European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit Report Synevyr National Nature Park
2016
Š European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org
European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit Report 2016
Synevyr National Nature Park In 1974, the first steps were taken in order to protect the nationally important landscape surrounding Synevyr Lake. By 1989 it officially became Synevry National Nature Park, which was given the responsibility to manage a much larger area.
Synevyr National Nature Park
Park information Protected area
Synevyr National Nature Park
Country
Ukraine, province Zakarpattia Oblast
IUCN classification
II
Main ecological classification
broadleaf and conifer forest, alpine meadows, mountain creeks
Size of the National Nature Park
42,704 ha
Size of the Wilderness
4,580 ha, with potential of enlargement for additional 6,500 ha
Established
1974 landscape reserve, 1989 national nature park
European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit
2016
Wilderness Uniqueness
Large un-fragmented area of old growth beech and mixed forest
Number of visitors per year to the National Nature Park
around 5,000
Number of visitors per year to the Wilderness
less than 100
Wilderness Category
Legend Trails
Silver Candidate
Park Boundary
Old Grow Forest
Zoning System
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Core Zone
Zone of controlled Tourism
Tourism development Zone
Economic Zone
Synevyr National Nature Park, Ukraine
Biodiversity The area is home to eight fish species, nine amphibian species, six reptile species, 48 bird species, 30 mammal species in addition to rare plant species (Crocus heuffelianus, Leucojum vernum and Lilium martagon), which is listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (2009). There also exist four forest groups, which are listed in the Green Data Book of Ukraine (2009): Fagetum fruticosa, Fagetum dryopteridosum, Fagetum symphytosum and Fagetum adenostylosum. Meandering rivers in Synevyr Wilderness.
Synevyr Wilderness The Synevyr National Nature Park core zone has good Wilderness potential. A significant part of this area is covered by oldgrowth, primeval conifer as well as broadleaf forests. The area provides a safe refuge for native populations of all Carpathian carnivores such as brown bear, wolf, wildcat and lynx. The core zone is mostly road less and without any management intervention. Furthermore, there was only little human impact over the last 60 years, as the zone is not open to the public according to Ukranian legislation.
Tourism values of Synevyr National Nature Park
Information system at the border of Synevyr National Nature Park.
The Synevyr National Nature Park is located 180 km east of Uzhhorod, the provincial capital of Zakarpattya. The area is accessible for cars and buses due to the relatively good asphalt roads. The main attraction is the Synevyr lake, which is the most visited lake in the Ukraine. The lake is 989 m above sea level and surrounded by conifer and broadleaf forests as well as meadows. The high mountains surrounding the lake increase the attractiveness of this place. Visitors have a possibility to start easy, moderate as well as demanding hiking trips to the high mountain ridge. Some areas within the park were used by local people.
Š European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org
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European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit Report 2016
Wilderness WildRivers WildCoasts WildForests WildIslands
The European Wilderness Network1 Growing demand for more wilderness in Europe has led us to the creation of the European Wilderness Network showcasing some of the finest wilderness in Europe. This system includes the best European wilderness sprinkled from the Mediterranean up to the Arctic Circle, from the Atlantic coast to the Ural Mountains! All members of the European Wilderness Network have been audited according to the European Wilderness Quality Standard. The European Wilderness Society works in cooperation with their international partners to expand the future of the European Wilderness Network.
European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System The European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System defines four categories in the European Wilderness Network (Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum). Each category defines a specific quality standard with a clear focus on its wilderness values, especially of the core zones. The standard is based on nine Wilderness principles with 53 criteria and approximately 300 indicators. The European Wilderness Quality Standard and Audit System includes the following steps: • Agreement with management body of the Wilderness • Site visit and European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit • Agreement on audit mission • SWOT analysis and European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit Report • Certification and awarding ceremony (certificate for ten years) • Regular monitoring
1) http://wilderness-society.org/european-wilderness-definition/european-wilderness-network/
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© European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org
Synevyr National Nature Park, Ukraine
Quick-Audit Team
Quick-Audit Itinerary
Audit Team Mr. Vlado Vancura (lead Wilderness auditor) and Mrs. Mariana Matsko (Wilderness auditor)
Friday, 15 July 2016 First meeting with Mr. Nikolaj Derbak (director) and Yuriy Tyuh (deputy director) of Synevyr National Nature Park
Host Team Mr. Nikolay Derbak (director), Yurjy Tyuh (deputy director) and Matchyn Fedir (local ranger)
Saturday, 16 July 2016 Fieldtrip to the Synevyr National Nature Park core area guided by Yuriy Tyuh (deputy director) and Matichyn Fedir (local ranger) Sunday, 17 July 2016 Departure day
European Wilderness Society experts and Synevyr National Nature Park rangers examining the potential Wilderness.
Š European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org
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European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit Report 2016
European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit The following table provides the initial results of the European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit based on two days of work in the Synevyr National Nature Park (one day office and one day field work). A full audit would result in the more comprehensive assessment of the Wilderness with more detailed recommendations.
Representatives of Synevyr National Nature Park and European Wilderness Society met in Zacharovanyy Kray National Nature Park.
The significant part of this area is covered by old-growth and primeval conifer and broadleaf forests.
Outcome of the Gorgany European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit 1. Wilderness size and zoning The visited area of the Synevyr Wilderness has a clearly defined boundary and the proposed size of Wilderness is 4,580 ha with potential of enlargement to an additional 6,500 ha. In order to achieve this the restoration and transition zones need to be clearly identified. 2. Natural processes and biodiversity The visited area of the Synevyr Wilderness fully follows natural processes to maintain natural dynamics in biodiversity, significantly contributing to the conservation of Wilderness indicative species (wolf, bear, lynx) and containing excellent examples of undisturbed ecosystems. To fully meet this principle it is necessary to develop a comprehensive management plan for the restoration and transition zone.
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Š European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org
Synevyr National Nature Park, Ukraine 3. Wilderness management The Synevyr Wilderness is protected by law. The overall management plan includes chapters specifically relevant for the Synevyr Wilderness and is managed by a sufficiently large management team. To fully meet this principle it is necessary to focus on the development and the implementation of the training plan with an emphasis on staff working with Wilderness. 4. Wilderness restoration The Synevyr Wilderness has to identify and formulate a clear long-term vision and strategy how to enlarge Wilderness. It is critically important to formulate and implement a concrete, site-specific Wilderness restoration plan. 5. Wilderness and extractive uses The visited area of the Synevyr Wilderness has no extractive or commercial use such as forestry operation, hunting and/or game management. No fishing, no active mining, no old mining sites, no domestic livestock grazing and agriculture, no deadwood collection and very limited collection of berries and mushrooms near the official trails were found. 6. Wilderness disturbance The visited area of the Synevyr Wilderness has no permanent infrastructure, no settlements, very limited amount of temporary structures (such as information boards), no inherited settlements, no archaeological remains and very limited use of motorised transport (usually at the edges of the Wilderness). The visited area of the Synevyr Wilderness has very limited free access by foot. No use of horses, no fences, no use of dogs due to excluded access of the public to the visited area, etc. is allowed. 7. Control strategies for fire, diseases, invasive species and other natural disturbances The visited area of the Synevyr Wilderness has no clearly defined fire, disease and neophyte and invasive species management strategy. Fire, diseases and other unpredictable natural events (windstorm, avalanches, floods, etc.) are not always considered an inevitable element of Wilderness. The Synevyr Wilderness should not supress fire in the Wilderness zone. 8. Wilderness research and monitoring The Synevyr Wilderness has a long history of Wilderness research and monitoring. Nonetheless, there currently seems to be a problem with demands to open this area not only for visitors but also for extractive use. Current monitoring of the Synevyr Wilderness is documenting most of the activities and possible extractive uses. The Synevyr Wilderness is missing a detailed and systematic cooperation plan with scientific institutions and universities. 9. International relevance The Synevyr Wilderness is currently not officially internationally recognised as IUCN category Ia or Ib. It is also nominated as a member of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and the Ancient Beech Forests of Germany”. The Synevyr Wilderness supports the protection of several internationally threatened species (wolf, bear, lynx, golden eagle). The Synevyr Wilderness is currently missing capacity and resources to reach the highest international recognitions. European Wilderness Quality Standard Principles
Conclusions • The Synevyr Wilderness will be a Certified Wilderness Silver Candidate due to its quality and size. • Effective immediately Synevyr Wilderness will be a member of the European Wilderness Network. • It is necessary to look for co-funding for the European Wilderness Quality Standard Audit planned in 2017. • Synevyr Wilderness will define a reliable English-speaking contact over the coming months.
Quick-Audit
1. Wilderness size and zoning 2. Natural processes and biodiversity 3. Wilderness management 4. Wilderness restoration 5. Wilderness and extractive uses 6. Wilderness disturbance 7. Control strategies for fire, diseases, invasive species and other natural disturbances 8. Wilderness research and monitoring 9. International relevance
© European Wilderness Society www.wilderness-society.org
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European Wilderness Quality Standard Quick-Audit Report Synevyr National Nature Park Synevyr National Nature Park
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)