NGO buying forest to protect natural environment for birds
Ljubljana, 15 November - BirdLife Slovenia has collected EUR 45,000 in a campaign to protect forests as a habitat of some of the most endangered forest bird species. The NGO plans to use the money to buy 10 hectares of forest, which will then be left to the birds and other wildlife.
Pokljuka
Pokljuka Forest
Photo: Daniel Novakovič/STA
More than a thousand individuals and companies have contributed funds to the campaign dubbed Guardians of Forest Specialists as part of which 10 hectares of forest will be "returned to nature" to contribute to the protection of forests and their biodiversity, the NGO said on Tuesday.
Now that the money has been raised, BirdLife Slovenia is searching for appropriate forest land.
Its goal is to buy a 10-hectare plot in a forest that is home to some of the target species of forest specialists - boreal owl, the white-backed woodpecker, the western capercaillie, the red-breasted flycatcher and the black stork.
If this will not be possible, the NGO plans to purchase up to five forest eco cells that will improve forest diversity and offer a natural environment for nesting and feeding, and a shelter to forest specialists.
"The campaign launched in mid-March was about raising the awareness that we need more natural forests if we are to preserve our most endangered forest bird species," BirdLife Slovenia said.
Birdlife Slovenia is a non-profit, non-government organisation working for the protection of birds and their habitats, including through scientific research, nature conservation, and education. It is a national partner of the worldwide nature conservation organisation BirdLife International, says on the NGO's website.