Day 1-2: During the first day (28th of June 2015) we traveled from Thessaloniki to Skopje through the valley of Axios river (Vardar) in the southern part of F.Y.R.O.M. Although the area crossed was mainly agricultural (vineyards), it was partially covert from low (coppice) oak forests, and other broadleaved species common to the lower altitude areas of northern Greece.
The apparent absence of forest roads system was noticeable through this drive, which is basically an indicator of low intensity forest management.
During the second day we participated in a meeting with the local NFP (prof. dr. Vlatko Andonovski), the head of the F.Y.R.O.M. forestry sector Mr.Vojo Gogovski and his assistant. We were given a briefing about the F.Y.R.O.M. forestry sector. In general the most impressive figure was the 41% of the total country area which is forested, in contrast with our own low percentage (around 18%). Another difference is the existence of a dedicated forest police force (380 persons uniformed and armed), in addition to the forest management organization which is a state owned forestry company (PE Macedonian forests). In Greece the enforcement of forest laws and everyday forest management is done by the same organization which is the (public) Forest Service. It seems that this division could be considered as a possible improvement in order to increase the flexibility of the forest management sector in Greece, while maintaining the enforcement of the law strictly within the core of state responsibilities.
The afternoon of the second day (Monday 29/06/2015) the Lifegenmon team traveled to Serbia through mountaineous areas and roads. During the trip we observed the gradual change of the forest cover to more dense, high Oak and Fagus sylvatica forests.
Day3: The third day (-Tuesday 30/06/2015) started with our visit to Kopaonik National park-Serbia. Firstly we visited an ICP-level II forest monitoring plot operated by the Beograd Forestry Institute. This plot was very well equipped and carefully maintained, in contrast to our own ICP plots level I which we are monitoring in our area (Although the level difference must be taken into serious consideration).
Mount Kopaonik-Serbia ICP level II plot -30/06/2015
This visit was completed by a presentation of the Kapaonik national park management body and its activities by the deputy director Srđan Simović. In the heart of the Park area lies a famous ski centre, with all the relevant heavy infrastructure constructions (roads, hotels dispersed in the forest, ski tracks and lifts etc.) In the surroundings the landscape is covered by dense high Northern Spruce forests and also Silver Fir stands.
Mount Kopaonik-Serbia forest trails -30/06/2015
In Greece the national parks are, (in general), areas under very strict nature protection laws which prohibit intensive tourism activities like skiing centres. The coexistence of these activities in Serbia-mount Kopaonik makes it seem to be possible. Further research on this subject could be useful in order to cover the costs of nature protection, in our national parks.
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