Search

Forests rank at the top of the natural assets of Romania, both because of their rich biodiversity, and their livelihood-sustaining role. In the ex-socialist countries that entered the tumultuous early-democratic era and faced many socio-economic adjustments, the monitoring of this valuable biome becomes critical for its sustainable management. This study aims to examine 20 years (2001-2020) of forest canopy loss in the Moldavian counties in Romania, using the spatial dataset provided by the GLAD laboratory and the Global Forest Watch. A GIS-based analysis was performed in order to compute the forest canopy loss and the percentage of this loss in the total forest cover, specific to five time intervals of equal duration. The results are placed on the timeline of major forestry-related legal framework and forest ownership changes, facilitating a context-integrated interpretation. Forest canopy loss in the study area varies between more than 15,270 ha (2001-2004) to more than 24,000 ha (2005-2008), and different evolution trends can be identified at county scale. In addition, a West-East division of the high and low forest canopy loss values was identified, in correlation with natural and administrative factors. These findings add to our understanding of forest cover dynamics in post-socialist countries, also highlighting the influence of the changes in forest ownership and forestry regulation framework triggered by the political and social transition, and by the alignment to the international environmental governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local or regional forest loss may be considered a forest management problem that mainly affects countries that lack proper forest monitoring and law enforcement procedures. Romania is an appropriate example regarding this matter, the main issue being the massive illegal cuts that are difficult to monitor, record and sanction. Therefore, the desiderata of precluding this outlawed practice and of preserving the forest cover – which accounts for almost 29% of Romania’s territory (2015), are not attainable without revealing the areas where interventions are imperative. This paper aims to evaluate the overall dimensions of forest loss in Romania’s top twelve counties in terms of forest loss area by applying two multi-criteria decisionmaking methods. The relative importance (weights) of forest loss (area), regeneration works (area), private forests (percentage) and illegal cuts (cases) related factors is established via Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Complementarily, Weighted Product Model (WPM) is used to compute the total score of the alternatives represented by Vâlcea, Gorj, Maramureș, Suceava, Prahova, Giurgiu, Vrancea, Argeș, Alba, Ilfov, Constanța and Ialomița counties, in relation to the considered factors. A clear image of the multi-criteria determined forest loss level is provided by the final maps obtained in GIS. This combination of multi-criteria decision-making methods and GIS techniques may serve as a functional and adjustable framework for further research. The practical value of this study is enhanced by using an updated data base that relates to 1990-2018 time period. Moreover, the results may serve as warning signs for the designated administrative units. Such knowledge is actually a prerequisite for the implementation of the effective forest loss mitigation plans that should be at the core of sustainable forest management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vulnerability may be considered one of the most important components of the seismic risk, as it is the only one that human society may act upon in order to reduce the risk. As seismic vulnerability implies multiple dimensions, from the physical one to the social and economic ones, a multi-criteria decision-making approach proves to be appropriate for its assessment. The uncertainty inherently involved in the assessment process is addressed using fuzzy logic theory. This paper aims to assess the seismic vulnerability of Galați City, Romania, by combining two multi-criteria decision-making methods with GIS tools. The physical and economic criteria (factors) are evaluated using Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP), which addresses the vagueness of their weights. The alternatives are represented by a number of 91 buildings, which were previously expertized regarding their technical seismic risk. The buildings are ranked according to the considered criteria using the classical Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and then classified into 5 seismic vulnerability classes (very high, high, medium, low, very low). The results are integrated in GIS in order to acquire a better understanding of the seismic vulnerability of Galați City. The resulting maps may be used by the authorities in the endeavour to reduce the seismic risk, as they point out the areas that require the most urgent intervention. This study represents a starting point for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]