.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The Mala Uholka WILDRiver spans a length of over 7 kilometres and is embedded in the Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness, Ukraine. The Mala Uholka WILDRiver, together with the small tributaries Buchmonskyy Stream and Plosnyy Stream, is a small mountain river surrounded by undisturbed, temperate beech forests.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity Surrounding the Mala Uholka WILDRiver is the largest contiguous old-growth beech forests in Europe. It is an area of great international importance and a local hotspot for biodiversity, which is dependent on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. The Mala Uholka WILDRiver contains representatives of flora and fauna typical for old-growth Carpathian beech forests. The area is a place of permanent populations of brown bears, wolves and lynx. Typical dwellers are the black stork and eagle-owl. A rich variety of life can be found in the deadwood trunks, such as the protected alpine Rosalia longicorn beetle.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to Mala Uholka WILDRiver is permitted only for guided tours and for participants of workshops. The Mala Uholka WILDRiver and the Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness are located approx. 90 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 60 km from Ivano Frankivsk. The Mala Uholka WILDRiver is accessible for cars and busses. The nature trail in Mala Uholka provides a unique experience.

Contact Mala Uholka WILDRiver Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Krasne Pleso Street, 77, 90600, Rakhiv, Ukraine Phone: +380 3132 22193 Website: www.cbr.nature.org.ua/main.htm

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Olanga WILDRiver

Map scale 1 : 537 000

2005 2012 Olanga WILDRiver surrounded by old-growth northern boreal pine forest, mires and swamps approx. 6 000 approx. 2 500

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

WILDRiver

36 km

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDRiver

104 371 ha

BRONZE

Wilderness Uniqueness

Paanajärvi National Park Olanga WILDRiver Russia

The Oulanka WILDRiver coming from Finland is crossing the Finland-Russia border and changing the name to Olanga WILDRiver. The Olanga WILDRiver flows into the Lake Paanajärvi. Then the Olanga WILDRiver connects Lake Paanajärvi with the region’s largest lake, called Lake Pyaozero, outside of the Paanajärvi National Park. Every summer, brown trout force their way upstream through foaming rapids of the Olanga WILDRiver to reach the calm backwaters in the upper part of the Olanga WILDRiver. The Olanga WILDRiver (Russia) and the Oulanka WILDRiver (Finland) create a great international WILDRiver.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDRiver First Audit Most Recent Audit

The Olanga WILDRiver is the key element and driving force behind the establishment of the Paanajärvi National Park and later on the transboundary protected area: the Paanajärvi National Park in Russia and Oulanka National Park in Finland.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The Olanga WILDRiver spans a length of over 36 kilometres and is embedded in the Paanajärvi Wilderness, in Paanajärvi National Park, Russia. The Olanga WILDRiver is characterised by extraordinary scenery, with the well-known Kivakkakoski rapids. Today this is the highest unregulated waterfall in Karelia with a height of 12 metres. There are altogether 13 rapids on the river from lake Paanajärvi to Pyaozero lake.

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 36 km Olanga WILDRiver was audited and monitored in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Biodiversity The surrounding area of Olanga WILDRiver is a safe refuge for many species typical for this region, such as elk, lynx, hare, and lemming. Additionally, the surrounding boreal forests are home to brown bear, wild reindeer and wolverine. During winter times, you can find otters as well as wolf tracks along the Olanga WILDRiver. Many rare birds nest close to the Olanga WILDRiver, such as the Golden eagle. Most of the forest around Olanga WILDRiver is completely undisturbed by human influence.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Paanajärvi National Park and particularly Olanga WILDRiver are offering a unique experience in unspoiled Karelian region. Over the last years, more and more visitors are heading to this area, particularly from nearby Finland, to learn what a real WILDRiver looks like and what large-scale boreal Wilderness means. Visitors can come across the great grey owl, which protects its nest fearlessly. But first of all, they can enjoy the wild rapids of the Olanga WILDRiver.

Contact Olanga WILDRiver Paanajärvi National Park Republic of Karekia, Loukhi region, 186667, Pjaozerski, Russia Phone: +8-814 39-48-504 Website: www.eng.paanajarvi-park.com

Oulanka WILDRiver

26 km 2002 2012 Surrounded by old-growth northern boreal pine forest, mires and swamps home to rare plant, insect and bird species

L DE R N E

BRONZE

Number of visitors per year to the approx. 175 000 protected area Number of visitors per year to the approx. 15 000 WILDRiver

WILDRiver

29 000 ha

The Oulanka WILDRiver and Kitka WILDRiver (Finland) together with the Olanga WILDRiver (Russia) creates a great international WILDRiver.

Wilderness Uniqueness

Oulanka National Park Oulanka WILDRiver Finland

ALIT Y QU

Oulanka WILDRiver (together with Kitka WILDRiver) is flowing through the Oulanka Wilderness and Oulanka National Park down to Lake Paanajärvi in Paanajärvi National Park, Russia.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDRiver First Audit Most Recent Audit

Since the beginning of conservation efforts in this area, the Oulanka WILDRiver (together with Kitka WILDRiver) is the key element and driving force behind the establishment of the Oulanka National Park, and later on of the transboundary protected area with Paanajärvi National Park in Russia.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The Oulanka WILDRiver spans a length of over 26 kilometres and is embedded in the Oulanka Wilderness, in Oulanka National Park, Finland. The Oulanka WILDRiver is characterised by extraordinary scenery, being home to features such as spruced flood-lands, pine stands growing on sandy soil and hills covered by dwarfed tundra vegetation.

O WILDERNESS S

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System The 26 km Oulanka WILDRiver (together with Kitka WILDRiver) was audited and monitored in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2010 and 2012 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2022.

Biodiversity The surroundings of Oulanka WILDRiver is full of versatile plant species, and partly due to calcium-rich bedrock there are many rare species. Along the Oulanka WILDRiver there are habitats for uncommon butterflies. Rare birds like the Siberian jay and the capercaillie also take refuge along the Oulanka WILDRiver.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Oulanka National Park and particularly Oulanka WILDRiver are offering a unique experience in unspoiled region. Over the last few years, more and more visitors are heading to this area, particularly from nearby Russia, to discover and experience the Oulanka WILDRiver and its sister the Olanga WILDRiver, and the boreal forest in Finland. Visitors can come across the semi-domestic reindeer, great grey owl, and many other Nordic species. But first of all, they can enjoy the Oulanka WILDRiver.

Contact Oulanka WILDRiver Oulanka National Park Oulangan luontokeskus, Liikasenvaarantie 132 93900, Kuusamo, Finland Phone: +358 206 39 6850 Website: www.nationalparks.fi/oulankanp

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver

Map scale 1 : 66 000

2017 Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver is surrounded by old-growth temperate beech forests approx. 20 000 approx. 80

WILDRiver

9 km

The 9 km Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver (together with Mala Uholka WILDRiver and Velyka Uholka WILDRiver) was audited in 2017 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2027.

29 000 ha

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver Ukraine

PLATINUM

The Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver is flowing through the Tereblya River down to the Tisa River.

The Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver (together with Mala Uholka WILDRiver and Velyka Uholka WILD River) is an excellent example of an unmodified Carpathian mountain river.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver spans over a length of 9 km and is embedded in the Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness, Ukraine. The Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver, together with the tributary Tarsovskyy Stream, Polonskyy Stream and Bradul Stream, is a mountain river with an extraordinary scenery and is surrounded by undisturbed temperate beech forests.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The surrounding area of the Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver is the largest contiguous old-growth beech forest in Europe. It is an area of great international importance and a local hotspot for biodiversity depending on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. The Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver contains representatives of flora and fauna that are typical for old-growth Carpathian beech forests. This area is a place of permanent populations of the brown bears, wolves and lynxes. Typical dwellers are the black stork and the eagle-owl. A rich variety of life can be found in the deadwood trunks, such as the protected alpine Rosalia longicorn beetle.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver is permitted only for guided tours and for participants of workshops. The Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver and Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness are located approx. 90 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 60 km from Ivano-Frankivsk. The Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver is accessible for cars and busses. There is no public trail in Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver.

Contact Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Krasne Pleso Street, 77, Postal code city: 90600, Rakhiv, Ukraine Phone: +380 3132 22193 Website: www.cbr.nature.org.ua/main.htm

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Thaya WILDRiver

2 km 2018 Thaya WILDRiver is embedded in a well-protected area of mixed deciduous forests in the lowland of the Pannonia region, left to spontaneous development. approx. 50 000 There is no public access to the Thaya WILDRiver (only on special occasions excursions or research can occur)

Thayatal National Park Podyjí National Park

Due to the fragility of ThayaWILDRiver, the exact location of Thaya WILDRiver is not disclosed. Map scale 1 : 148 000

Number of visitors per year to the WILDRiver

2 km

L DE R N E

BRONZE

Number of visitors per year to the protected area

1 360 ha

The 2 km of ThayaWILDRiver was subjected to a Quick-Audit in 2017 and 2018 and meets the Bronze Wilderness Quality Standard. The Thayatal National Park and the Podyjí National Park together will consider the opportunity to implement a European Wilderness Quality Standard Full Audit and create the first Transboundary Wilderness in the Central Europe.

Wilderness Uniqueness

Thayatal National Park Thaya WILDRiver Austria

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of protected area Size of the WILDRiver Potential enlargement of WILDRiver European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

The Thaya WILDRiver is a segment of the Thaya river and spans a length of over 2 km, linking the Thayatal Wilderness and Podyjí Wilderness. The Thaya WILDRiver is characterised by extraordinary scenery, being home to features such as meanders and alluvial plains around the river Thaya. The Thaya river is the key element and driving force behind the establishment of the transboundary protected area of the Podyjí National Park in Czech Republic and Thayatal National Park in Austria.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The 2 km of Thaya WILDRiver is embedded in the Thayatal National Park, Austria. It is Austria’s smallest National Park, located in the north-eastern part of the country, at the border with Podyjí National Park in the Czech Republic. Thayatal National Park was established in the year 2000. The name Thayatal can be translated into the ‘valley of the Thaya river’, which is an impressive valley with steep cliffs, dense broadleaf forests and valuable fragments of WILDRiver.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The territory of Thayatal National Park has a very high biodiversity. There are several hundreds of vascular plant species, fungi, lichens, mosses, birds and mammals. There is a rich variety of forest types, such as oak and hornbeam-oak forests, relict pine forests, spring alluviums alder forest, and the native beech forests in the higher parts of the National Park. The Thaya WILDRiver is located in an impressive valley with steep cliffs, gentle meadows, natural forests and fascinating flora and fauna. The area is located on a distinct climatic border where continental and Central European flora and fauna come together. A significant part of the area is covered with forests, of which a considerable percentage is currently left to spontaneous development. The aim in the coming years is to let 75-85% of Thayatal National Park develop under spontaneous succession and to protect spontaneous dynamics of biodiversity.

Wilderness Tourism Experience The Thayatal National Park lies in a very densely populated area with good transport accessibility, 95 km from Vienna and 220 km from Prague. The park itself is not accessible for cars, but is accessible by a network of marked paths for pedestrians. Only the city of Hardegg, which is situated in the centre of the National Park is accessible by bike or car. The paths lead around the Thayatal Wilderness and Thaya WILDRiver, therefore the character of the area can be seen from several attractive sightseeing points. A system of information panels in the field outside of the WILDRiver provide the visitors with valuable information about the area. Additionally, there are paths that lead along parts of the Thaya river, which provide several sightseeing points to view the character of the river. Thaya WILDRiver is not accessible for tourists, but a network of paths enable visitors to discover and experience the surrounding Thayatal forest and river, which also have a wild character.

Contact Thaya WILDRiver Thayatal National Park 2082 Hardegg, Austria Phone: +43 2949 70050 Website: www.np-thayatal.at/en

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Velyka Uholka WILDRiver

Map scale 1 : 63 000

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

2017 Velyka Uholka WILDRiver is surrounded by old-growth temperate beech forests approx. 20 000 approx. 800

WILDRiver

8 km

The 8 km Velyka Uholka WILDRiver (together with Mala Uholka WILDRiver and Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver) was audited in 2017 and meets the Platinum Wilderness Quality Standard. A European Wilderness Quality Standard Renewal-Audit is scheduled for 2027.

Number of visitors per year to the protected area Number of visitors per year to the WILDRiver

29 000 ha

L DE R N E

ALIT Y QU

European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit System

Wilderness Uniqueness

Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Velyka Uholka WILDRiver Ukraine

PLATINUM

The Velyka Uholka WILDRiver is flowing through the Tereblya River down to the Tisa River.

Protected area Wilderness Country Size of the protected area Size of the WILDRiver European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit

The Velyka Uholka WILDRiver (together with Mala Uholka WILDRiver and Shyrokyy Luh WILDRiver) is an excellent example of an unmodified Carpathian mountain river.

Wilderness information

E U ROP E A

The Velyka Uholka WILDRiver spans a length of over 8 km and is embedded in the Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness, Ukraine. The Velyka Uholka WILDRiver, together with the small tributary Yavoronskyy Stream, is a typical mountain river with extraordinary scenery, and is surrounded by undisturbed temperate beech forests.

O WILDERNESS S

Biodiversity The surrounding area of the Velyka Uholka WILDRiver is the largest contiguous old-growth beech forest in Europe. It is an area of great international importance and a local hotspot for biodiversity that is dependrnt on spontaneous natural processes and ecosystem dynamics. The Velyka Uholka WILDRiver contains representatives of flora and fauna that are typical for oldgrowth Carpathian beech forests. The area has permanent populations of brown bears, wolves and lynx. Typical bird dwellers are the black stork and the eagle-owl. A rich variety of life can be found in the deadwood trunks, such as the protected alpine Rosalia longicorn beetle.

Wilderness Tourism Experience Access to Velyka Uholka WILDRiver is permitted only for guided tours and for participants of workshops. The Velyka Uholka WILDRiver and Uholka-Shyrokyy Luh Wilderness are located approx. 90 km from Uzhhorod and approx. 60 km from Ivano-Frankivsk. The Velyka Uholka WILDRiver is accessible for cars and busses. The nature trail in Mala Uholka provides a unique experience.

Contact Velyka Uholka WILDRiver Carpathian Biosphere Reserve Krasne Pleso Street, 77, 90600, Rakhiv, Ukraine Phone: +380 3132 22193 Website: www.cbr.nature.org.ua/main.htm

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

Archipelago WILDCoast, Finland

Rila Wilderness, Bulgaria

Majella Wilderness, Italy

ÂŠ European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org

European Wilderness Network

Central Balkan Wilderness, Bulgaria

European Wilderness Society Registration number / ZVR Zahl: 305471009 Registered in Austria Dechant-Franz-Fuchs Str. 5 | A-5580 Tamsweg EU Transparency registration number: 706136913777-83 (category non-governmental organisation)