PAN Parks Wilderness and biodiversity

PAN Parks looks to the opportunities triggered by natural succession and ecosystem dynamics to protect global biodiversity. In PAN Parks Wilderness areas, the priority is protecting ecosystem dynamics and supporting the protection of biodiversity - ecosystem dynamics link. In Peneda Geres NP, Portugal and Rila NP, Bulgaria, following the PAN Parks principles is helping protect the natural dynamics of the forest ecosystems.

PAN Parks Wilderness and species

Iconic wilderness species

Photo: iStock/Andy GehrigThe PAN Parks Wilderness concept provides an exceptional opportunity to protect the most charismatic species in Europe. Many species depend directly or indirectly on wilderness. Large un-fragmented wilderness is essential to protect these species in the long-term and guarantee stable and healthypopulations. Important wilderness indicator species can be found in all PAN Parks; they include brown bear, wolf or lynx.

Feral species

Photo: Monika KissSeveral important native large herbivores (European bison, wild horse, etc.) are extinct in most of Europe. Nevertheless, they are considered a crucial element of ecosystem balance and natural dynamics. In some parts of Europe their ecosystem niche has been replaced by feral species.
Feral species can be part of PAN Parks Wilderness only if their behaviour, population structure and dynamic is completely wild.
For instance in Peneda Geres NP, Portugal, the feral horses Equus caballus were accepted in PAN Parks Wilderness as these horses are not managed at all and represent a truly exceptional case of wild horses on the Iberian Peninsula and possibly also in Europe.

Non-native species

In previous centuries many introduced species conquered a significant part of Europe, e.g. mink in Nordic countries and muskrats all over Europe. These new species can have a negative influence on ecosystem dynamics so introduction of non-native and exotic species is not acceptable in PAN Parks Wilderness. If non-native or exotic species already occur in PAN Parks Wilderness, special plans must be developed and implemented to remove these species or to reduce their negative impact. Good examples are the eradication programme of mink in Archipelago NP, Finland, or the removal of non-native species of pine in Majella NP, Italy.

Introduced species

Photo: Majella NP archiveMany new species have been introduced in Europe, usually resulting in a sequence of unpredictable ecological consequences: populations of some species have declined, became extinct or retreated to refuges, while others have unnaturally flourished.
However, reintroduction of species that lived in the same area in ancient times (after the last ice-age) is promoted in PAN Parks Wilderness as this enriches local biodiversity.
For instance in Retezat NP, Romania, Alpine marmots were introduced after World War 2 and in Majella NP, Italy, the re-introduction of Apennine chamois has been accepted.

PAN Parks Wilderness and human activities

Forestry

Photo: CBNP ArchiveSanitary logging or removing dead or dying trees is often an excuse to carry out logging operations even in the core zone of protected areas. PAN Parks believes that it is extremely important to protect forest ecosystem dynamics, therefore forestry, sanitary logging or removing dead trees is not allowed in the wilderness area of any certified PAN Park.

Hunting and fishing

In the PAN Parks Concept hunting and fishing is considered as an extractive use and is incompatible with PAN Parks Wilderness. This includes game management for the benefit of a single or preferred group of species. Hunting has been restricted in the core area of the newly created Fulufjället NP, Sweden and a fishing free wilderness area was a condition in creating the first marine PAN Park – Archipelago NP, Finland.

Agriculture

Traditional agriculture activities such as extensive grazing or meadow mowing are important conservation tools to maintain biodiversity. However, meadows, shrub-lands or steppes without grazing offer also very unique and currently seriously endangered habitats for many rare and endangered species. PAN Parks Foundation accepts agricultural activities (e.g. extensive grazing) if this is in line with the primary management objectives of a given protected area. However, in PAN Parks Wilderness agriculture is not acceptable.
Grazing of domestic animals or mowing is not allowed in the wilderness area of any certified PAN Park. As a result of PAN Parks verification, a grazing free zone was created in Retezat NP, Romania, and abandoned grazing grounds opened up an opportunity to create PAN Parks Wilderness in Peneda Geres NP, Portugal.

Roads

Roads are one of the most destroying factors for wilderness. Roads are a threat mainly because they provide easy access to the otherwise inaccessible territory and fragment habitats. Roads and access create temptation for further investment or development. Road construction is not allowed in the wilderness area of any certified PAN Park.
In Majella NP, Italy, a remarkable restoration project has taken place. Half of a wilderness area access road has been removed and restored, while the remaining road is only available for park staff and disabled people enhancing the wilderness experience for all

Building construction

PAN Parks Wilderness is unique as it offers an opportunity to experience and enjoy the beauty and power of nature. Any construction activity can damage and destroy this valuable wilderness.
Construction generally is not acceptable in PAN Parks Wilderness with the exception of simple nature-based infrastructure offering basic orientation and safety standards e.g. trail maintenance, construction of small wooded bridges, simple camp grounds and information signs.

Tourism

Photo: iStock/Zdravko StoimenovThere are only two activities accepted in PAN Parks Wilderness: wilderness determined restoration and controlled and sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism is an essential element of the PAN Parks concept as building appreciation of Europe’s wilderness is only possible if people can visit, learn about and enjoy it.
Part of the PAN Parks Quality Standard is a conceptual approach on how to deal with tourism and visitors in PAN Parks Wilderness. Independent assessment of tourism sustainability is a fundamental part of PAN Parks independent verification.
Every certified PAN Park needs to develop and implement visitor management and sustainable tourism development strategy.