1. EXCESSIVE EXPLOITATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN ROMANIA DEFORESTATION

2. The exploitation of natural resources comprises: oil extraction, transportation and processing, natural gas extraction, transportation and processing, mining (coal and ores extraction), fishing, hunting, forestry, land (soil) exploitation, water energy (hydropower), solar energy, wind power (green power) and agriculture. Nowadays, natural resources exploitation is under pressure due to: – The increase in sophistication of technology, which enables natural resources to be extracted quickly and efficiently. For example, in the past it could take long time (hours) just to cut down one tree only using saws. Now, due to increased technology, rates of deforestation have greatly increased. – A rapidly increasing population which leads to greater demand for natural resources. – Materialistic societies, industrially based, that promote mass consumerism and unnecessary use of these resources. Such examples are gold and diamonds used for jewellery. – Excessive demand, which often leads to conflicts due to intense competition. The problems arising from the exploitation of natural resources are: − deforestation; − desertification; − extinction of species; − soil erosion; − oil shortage; − ozone depletion; − global warming / global climate changing.

3. Romania cuts down 3 hectares of forest per hour! According to the results of a Greenpeace study (2013-2014), over 3 hectares of forest are disappearing in Romania every hour. Approximately 29% of Romania’s surface is covered with forests, compared to the average of European Union countries, which is 42%. Most of Romania’s forests are concentrated in the mountain area. The Greenpeace study reveals that almost half of deforested surfaces between 2000-2011, more precisely, 48,95%, are located within the current protected areas. Even worst is that even virgin forests are affected, these are among the most valuable. Compared to other countries in Europe, where only smaller areas of virgin forests are left, România has 218.500 hectares of virgin forest. The Greenpeace study shows that the total deforested and degraded area between 2000 and 2011 has been of 280,108 hectares – approximately 28,000 hectares per year. The most affected counties are Suceava, Harghita, Arges, Maramures and Cluj,” declared Doina Danciu, campaigner at Greenpeace Romania.

4. According to Greenpeace research, during 2013-2014 there were registered 45,509 illegal logging cases, which means an average of 62 cases/day, increasing from 30 cases/day between 2009-2011, respectively, 50 cases/day in 2012. The authorities thus identified, on national level, an amount of 1,011,892 cubic metres, twice more than in the 2009-2011 period (452,842 cubic metres.

5. The most cases of illegal logging were found in Arges county (5,851), (Bacau (3,538) and Mures (3,351). The smallest number of illegal logging was registered in Braila and Teleorman counties, with 30 and 0 cases – in these areas the forest covered area is significantly smaller than other counties. Transylvania is the main source for illegal forest cutting, almost 80% of the prejudice created in România, between 2013-214, being in Cluj, Alba and Maramureş.”In the three counties (Cluj, Alba and Maramures) there is registered 78% of illegal logging on national level between 2013-2014, Cluj having registered 37% of the total amount, Alba 23% and Maramures 18%.

6. Romania has 6.5 million hectares of forest, out of which half belongs to the Romanian state, which administrates it via a company called Romsilva. Two million hectares of forest belong to private individuals, while 1 million hectares are in the public property of administrative units. In uncovering illegal deforestation, Romsilva works with the Environment Police (called Garda de Mediu), as well as with the Police and the Territorial Inspectorate for Forestry and Hunting. Percentage of solved cases Unfortunately, the percentage of solved cases has decreased. While in 2013 there were investigated 17.57, among which 60.97% were not solved at the end of the year, from the 6.775 of solved cases in 2013, only 15.53% were solved by suing the responsible people. In 2014, 63.58% of the 16,541 investigated cases were not solved. The percentage of cases solved by suing decreased to 9.15%. The highest number of cases solved by suing were in Vrancea, Alba, Bacău, Neamţ, Suceava, Maramureş and Argeş counties. Deforestations are a large-scale phenomena, especially in mountain counties, and the authorities have the responsibility to manage and monitor the forestry interventions. Also, if illegal logging occurs, the authorities have the responsibility to make inspections and apply punishments – and where necessary, file criminal complaints.

7. DEFORESTED AREAS IN ROMANIA DURING 2000-2014

8. Deforestation not only threatens the planet’s climate and national economic development, but also communities whose income, culture and way of life depend on healthy forests. There are several reasons deforestation occurs: trees or derived charcoal can be sold as a commodity and used by humans, while cleared land is used as pasture, plantations of commodities and humansettlement. The removal of trees without sufficient reforestation has resulted in damage to habitat, biodiversity loss and aridity. Deforested regions typically incur significant adverse soil erosion and frequently degrade into wasteland.Disregard or ignorance of intrinsic value, lack ofascribed value, lax forest management and deficient environmental law are some of the factors that allow deforestation to occur on a large scale.

9. In May 2015 thousands of Romanians protested against massive logging of forests, blaming politicians for allowing deforestation in the country. Protesters marched in Bucharest and major cities across the country, carrying banners saying “United we can save the forests!” and “Deforestation is a crime!”. Demostrators accused political parties of allowing the clearcutting of large portions of Romanian forests for profit and for failing to control illegal logging. They called on the authorities to take action.

10. One easy way to combat deforestation is to plant a tree. But you can take it one step further by making sure the choices you make at home, at the store, at work, and on the menu don’t contribute to the problem. Here’s what you can do about deforestation. 1.Plant a tree. 2.Go paperless. 3.Recycle and buy recycled products. 4.Look for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification on wood and wood products.Forest Stewardship Council 5.Eat vegetarian meals as often as possible. WHAT CAN WE DO?