EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Onno de Bruijn,
Society for the Preservation of Nature
in The Netherlands,
((Vereniging Natuurmonumenten),
's-Graveland,
The Netherlands
Heorhi A. Kazulka,
State National Park
Belovezhskaya Pushcha,
Belarus, Kamenyuki
Czeslaw Okolow,
Bialowieza National Park,
Poland, Bialowieza
THE CROSS-BORDER CONFERENCE OF JUNE 2000
Figure 67. Ecotourist in the
Bialowieza Primeval Forest
These proceedings are of the cross-border conference on biodiversity conservation in the Bialowieza Forest, the last vast remnant (over 150,000 ha), of the European Primeval lowland Forest situated on the border between Poland and Belarus. The conference was held in Kamenyuki (Belarus) and Bialowieza (Poland) from 27th to 29th June 2000. The conference was attended by approximately 40 invitees (managers, scientists, representatives of authorities) from both Poland and Belarus as well as from abroad. During the conference, a number of park managers and scientists from both countries (6 from Poland and 7 from Belarus) delivered lectures on the following aspects: park management, biodiversity and environmental conservation, forestry and agriculture, cultural history and ecotourism. All speakers had been asked to talk about the current situation in either the Polish or the Belarussian part of the Bialowieza Forest, and the problems they recognised regarding nature management and sustainable management in the future. Furthermore, they were asked to identify possible pilot projects in their field.
OUTLINE OF THE PROCEEDINGS
This conference volume contains summaries of the contributions made to the conference. In the introductory part, the conference participants are listed and the final conference declaration (the so-called "Bialowieza-Kamenyuki Appeal-2000") is incorporated. In this document, the motivation, challenges and future directions for integrated management of the Bialowieza Forest are listed under 10 points. In the introductory part of the proceedings, De Bruijn describes the starting process leading to the conference and its scope, namely, to consider and manage the Bialowieza Forest as a whole. From historical, landscape and ecological standpoints, the Polish part (Puszcza Bialowieska) and the Belarussian part (Belovezhskaya Pushcha) form one cohesive forest complex, belonging together and sharing the same water catchment system. This can be demonstrated in an impressive way by bringing together the two detailed maps, which show the Polish, and Belarussian parts of the Bialowieza Forest respectively. These maps were issued in a project of the North-Podlasian Bird Protection Society (PTOP) and its counterpart, the Belarussian Bird Protection Society (APB). Both maps are added to this book.
Figure 68. Wild primeval forest (PB)
The second and third parts of this conference volume contain the contributions of the speakers from Poland and Belarus respectively. The general order in which the subjects are presented is: park management, nature conservation, forestry, bog and fen conservation (Belarus), water management, ecological agriculture, cultural history and ecotourism. In the executive summary, the main information and conclusions of the Polish and Belarussian specialists is integrated for each topic..
HISTORY OF THE BIALOWIEZA FOREST
Figure 69. Historical exhibition in the
Nature Museum in Kamenyuki,
showing Polish kings sitting around a small
camp fire (first scene) and a hunting episode
in the life of the Russian tsar Nikolai II
(second scene) (OdB)
The first reference to the Pushcha ("Pushchansky") Region as an old primeval forest dates from the Ipatievskaya Chronicles of 983. The Bialowieza Forest may well be the oldest nature reserve in Europe. It has been a protected area since the late XIV - early XV centuries, when King Jagiello declared the Pushcha a protected territory, having reserved hunting rights for himself and his brother Vitold. Preservation of the Pushcha was favoured due to the presence of the European Bison. The desire to keep this species in Europe prompted first Lithuanian princes, then Polish kings and, still later, Russian tsars, to protect this forest with zeal and determination, against human depredation. In 1795, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha became part of Russia, and, as an asset of the tsar's family, it was retained, as before, as a hunting ground for the nobility. Following the end of World War I, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha changed "ownership" and became a part of Poland. In 1921, a plot of 4,594 ha near its administrative centre, the Belavezha (Bialowieza) Settlement, was classified as Reserwat Forestry. This area formed the basis of the Bialowieza National Park. After the end of World War II, the western part of the Bialowieza Forest (55,000 ha), together with its historical centre (the Belavezha Settlement), the territory of the former National Park and the bison nursery, were allocated to Poland. Belarus still owned 74,500 ha (the Belovezhskaya Pushcha), but this area was virtually void of any base for research and administrative activities. A new bison-breeding centre was built, and Polish colleagues supplied five Bison from their stock.
At present, the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest contains 62,500 ha. This includes the most important protected area, the Bialowieza National Park with an area of 10,502 ha (of which 4,747 ha are under strict protection). The administration centre is located in the village of Bialowieza. The Belarussian part of the Bialowieza Forest comprises after the incorporation of some ecologically unique and valuable territories (including the Dikoie Marshes), a total area of 96,198 ha; of these, 15,677 ha belong to the "Wilderness Protection Zone". The Administrative Centre of the State National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha" is located in the Kamenyuki Settlement, Kamenetz District. The Bialowieza Forest, both the Polish and the Belarussian parts, form one of the most recognised nature reserves, on a European and even a world-wide scale. In 1992, a strictly protected area of the Polish " Bialowieza National Park", together with a similar sector of the Belarussian State National Park "Belovezhskaya Pushcha", were declared as a Polish-Belarussian cross-border World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
PARK MANAGEMENT
The situation of the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest is described by Jedrzejewska. A vision of the Bialowieza National Park (BNP), after its enlargement to include the entire Polish side of the Bialowieza Primeval Forest (BPF), was prepared by a working group of the Scientific Council of the Bialowieza National Park. The goals of the park are not exclusively limited to extension and diversification of conservation subjects (which is necessary because of the uniqueness of the Forest on a European and world-wide scale), but they also consider the needs of the local communities, education, and tourism management. The main purpose was to elaborate a model of the park which would reconcile all the requirements of nature conservation with social demands, stimulating sustainable development of the region and being accepted by local people. Graduated protection zones have been proposed: from a strict protection zone (zone I - currently 11% of the park's area, to be increased to 20%); through a passive protection zone (zone II - 35% of the area), in which forestry activity would be excluded, but with public access; to a transition zone (zone III - 18%), with moderate restoration management; to finally a restoration zone (zone IV - 36%), which would meet local demands for wood. While the main purpose of zones I and II is to secure the continuity of natural forest processes, zones III and IV will be submitted to restoration management, using advanced multi-purpose forestry techniques. Logging will gradually decrease in the future to reflect a decreasing demand for wood caused by changes in local industry and employment structures (including modification due to tourism development). The document pays a great deal of attention to monuments of material and spiritual cultures that testify to the everlasting relationship between humans and the forest. A premise has been that tourism should become one of the most important branches of the regional economy. The BNP will become one of the largest institutions in the region and, because of the possible additional financing and tourism development, will stimulate economic and cultural development of the entire region.
Figure 70. Forestry building in
the Belovezhskaya Pushcha (OdB)
The situation for the Belarussian part of the Bialowieza Forest is described by Kazulka. Biodiversity conservation in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha is a complex problem. The solution should be based on the Belovezhskaya Ecological Region Concept, which aims to develop a system to restore the ecological balance in the Pushcha and create favourable social and cultural environments in the adjacent territories. The territory of Belovezhskaya Pushcha is subdivided into four functional zones with different protection regimes: I - Wilderness Protection Zone (16%); II - Regulated Nature Zone (68%); III - Regulated Recreational Zone (11%); and, IV - Economic Activity Zone (5%). In addition, a Support (or Buffer) Zone is established encircling the Pushcha, of some 90,000 ha.
Figure 71. Herd of bison (AB)
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND NATURE PROTECTION
The situation in the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest is described by Okolow, and in the Belarussian part by Kazulka. The most characteristic forest forms in Bialowieza are deciduous forests and mixed coniferous forests of the subboreal type. In the Polish territory, deciduous forest predominates. The most important protected area is the Bialowieza National Park, but also outside of the BNP area very valuable old natural stands exist in the Promotional Forest Complex "Bialowieza Forest". In the Belarussian territory, mixed coniferous forest dominates. Over a long period, the practice has been established in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha to avoid clearance felling.
Figure 72. An adult lynx can cover
7-10 kms on its nocturnal predatory
expeditions (WJ)
Figure 73. Badger leaving
its hole at sunset (PB)
About 60 species of mammals exist, of which the largest is the symbol of the Bialowieza Forest: the European Bison (Bison bonasus) whose population is the largest existing anywhere in Europe in historical time. In the 1990s, there was a free-ranging herd of 200-250 Bison in the Polish part and a herd of 250-300 Bison in the Belarussian part of the forest. Alas, for the last 30 years many Bison have suffered a serious infectious disease which may result in the collapse of herd numbers. Inbreeding (the whole Bialowieza Bison herd has descended from only a few individuals) has contributed to the problem. Polish and Belarussian specialists are exchanging information as regards Bison population viability requirements. Besides the Bison, huge numbers of ungulates, e.g. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) and Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) are living in both territories as well as rarer mammal species such as the European Elk (Alces alces), Beaver (Castor fiber), Badger (Meles meles), Pine marten (Martes martes), Otter (Lutra lutra), Wolf (Canis lupus) and Lynx (Felis lynx). Since 1981, there has been a barbed wire fence (about 2m high) along the border through the Bialowieza Forest. This forms a barrier to migration and population exchange of the larger terrestrial animals. The avifauna of the Bialowieza Forest is very rich and includes many rare and threatened species of primeval forests: Black Stork (Ciconia nigra), Crane (Grus grus), Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina), Booted Eagle (Hieraetus pennatus), Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus), Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium passerinum), Tengmalm's Owl (Aegolius funereus), Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), White-backed woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos), Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), Collared and Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis and F. parva) and Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes). Besides these, in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, some rare bird species are still breeding that have become extinct in the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest such as the Black Grouse (Lyrurus tetrix), Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga) and Great Grey Owl (Strix nebulosa). Due to the existence of large bogs and fens (such as the Dikoie marshes) in the Belarussian territory a huge population of the worldwide-threatened Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola) survives. The fauna list of the Bialowieza Forest further contains about 250 bird species, 7 reptile species, 12 species of amphibians, 25 fish species and well over 10,000 invertebrate species. The flora includes over 1,000 vascular, seed and spore plants, more than 3000 species of fungi (including 500 mushroom species), 300 species of lichens and 200 of mosses. Many of them are rare and vanishing species which are listed in the Red Data Book of Poland and/or of the Republic of Belarus.
Figure 74. Globe-flowers
(Trollius europaeus)
flowering in park-like oak forest (AB)
The following problems are regarded as the main threats to biodiversity and the existing natural values in the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest: (1) Fragmenting of the remaining natural old forest stands in the Promotional Forest Complex, which threatens hundreds of plant and animal species that are relics of primeval forests; (2) Disturbance of hydrological conditions as a result of land reclamation and hydro-technical regulatory works; (3) Abandonment of traditional farming methods such as mowing of hayfields and extensive cattle breeding.
In the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, important threats to biodiversity conservation are: (1) Problems with natural regeneration of old forest stands. This is partly due to the high grazing pressure caused by excessive numbers of ungulates (especially Red Deer) artificially maintained by winter feeding; (2) Reclamation of bogs and regulation of natural rivulets; (3) Intensive large-scale farming activities on forest-clearings within the Pushcha and in agricultural land in the Support Zone.
The authors make a number of suggestions for overcoming these negative impacts. The problems of conflicting interests between nature conservation and economic activities (forestry, agriculture, hunting) should be solved by a re-zoning of the area and associated activities, in combination with supporting policies and regulations for the different zones. The problem of excessively high densities of ungulates in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha is tackled by transferring intensive game husbandry from the National Park to the Shereshevskoie Forestry District (13,300 ha) in the Support Zone. The main objective of the Shereshevskoie Forestry and Game Ground contains intensive management for trophy hunting. In this way, a start can be made with reducing ungulate populations in the State National Park without economic consequences. Other solutions to conflicts between nature conservation and the economy are put forward in this volume by specialists on forestry, ecological agriculture, water management, and wetlands conservation.
FORESTRY
The situation in the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest is described by Zbrozek. The managed part of the Bialowieza Forest, administrated by the State Forests Department, consists of about 52,000 ha of forests which, since 1994, together form the Promotional Forest Complex " Bialowieza Forest". In recent years, the management of the Bialowieza Forest has been completely revised. A model of ecological management has been created based on management principles for the complete ecosystem, in contrast to the previous system of stand management alone. The managed part of the Promotional Forest Complex is divided into two zones with different silvicultural and protective regimes. The 1st Protective Zone (about 16,000 ha), situated around the Bialowieza National Park, has a special forestry regime. In this zone, natural regeneration is the rule; clearance cuttings are prohibited, and soil cultivation on renovated areas is carried out manually. The rest of the Bialowieza Forest Complex (about 36,000 ha) forms the 2nd Protective Zone. In this zone, clearance cutting is allowed but minimised. Tree stands appropriate for conversion are determined using higher than normal cutting ages. Parts (5-10%) of the mature stands in the Promotional Forest Complex are not subjected to forestry management operations. Special attention is given to stands affected by human activity during the 1st and 2nd World Wars, and in the period 1924-1929 when Bialowieza Forest was overseen by the English firm "Century European Company" during which many forest stands were cut down. Foresters believe that through the realisation of rational management measures, that take into account the needs of the local society, they can maintain sustainability and protect the Bialowieza Forest.
Figure 75. Storage of cut trees
near a forest road (CO)
The situation in the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest is described by Pugachevskii, Romanyuk & Smoktunovich. The Belovezhskaya Pushcha is unique primarily due to its forests. The forests are dominated by mature and even older stands. On one hand, this gives the Belovezhskaya Pushcha forest its special uniqueness and value, on the other hand, it creates many ecological, economic, and forestry problems for the park's forest management. Ecological problems include: a decrease in the tolerance of old-growth stands to unfavourable environmental factors (for instance, drought in old spruce stands followed by Spruce-Bark Beetle infestation); difficulties with natural renewal of oak (due to overgrazing of an excessive ungulate population that has been artificially maintained over an extended period) and, of pine (due to the effective fire protection in the Pushcha forests which has led to the formation of a thick moss cover and ground litter which hinders germination and seedling rooting). These ecological problems are interwoven with economic problems, that include: problems with afforestation; the lack of specialized forestry equipment; problems with the rational use of manpower, equipment and sawn-wood supply and processing. The first steps to resolve these challenges are: large-scale investigations into the forest ecology and appropriate management of the old-growth forests of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha; matching the interests of the forest proper with those of game hunting and tourism, along with the providing of good regulatory and/or recommendatory documents; a critical analysis of the current practices of logging, and a more profound differentiation within the adopted forestry practices within the functional zones of the Park's territory.
BOG AND FEN CONSERVATION
At the conference, there was no contribution on this subject by Polish scientists. However, within the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest, peat bogs do occur in river valleys. They belong to the fen type; besides open marshland, alder and willow shrubs are occurring as well as alder/ash riparian forest. Within the forest complex itself, wet hollows and gullies (without outlets) are either alder carr or alder/oak forest. In addition, wet mixed forests with pine and spruce occur as do mossy coniferous forests dominated by spruce. Relatively small areas exist of marshy pine forest on former raised bogs; moreover, there are small open areas of raised-bog moss-land.
Figure 76. Wetland site
with bushes (AB)
Large areas of bogs and fens (either open or forested) are a distinguishing mark of the Belarussian part of the Bialowieza Forest. The situation in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha is reviewed here by Bambalov. The total area of wetlands with over 0.3 m thick peat beds amounts to 20,550 ha, of which 83% are fens, 14% raised bogs, and 3% transitional bogs. The most prevalent characteristic of the region is forested marshes that cover some 82% of all the wetlands in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Most of these are situated outside the floodplains, on higher terraces. The area of unforested marshes amounts to 3,742 ha, or 18% of the total wetland area. Large marshes, of more than 15 ha, are rare. Complexes of more than 100 ha can only be found in north-eastern Pushcha, for instance, the Arlowa and Dikoie bogs. The remaining territory features only small fragments (frequently less than 1 ha) of unforested marshes within forested complexes. These are predominantly of the fen type (98%). The geomorphology of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha fens and bogs is diverse. Some of them are confined to the floodplains of rivers and streams, others occur on higher terraces; a number of bogs occupy discharged craters. The large Dikoie bog originated at the watershed of the Yaselda, Narev, and Nebuzyanka riverheads, in a vast flow-through valley.
Many of these very valuable fens and bogs are damaged or threatened by peat excavation, drainage operations, and the natural processes of vegetation succession. As a result, rare mesotrophic bog types are changing into the much more common eutrophic marshes; moreover, open bogs and fens become overgrown with patches of willow. Such processes threaten many rare plant and animal species including the Aquatic Warbler (Acrocephalus paludicola), of which the Arlowa and Dikoie bogs harbour one of the largest populations world-wide. The drainage of the Glubyanets and Diky Nikor complexes has resulted in the decrease of a relict tree species, the Silver Fir (Abies alba), in a small woodlot at the edge of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, the only location where it grows naturally in Belarus.
To summarise, the analysis of the current status of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha wetlands, including their Support Zone, reveals that all the systems are hydraulically linked with the Pushcha territory, and have been disturbed to varying extents by anthropogenic interference. Drainage operations and peat mining has resulted in the degradation of bog vegetation cover, fire initiation, and the extermination of rare species of plants, birds, and other animals. Thus, a set of arrangements needs to be drawn up with the aim of preserving and optimising the utilisation of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha wetlands.
WATER MANAGEMENT
The hydrology of the Bialowieza Forest is determined by two main rivers, the Narev and Lesnaya Pravaya, which belong to the Baltic Basin. The Narev River originates in the Support (Buffer) Zone of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Running through northern Pushcha, the Narev River crosses into Poland where it flows into the Vistula. The Lesnaya Pravaya, does the opposite, it rises in Poland, passes through the southern part of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha and, after it has joined the Lesnaya Levaya River, forms the Lesnaya River - a tributary of the Zapadny Bug which flows into the Narev River close to Warsaw. Notwithstanding the marked physicogeographical distinctions, and differences in the water discharges at the estuary, the two rivers have, though originating in different countries, the same cross-border importance due to their impact upon the Vistula water conditions and, consequently, on the condition of the Baltic Sea as a whole.
The situation in the Polish areas of the Bialowieza Forest is discussed by Okruszko. There are signs of drying out of the ecosystems along the watercourses. Large irrigation schemes on both sides of the border, coupled with regulation of the streams in the Bialowieza Forest and its vicinity, are generally blamed for this situation. In the author's opinion, however, the situation is somewhat more complicated. Meteorological data show a change in the periods of snow cover in recent decades. Up to the 1950s, the average period of snow cover in the region was close to 100 days per year. In the 1990s, snow cover lasted no more than 75 days on a yearly average and, moreover, there are now some periods during the winter when the snow melts, which was previously very rare. As a result of the lack of snow retention, the spring floods are less intense when the snow thaws. The valley is no longer fed by river water and the floodplain does not receive enough water to sustain it through the dry summer conditions. The process of diminishing floods during the snow thaw has been studied in recent years for the Upper Narev River. It should also be stressed that these studies were conducted prior to the Siemianowka water reservoir coming into operation which, in the last few years, has further decreased peak flows. Besides the effect of diminishing snow cover leading to a decrease in the flood impulse, various drainage schemes are worsening the situation by increasing the speed of water outflow. The hypothesis on the effect of reduced average snow cover on the watercourse ecosystems needs to be verified for the Bialowieza Forest conditions by collecting and analysing hydrological, meteorological and ground water level data. Detailed analysis of these data, coupled with an ecological study, would assist in determining appropriate technical conservation actions and the best sites in which to carry these out.
Figure 77. Forest river (AB)
The problems of river preservation in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha are described by
Savitskij & Vakhonin. The hydrological network of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha is based upon two rivers, the Narev and Lesnaya Pravaya. In spite of their international importance, and the necessity to protect the Belovezhskaya Pushcha watercourse ecosystems, as mentioned above, these rivers, and especially their catchment areas, have suffered both in Belarus and Poland from two types of anthropogenic activities: hydrotechnical construction and drainage operations allied with land reclamation. Within the boundaries of Belarus, the Narev River has suffered least. However, its main tributary, the Narevka, has been canalised and is now almost completely regulated. There are no hydrotechnical constructions in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha but a large storage reservoir, Siemianowka with an area of 2,900 ha, was constructed in 1993 close by in Poland. As a consequence, the Narev River hydrological regime, and that of its right-bank tributaries, has suffered greatly and, by 1999, this had resulted in material changes to the flora and fauna of the rivers in question. The sub-basin terrain on the right bank of the Lesnaya Pravaya River has been reclaimed to a great extent. Within the boundaries of the Pushcha, the construction of hydrotechnical facilities (apart from the river canalising activity) has occurred only on the Lesnaya Pravaya River whose minor tributary, the Pierevoloka River, now contains two artificial water reservoirs: Large Lyadskoie (old) and Small Lyadskoie (new), with areas amounting to 332 ha and 80 ha, respectively.
The authors suggest installing an extended monitoring system, in both countries, covering hydrological and hydrobiological parameters to determine the quality of both river systems. The problems associated with their ecological protection require a differentiated approach, with due regard to ecological, economic, and social factors. A number of suggestions are made to ensure systematic investigation, and to preserve or restore the natural status of the rivers of the Bialowieza Forest.
ECOLOGICAL AGRICULTURE
Within the Polish part of the Bialowieza, a number of settlements are situated within the large primeval forest. Nowadays, these villages are surrounded by farmland. The harmonious combination of traditional wooden houses with the surrounding farmland yields a fine scenery which is appreciated by many visitors. Besides the cultural historic value, the traditional use of the farmlands has important ecological values.
Figure 78. Farmyard with wooden
outhouses (barn, cowshed, pigsty, henhouse),
typical of rural Bialowieza (PB)
The principles of ecological agriculture, and its benefits for the Polish countryside, are dealt with by Szymona. In many cases, agricultural use of land located within the boundaries of a protected area conflicts with guidelines for natural environment conservation. Such a conflict occurs when a farm uses conventional farming systems. Ecological agriculture is a system of agricultural production that is based on the use of natural processes that occur within farms. If farming takes place according to this definition, agricultural production need not conflict with the guidelines for areas of high natural value. Moreover, the system is fully rational and modern. In recent years, it has been rapidly developing in countries with strong economies since it brings about tangible economic benefits and, to a large extent, meets market expectations and requirements. This is why it should be pursued in successful commercial farms, where high yields of good quality crops can be achieved. Such production can only take place in a balanced natural environment, where pollution does not exceed adopted standards. Poland's association agreement with the European Union, and the prospect of full integration, confront its agriculture system with totally new tasks. In this context, ecological agriculture should be seen as an opportunity for the Polish farmer, since it favours small farms and traditional techniques of crop production, allowing a sensible use of the existing excess of labour. Besides, it can be observed that the degradation of the agricultural land in the countryside, especially in Eastern Poland, is far less marked than in Western Europe. Therefore, in many studies, Poland is seen as a potential market competitor selling high quality food, including some from organic farms.
Technologies applied in agricultural production need to be environmentally friendly since those that have a degrading effect on nature cannot be applied in organic farms. Ecological agriculture excludes the use of synthetic substances, such as industrial fertilisers, chemical pesticides, and growth hormones. It is based on organic fertilisers, whose preparation is complicated and labour intensive. In ecological agriculture, fertilisation of fields and the use of plant protection products (zoocides, fungicides) are associated with natural principles and to rules laid down by the Polskie Towarzystwo Rolnictwa Ekologicznego (Polish Ecological Agriculture Society), the largest inspection body for ecological agriculture in Poland. Applying such principles, it is possible to run a farm successfully using an ecological agriculture system. Agricultural crops from such a farm can only be sold as organic ones after obtaining a certificate issued by an authorised certifying institute.
Figure 79. Local farmers
with horse-drawn vehicle.
The horse is still an essential
part of Bialowieza life (PB)
There would seem to be good opportunities for ecological agriculture near the villages in the Bialowieza Forest, because this approach combines both economic and ecological goals. It could also slow down the process of the abandonment of the area by the local population. In connection with this, a broad and detailed inventory and evaluation needs to be made of cultural, landscape and natural values of the farmland areas within the Bialowieza Forest, and the results have to be implemented in the land use in the future. In this way the existing harmony between man and nature in the Bialowieza Forest can be sustainably safeguarded for future generations.
The concept of ecological agriculture for the Belovezhskaya Pushcha is set out by Bambalov & Meerovsky. They distinguish two different forms of agricultural use of the non-forested lands in the Pushcha which have been developed over time. The first type, known as "crusted" agriculture has developed over centuries by cultivating small clearings in the midst of vast forest tracts. Such agricultural landscapes may serve as original models for ecologically safe systems of land use. The second type, cultivation on a more industrial basis, is represented by two large blocks of agricultural land: the "Pogranichnik" Collective Farm, and 31 land-tenures in the Swislotch, Pruzhansky, and Kamenetz Districts; combined these have an overall area of more than 100,000 hectares. The large-scale agricultural production exerts a substantial pressure on the agro-landscapes because of the abundant use of synthetic fertilisers and widespread application of chemical pesticides. The industrial system of farming adopted on the "Pogranichnik" Collective Farm and in the Support Zone does not contribute to biodiversity conservation in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha forests.
The main concept behind ecologically sound agriculture is that one should deal with the entire agro-ecosystem, not with individual elements, in managing the territory in question. This includes the general organization of agricultural production, agro-landscapes and land management, land reclamation, the system of crop rotation, fertilizer use, plant protection, measures to improve soil productivity, and the use of natural foraging grounds, all without damage to the biodiversity. This cannot be achieved unless the entire territory functions as a integrated network from both nature and economic perspectives. Agro-landscapes should be territorially organized with incorporation of ecological communities by creating sanitation and protection buffers of forest and shrubbery belts, as well as by establishing extended water and soil protection zones along the river courses and large drainage canals. All the flood plains and low-lying forest-clearings should be regrassed, while the large interfluvial higher expanses are appropriate for growing more intensive crops. Such a structural organization of the agro-landscape would not only provide spatial expressiveness, but would also help maintain the natural biological migration zones that link individual forest tracts. Small forest patches should be maintained or replanted among the agricultural lands to provide an ecological framework.
CULTURAL HERITAGE AND ECO-TOURISM
Figure 80. Small wooden
Muslim church
near the Polish-
Belarussian
border (PB)
A special topic concerns the preservation of the cultural heritage (including valuable man-made landscapes), and the possibilities of developing culture and nature friendly tourism. Buszko & Nowacki discuss discusses these aspects for the Polish part of the Bialowieza Forest, the Puszcza Bialowieska. The landscape of the Bialowieza Primeval Forest is the result of merging influences from eastern and western cultures. Historically it has belonged to princes of Lithuania, king of Poland, knyazes and tsar of Russia, all of whom have determined its current appearance. Polish, Belarussian and Ukrainian nationalities, and Catholic and Orthodox churches, all coexist. This results in original and unique traits when compared to the rest of Poland and Europe as a whole. This unique culture should be protected just as much as the unique nature of the region. It should be seen as an exquisite source of inspiration for the European Union, being an example of the coexistence of people from different origins and nature. Local authorities need to understand the promotional and marketing potential of this region's originality and use it to develop tourism. Tourist penetration of the complete forest will be less intense if the tourists are given some specific objects to visit.
Figure 81. The narrow-gauge forest
railways were originally built
for transporting wood
from the Bialowieza Forest to the
timber-processing factory in Hajnowka.
Since 1991 these little trains have come
back into service on the Hajnowka-Topilo
section for tourists (ZK)
Analysing how well the cultural heritage is currently preserved, although it is not in a bad condition, some degradation is observable: reclamation of river beds (such as the Narevka) and the construction of a large reservoir (Siemianowka) in the Narev valley; building of military and gas/petroleum installations; destruction of valuable architectural objects and the rapid deterioration of old wooden buildings in the whole area; loss of old names and old traditions etc. A list of suggestions is given for the preservation and the promotion of the cultural heritage. These include: the creation of a database of ancient architecture and vanishing trades; renovation of selected buildings and objects; touristic routes for cyclists and touristic exploitation of the narrow-gauge railroad in the forest; education, and publications promoting the local culture.
Kvyatkovskaya & Tarasyonok consider the cultural heritage in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. An archaeological survey combined with ethnic research has revealed many archaeological objects such as Stone Age campsites, mounds, and mound-like embankments, in the Pushcha and its vicinity. In addition, many places of worship have been recorded such as worshiped trees and revered springs, stone footprints and stones with hollows, and old place-names with spiritual meanings.
A small study of the archaeology, ethnography, and history of this territory has revealed the urgent need for immediate fundamental research since, with each year that passes, the number of people who are keepers of these "grains of history" and the spiritual culture is diminishing, and erosion continues in traditional, everyday utensils, furniture, dress, etc. The immediate task is to establish a database of the archaeology, ethnography, and history of the region, to conserve these and teach this culture to the generations to come. This could be achieved through the provision of a multifunctional centre, such as a Historic and Cultural Facility (HCF). The HCF would include an "Ethnocosmology Centre" and a complex of museums covering topics such as History & Archaeology, Ethnography, Folklore, Anthropology, Crafts, and Folk Arts. In addition a Museum Complex of Nature could be established in the northern part of the Pushcha. An Ethnographic village is also planned.
With the establishment of such facilities, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha would acquire an axis of ecological and cultural based routes, from the north to the south of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. The establishment of these facilities would also help achieve: withdrawal of the existing economic activities from the Belovezhskaya Pushcha; new working opportunities for the region's population; the promotion of tourism and, with it, acquaintance with the region's history, culture and traditions. Just as in the time of great antiquity, the region can again become the focus of spirituality, both for local people and also for those who crave harmony with their inner world and surroundings.
Currently, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha encourages three types of tourism: hunting, passive health-improving, and nature. Looking to the future, the most promising form of tourism for the National Park is seen as organized scientific and educational ecotourism, particularly aimed at the international market. To promote this type of tourism, it is necessary to set up a permanent ecological establishment for foreign students and lecturers of natural sciences, on a rotational and contractual basis. With infrastructural features and facilities located at polar extremes; i.e. the existing Ecological-Cultural Educational Centre in the south of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, and a new Nature and Culture Museum Complex in the north, will help to encourage a more complete and territorially spread utilisation of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha's recreational potential. In this way, the goals of nature management and those of ecotourism will be proper matched.
GEF BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PROJECT
The last article is written by Luchkov and Artuchevsky and deals with the GEF Biodiversity Conservation Project and its implementation in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. Three features characterise the Pushcha: effective long-term protection of relict forest patterns and processes, high diversity and richness in ecosystems, and its significance as a research site due to its location in the transition zone between European Deciduous Forest and Eurasian Coniferous Forest. Given the above-mentioned importance of this forest complex, a systematic research project was initiated by the World Bank in 1993. This GEF-funded project (Global Environment Facility) supported efforts to conserve biodiversity in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha. The aims of the project were: to develop and implement methods for biodiversity conservation, to institute control over forest management and other land use research (e.g. ecological agriculture), and to adjust the boundaries of the protected areas to reflect the maintenance requirements of a self-sustaining ecosystem.
The results of the GEF Belovezhskaya Pushcha Forest Biodiversity Conservation Project have been published by Luchkov, Tolkach, Berwick and Bryiski (Minsk, 1997). The main management actions recommended are diverse and include: zoning actions directed towards boundary adjustments to incorporate special territories into the National Park, establishing supporting regulations and policies for the zones and associated activities, reducing ungulate populations, establishing a bison exchange programme, developing extension programmes for ecological forestry, sustainable agriculture and nature-based tourism, and involving local people in land-use planning. The zoning and management actions have both taken advantage of tools acquired by the National Park, most notably GIS (Geographic Information System). With the assistance of different scientific institutes, several GIS modules were created covering: topography, forest vegetation, soils, and various other themes reflecting rare plant locations, home ranges and forage resources of specific animals etc. To ensure the conservation of several threatened unique complexes rich in biodiversity, four areas were incorporated into the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park: the Dikoie Bogs, the Tiskova Woods, the Diky Nikor, and the Glubanets. This required the withdrawal of thousands of hectares from agricultural use and the decommissioning of drainage structures. These actions have stabilised the wetlands ecosystem hydrology. Further, a 500-metre wide riparian protection zone alongside the major streams and wetlands has been included in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park.
The article has reviewed actions following the GEF grant. Some of the management implications have already been acted upon, and the Government and the Belovezhskaya Pushcha management have initiated programmes. For example, local residents have been included for the first time on the Park steering committee, a start has been made on reducing the ungulate populations, drained wetlands have been incorporated into the Belovezhskaya Pushcha protected area, and commercial nature-based tourism and hunting development has started. To preserve the natural forests of the Belovezhskaya Pushcha, a special Husbandry and Game Hunting Area has been set up in the Support Zone of the State National Park. In this way a start could be made on reducing ungulate populations in the National Park itself without harmful economic consequences. The outcomes of the GEF project also point towards forestry and agricultural management actions to match properly ecological and economic goals. Looking to the future, the GEF-funded project stresses the importance of systematic planning the next phase of research, development, and management, through employing an ecosystem analysis approach.
CONCLUDING REMARKS: TOWARDS AN INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE ENTIRE BIALOWIEZA FOREST
The transboundary conference and these proceedings form the first part of a major "three-step" plan. The next step is to produce an integrated transboundary development plan for the complete Pushcha that would include cultural, ecological, and socio-economic aspects. It should integrate the existing plans of the Polish and the Belarussian partners as well as developing new ideas in line with the "Kamenyuki-Bialowieza Appeal 2000". In such an integrated development plan, pilot projects would be defined in the fields of water management, forest and bog conservation, ecological agriculture, ecotourism and the conservation of important cultural values. This phase must involve the local population. We have already stated our belief that international support will be necessary in order to realise these steps due to the current financial situation in Eastern Europe.
There are differences between the Belarussian and the Polish political systems and cultures, but there are important features that both territories share:
- From historical, landscape and ecological viewpoints, the Belovezhskaya Pushcha and the Puszcza Bialowieska form one cohesive forest complex - inseparable and sharing the same water catchment system.
- On both sides of the national border, people are living and working who love the Bialowieza Forest, who are already fully involved in keeping this unique ecosystem intact, and in developing it in a sensitive and sustainable way in order to hand this heritage over to future generations.
Because of such common factors, it is important to work together. Not only for the nations immediately involved, but also for the international community. As an area with outstanding and unique values, a virtually lost example of harmony between man and nature, the Bialowieza Forest deserves this full support. It is a natural and cultural heritage for us all.