ABORIGINAL FORESTS
OF GEORGIA
Antropogenic
Successions, Restoration, Reconstruction
S u m m a r
y
For a
long time Georgia was considered to be a country rich in forests. In the course
of the last 2-3 centuries the intensive reduction of the forest lands of
Georgia went on especially on the low-lying plains and foot-hills. At present
the natural forests occupy 32-35% of the total territory of Georgia. The
overwhelming majority (up to 98%) of the aboriginal forests take place on the
slopes of the Greater and Minor Caucasus.
Reduction
of woodlands of Georgia is caused by the physical destruction of aboriginal
forests that is stubbing, fires and domestic animals. This process was
aggravated by procuring wood resources (building materials, firewood etc) using
inadmissible methods and means.
The
book considers the digressive and successional development of the main
aboriginal forest formations (oak-wood from Quercus iberica, beech-wood from
Fagus orientalis, fir-grove from Picea orientalis, abies from Abies nordmanniana)
in Eastern Georgia under the influence of anthropogenic factors. Ascertained
were digressive and successional rows and their stages.
In
the second part of the book the authors deal with the problem of restoration
and reconstruction of aboriginal forests of Georgia (18 formations). Based on
the analysis of studies of many years including our own study the authors
conclude that the restoration of aboriginal forests on the most part of their
former natural area is possible. Specific recommendations are given.
Source: Aboriginal Forests of Georgia
