Efforts are underway in Razna National Park to restore biodiversity by thinning out monoculture spruce forests and allowing for the growth of diverse species.
In Razna National Park, environmental protection specialist Dainis Tučs highlights the importance of light in nature's ecosystem. He notes that the spruce monoculture, once dominant, has become overgrown and neglected, allowing hardwood trees to encroach without proper light reaching the forest floor. This has led to a significant lack of undergrowth and biodiversity within the park's forests.
Unlike traditional logging focused on timber extraction, the current initiative aims to cut down certain trees to foster a more resilient and biologically diverse forest in the future. Tučs points out the potential for seeing magnificent oaks and ancient trees develop over the coming centuries, reshaping the landscape of the park. The restoration work covers an area of 14 hectares, adjacent to valuable habitats, promoting the gradual spread of rare species into the restored woodlands.
The selective thinning process allows more light into the forest, ensuring that remaining oak trees thrive as they support the undergrowth. Tučs emphasizes the importance of removing competing spruce trees to prevent overshadowing and promote biodiversity. The close relationship between preserved habitats nearby and the treatment of the park's forests aims to enhance ecological health, supporting mosses and lichens that contribute to the park's unique ecosystem.
