Our principles in creating a new forest

Principles for the establishment of sustainable and perennial forests

1. The terrains on which the saplings are afforested are owned by the Symbioza Foundation, which guarantees the sustainability of the created forests and the possibility for long-term protection of the plantations as restricted areas;
2. No wood-timber extraction is carried on the forested terrains. The created new forests are used for CO2 offset and for habitats restoration.
3. Suitable terrains(in terms of soils, climate, distance from settlements) are selected for afforestation, mainly in temperate climate zones.
4. Areas that are not suitable for traditional agriculture are prefered for afforestation and thus no arable land is taken from the national agricultural funds.
5. In the activities for preparation of the terrains for afforestation, during the planting and cultivation process of the new plantations, as well as during the subsequent protection of the forests created , attempts are made to involve the local communities, living geographically close to the terrains for planting.
6. Indigenous tree species, adapted to the maximum possible extent to the conditions of afforestation, will be used;
7. For planting material (saplings) we shall use seeds harvested in the region and from crops managed in a special way and maintained in excellent health;
8. The planting material will be produced in nurseries situated in the vicinity of the afforestation zone. This will ensure more successful adaptation of the saplings after planting;
9. Deciduous species which are also more resistant to climate change are preferred (especially in the flatland areas);
10. Afforestation will take into account the biological characteristics of the tree species used. These will include growth rates, crown and root shape and dimensions etc., as well as their ecological needs for resources such as light, soil and atmospheric humidity, heat, etc.;
11. Particular attention will be paid to the cultivation of newly created forests and the replenishment of fallen individual trees during the first 2-3 years after afforestation;
12. The objective in creating these forest cultures is to conserve natural migration corridors, river bank zones and the mosaic of natural plantations which maintain biodiversity in the region;
13. Preference is given to forest cultures with a variety of tree varieties;
14. The forest cultures will be managed in a way conducive to the restoration of the natural forest cover and environment;
15. We will closely monitor subsequent impacts on adjacent areas, such as invasive self-forestation, changing water regimes and soil fertility in adjacent agricultural lands.
16. By maintaining these principles, the biological sustainability of the newly created forests will to a great extent be ensured. This is a prerequisite for their good health and permanence.