The Macedonian Ecological Society, together with the Public Enterprise “National Forests” – Branch Shar-Gostivar, has initiated a reforestation project in the Bukovik area, a vital natural ecosystem and key bio-corridor for the critically endangered Balkan lynx.

The ongoing reforestation effort involves planting 21,000 beech (Fagus sylvatica) seedlings, a species deemed most suitable for the area by experts.

This undertaking not only aims to restore the forest cover but also to protect one of the remaining natural habitats of the endangered Balkan lynx.

The Bukovik area is an integral part of a biological corridor, facilitating the movement and survival of this rare wild cat.

Sara Krstevska, project assistant at the Macedonian Ecological Society, expressed pride in collaborating with the forestry sector to protect the habitat of the Balkan lynx and promote sustainable forest ecosystems.

The reforestation is taking place under the “Northern Forests Initiative” project, implemented in partnership with PPNEA from Albania and the IUCN Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, with support from the Swedish Postal Code Foundation.

The Macedonian Ecological Society emphasizes that restoring forests equates to restoring life, viewing the Bukovik reforestation as a long-term investment in nature and the region’s future.