UNESCO World Heritage

Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe

Conquering a continent

Beech is the most important tree species in Central Europe and is characterised by its ability to adapt to different climatic and geographical conditions. However, human intervention has put great pressure on the ancient and primeval beech forests, of which only a few vestiges remain. With trees over 170 years old and a total area of more than 1000 hectares, the two forest reserves in the Lodano, Busai and Soladino valleys (TI) and Bettlachstock (SO) are a valuable genetic reserve, not only for beech trees but also for many associated animal and plant species that depend on these habitats. The two Swiss forest reserves, now on the UNESCO World Heritage List, are part of a transnational serial site consisting of 94 beech forests located in 18 countries.

Map
Factsheet
Date of Inscription

2021

Criteria of Inscription

xi

Category

Natural Heritage
Serial and transnational property

Region

Switzerland: TI/SO

Other Countries: AL/AT/BA/BE/BG/CZ/DE/FR/HR/IT/MK/PL/RO/SK/SI/ES/UA

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Nature, Environment and Technology
Ancient Beech Forests of Europe
The “search and find” pictures help children to discover the UNESCO World Heritage properties in Switzerland in a simple way.  What is a UNESCO ...
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Ancient Beech Forests of Europe
Criterion (ix): The Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe are indispensable for understanding the history and evolution ...
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