On June 18, 2026, the government-appointed expert committee for the preservation of ancient Molika pine forests convened for its second working session. The panel of national experts and institutional representatives conducted an extensive field assessment within the boundaries of Pelister National Park.
Field Assessment and Ecosystem Inspection
The primary objective of the field visit was to directly evaluate the condition of mature Molika stands and measure the impact of previously implemented silvicultural and restoration measures. These insights are essential for defining future actions and drafting final recommendations to be submitted to the Government by the end of August 2026.
Key Conclusions and Strategic Recommendations
Representatives from the Faculty of Forestry, the Forestry Inspectorate, the State Environmental Inspectorate, and Pelister National Park staff agreed on the following priority actions:
- Continuous Monitoring: Implementing long-term monitoring systems to track ecological processes across the Molika pine habitats.
- Detailed Health & Regeneration Analysis: Conducting comprehensive studies on forest health and natural regeneration capacity to foster sustainable ecosystem growth.
- Development of Specialized Studies: Drafting two comprehensive strategic documents:
- Study on the Protection of Molika Forests;
- Study on the Cultivation and Restoration of Molika Forests.
Regulatory Alignment
Alongside scientific field evaluations, the expert group is aligning all proposed conservation and management interventions with national environmental and forestry legislation.
