Moldovan reservation hosts sixth issue of beech celebration

Chisinau, 27 May /MOLDPRES/ – The sixth issue of Beech Feast, organised on 21 – 26 May in Radeniii Vechi village, Ungheni district, finalises today with a large cultural and artistic programme. The agenda includes more activities as to promote Nature Reservation Plaiul Fagului, forest tourism, wood craftsmanship, etc.

During the feast, it will be made totals of the Wood Carvers Camp. Also, finalisation programme includes: gastronomy contest, folk festival, drawing contest, fair, exhibition of beekeeping products, herbs, guided excursions, boat trips on lake, etc.

The Beech Feast became a traditional one and gathers more and more visitors every year appreciating beauty and value of one of most famous forests in Moldova. Interviewed by agency, Lilia Tacu, head of Science Section within the Nature Reserve Plaiul Fagului, said that this protected area is unique in its own way, representing a natural jewel of centre of Moldova. "The reservation is unprecedented for fragmented relief, which allows a rise from 140 – 410 metres.  Also, beech forests, rare species of flora and fauna are spectacular. Unfortunately, secular forests, which have resisted many historical trials over years, have become affected by current universal phenomena such as climate change and global warming. Related to it, pests also increase, considerably damaging forest area. Through this festival we intend to draw attention to many problems faced by forestry sector," said Lilia Tacu.

In other news, specialist pointed out that Plaiul Fagului remains an important platform for scientific projects, but also for development of forest tourism. "We are currently working on a field planted with oak. Here we do more research and experiment with different forest protection methods. Also, with the support of Polish partners, villa of former communist leader of Soviet period, Ivan Bodiul, which we intend to set up as a centre of education and ecological awareness, but also to provide it with accommodation for tourists, is undergoing renovation, explained the head of Reserve science section.

According to Lilia Tacu, maintaining such a reservation requires complex work and efficient efforts. "It is good that we have support of local authorities in Ungheni district, where protected area is located, which helped us in establishing relations of cooperation with Polish partners, due to which we have many interesting ideas," said quoted source.

Firstly, Beech Feast was organized in 2013. "We want it to remain a traditional and important event, justifying its goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle and improving quality of life in rural areas. Also, we planned to set up thematic route: Road of Wood Carvers, which we hope to enjoy in this region," said to agency director of Agency Moldsilva, Ion Haralampov.

Plaiul Fagului is a protected land with an area of ​​over 5,600 hectares, located in Ungheni district, near Radenii Vechi village. The Reservation was created by Government Decision on 12 March 1992, following reorganisation of silvicultural hunting farm Padurea Radeni. The reservation is visited annually by over two thousand tourists. "These are just tourists which come, register and ask for a guide, but if we keep in mind visitors traveling alone, then nomber is much higher," said Lilia Tacu.

(Reporter L. Grubii, editor A. Raileanu)