Forest restoration strengthens key ecological corridor for the Balkan Lynx

Through nature-based forest restoration in Bukovikj in North Macedonia, the Macedonian Ecological Society is strengthening a vital ecological corridor for the endangered Balkan lynx.

Restoration field activities at Bukovikj. © Nikolcho Velkovski
Bukovikj Forest and Balkan Lynx mural at the Public High School in Gostivar. © Sara Krstevska

 

As part of the transboundary 'Northern Forests Initiative – Forest Restoration in Albania and North Macedonia', the Macedonian Ecological Society restored a total of 20 hectares of degraded forest habitats through the application of nature-based solutions. The restoration work took place in the Bukovikj area near the town of Gostivar in North Macedonia.

Reforestation was carried out on 10 hectares using around 21,000 beech saplings, and thinning was implemented on an additional 10 hectares to improve the structure of the forest and the health of the ecosystem as a whole. This location was chosen because of its strategic importance as an ecological corridor for large carnivorous mammals, especially the Balkan lynx. The confirmed presence of this species highlights the significant biological value of this forest ecosystem and the importance of targeted restoration efforts in the region.

Completing this activity was symbolically marked by the unveiling of a new mural at the Public High School in Gostivar, depicting a Balkan lynx within the beech forests of Bukovikj. The event brought together students and teachers, members of the Macedonian Ecological Society, representatives of the Public Enterprise “National Forests”, Shar Mountain National Park, the State Environmental Inspectorate, and numerous nature enthusiasts.

 

The project “Northern Forests Initiative - Forest Restoration in Albania and North Macedonia” was implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (IUCN ECARO) in partnership with the Macedonian Ecological Society (MES) and Protection and Preservation of Natural Environment in Albania (PPNEA), supported by the Swedish Postcode Lottery Foundation.

 

For more information, please contact: Sara Krstevska, Macedonian Ecological Society, krstevska(at)mes.org.mk