Zărnești Climate Forest

Brașov, Romania

The Zărnești 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, enabling additional carbon accumulation and improved ecosystem stability. It is implemented under the Faunus Climate Forest Romania methodology and complies with ISO 14064-2:2019, ensuring transparent monitoring and verification of greenhouse gas removals. Located in Zărnești, Bran and Moieciu (Brașov County), within the Bucegi Mountains and near the Piatra Craiului Massif in the Southern Carpathians, the project covers 2,321.29 hectares of forest owned by Zărnești Town Hall. The forests have a documented management history dating back to the mid-19th century, with structured management plans in place since 1890–1900. Following nationalization in 1948, the forests were restituted to the municipality after 2000 and continue to operate under a 10-year forest management plan (current plan valid until 2033). The project area spans altitudes between 710 and 1,835 meters and consists mainly of mixed conifer–beech forests (69%), pure spruce (27%), pure beech (3%), and other mixed conifers (1%). Natural forests represent 77% of the area. By combining reduced harvesting with climate-adapted silviculture, the project delivers verified CO₂ removals while strengthening biodiversity and long-term forest resilience.