Dragoslavele Climate Forest

Arges, Romania

The Dragoslavele Climate Forest Project aims to enhance forest resilience and biodiversity while increasing long-term carbon storage in standing biomass. The project generates measurable climate and ecosystem services primarily through a reduction in harvesting volumes, allowing additional carbon accumulation in the forest stands. It is implemented under the Faunus Climate Forest Romania methodology and complies with ISO 14064-2:2019, ensuring transparent monitoring, reporting, and verification of greenhouse gas removals. Located in Dragoslavele commune, Argeș County, within the Leaota Mountains of the Southern Carpathians, the project covers 7,399.90 hectares of forest owned by the Dragoslăveni Landowners Association (est. 1888). The forests have been managed under structured forest management plans for over a century, with 10-year management plans cycles still in place (previous plan valid until 2025; new plan starting 2026). Forest ecosystems range from 610 to 1,800 meters altitude and include mixed conifer–beech (36%), pure beech (22%), pure spruce (12%), and other species (30%). Natural forests represent 54% of the area, while 43% are artificial. Over the past decade, ecosystem integrity has been maintained, with stable or increasing forest cover. The project builds on long-standing sustainable forestry practices to deliver verified carbon removals and strengthen ecosystem resilience.