LEAOTA. "Wild nature and its beauty is the world s greatest asset." - Anders Holch Povlsen. Founder of The Wild Nature Team.

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2 Unique wilderness in the Carpathian Mountains "Wild nature and its beauty is the world s greatest asset." - Anders Holch Povlsen Owner and CEO of BESTSELLER A/S Founder of The Wild Nature Team LEAOTA A story about preserving one of the last remaining untouched areas in Europe MMXI 2 Image caption THE WILD NATURE TEAM 3 Image caption

3 CONTENTS Introduction, 6 8 I NATURE, 9 35 II WILDLIFE, III FLORA, SPECIES OF NOTE, Leaota, a story to be told, 72

4 INTRODUCTION CARPATHIAN MOUNTAINS THE GREEN BACKBONE OF EUROPE UNCONTROLLED LOGGING This is the story about Leaota. A story about preserving a unique wilderness in the Carpathian Mountains. A story about cooperation, conservation and creation about nature, animals and humans. Wilderness is disappearing worldwide at an alarming rate. Originally, wild forests covered most of the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere, but are now becoming an increasingly scarce resource on our planet. The Carpathians are one of Europe s last untamed ancient areas. In Europe, almost all the forests have been cut down or are heavily exploited. Less than 2% of the continent s surface is still in its original state while over 98% has been changed dramatically by humans. The Carpathian Mountains are a range of mountains stretching over 209,000 km 2 across Central and Eastern Europe. The area extends 1,500 km across the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Romania and Serbia. The most important area for biodiversity conservation in Europe is Romania, where we find the largest remaining untouched forests. Uncut by public roads and full of all kinds of creatures rare or extinct in other parts of Europe, vast and contiguous forests stretch all the way to the horizon. Amongst an extraordinary number of species there are many indigenous ones, and the Romanian Carpathians are home to the largest surviving populations of Europe s big predators, such as wolves, bears and lynxes. The Romanian Carpathian Mountains are a delicate unspoiled area in Europe. This truly untamed landscape offers a unique opportunity to reverse the European trend by completely protecting remnants of pristine forests and re-wilding managed forests back to their natural state. Struggling for Forest The vast Carpathian forests are still a jewel in European biodiversity conservation. However, since formerly nationalised forests have been returned to private individuals in Romania, uncontrolled logging is a severe threat to the integrity of the ecosystem. During communism, forests were all nationalised and managed by the National Forest Administration in a fairly sustainable way. With the end of communism, a restitution process started, and anyone who can prove that their family once owned forests can receive the land back. Most of the former/new owners have no relation to their forest; some live far away, and many are in urgent need of money. As a consequence, the ownership structure is changing: Smaller lots are being bought by local logging companies, large properties are sought by international investment funds. Logging companies often clear-fell the entire lot in a short time and the multinational funds see these forests exclusively as investments that have to produce revenues. This has devastating effects on the natural ecosystem: Species that have no economic value disappear and with them many more species that depend on them. Forestry operations cut trees at the age of 100 years, which for most species is still their youth. Only old trees assume ecological importance as living space for many other species. Spruce monocultures are way more susceptible; instability of the ecosystem and the need to spray pesticides follow shortly. With the removal of dead trees, many insects and fungi lose their livelihood. An increasing number of forest roads open remote areas for all kinds of human development and activities disturbing the original habitat. Huge mountain massifs in the Carpathians Mountains have remained wild over centuries of human presence. Now, much of the area will be stripped of its old forests or at least lose its untamed character. The good news is that there are people out there who have the means to stop this process and are dedicated to really make a difference. VI 6 VII 7 Image caption Image caption

5 NATURE CHAPTER The WildERness Reserve After the severe logging operations started, a group of people especially key persons like Barbara and Christoph Promberger* - focused their efforts on saving as much forest as possible. A group of dedicated biologists, conservationists, and philanthropists with a long-standing conservation experience in Europe, North and South America, and Africa, setup the Foundation Conservation Carpathia. They developed plans to create a large 35,000 ha wilderness reserve around Piatra Craiului National Park by purchasing these beautiful forests before logging companies could get them under their control. They built a network of conservation organisations, foundations and philanthropists to realise this colossal task. Until 2011, the network had already successfully purchased approximately 25% of the forests for the reserve. Leaota In the summer of 2010, Anders Holch Povlsen found interest in the project. His commitment was not only to support the ongoing project, but to create a second UNCONTROLLED LOGGING wilderness close by, called Leaota. Leaota - situated south-east of Piatra Craiului Mountain - is an enormous 25,000 ha mountain in the Carpathians with vast forests all around. It is an area of outstanding beauty with a 15 km long centre of alpine grasslands, surrounded by vast and natural forests where wolves, bears, lynxes, red deer and chamois still thrive. The name Leaota will become synonymous with unspoiled wilderness, an area known for its contribution to restoring and conserving the natural ecosystems of the Carpathians. Together with the neighbouring Piatra Craiului and Iezer Mountains, Leaota will form a protected area that will be one of the largest fully protected forest wildernesses in Europe. and hopefully stand as a living example for future generations. BARBARA & CHRISTOPH PROMBERGER As wildlife biologists, Barbara and Christoph have lived and worked in Romania for over 15 years, and have founded and codirected the Carpathian Large Carnivore Project. Their fields of expertise are large carnivore biology, biodiversity conservation, and protected areas. Barbara and Christoph co-founded Foundation Carpathia Conservation. I VIII Photo: Cornelia Dörr

6 The Carpathian Mountains are one of the last untamed ancient areas in Europe stretching over 209,000 km 2 Photo: Sandra Bartocha 10 NATURE 11 NATURE

7 NATURE The Carpathian Mountains have a unique and high level of biodiversity, as well as intact ecological systems. Especially the natural forest ecosystems with the presence of the full range of European forest fauna. Major grasslands, caves and an extensive network of rivers add to the area,s ecosystem richness. Photo: Sandra Bartocha

8 The Leaota Mountains are a vast mountain massif in the centre of Romania, south-west of the Bucegi Mountains and south-east of the Piatra Craiului Mountain, between the Dimbovita and Ialomita valleys. Leaota is part of the Transylvanian Alps and forms an outstanding pyramidal peak with its highest elevation at 2,133 m. The alpine areas above the treeline are almost all grassland, only further down in the forests rocky outcrops are found. There are vast forests all around Leaota, which comprise beech in the lower altitudes, mixed forests with beech, fir, sycamore, elm, and spruce in the medium altitudes, and spruce/rowan forests in the higher altitudes below the tree line. Above the tree line, extensive natural grasslands with several thousand hectares stretch along the peaks of the Leaota massif. Naturally, the areas above the tree line are important summer grazing areas for chamois and red deer. Between the forests and the alpine grasslands there is a zone of sub-alpine vegetation with Dwarf Pines and Junipers. Even though Pinus mugo has been protected by Romanian law since 1952, its habitat has been under continuous human pressure due to the artificial extension of alpine meadows, overgrazing, and collection for firewood. Alpine grasslands (Nardus communities) are rare plant communities and are given special protection by EU laws, but the area has been grazed intensively over many decades. Nevertheless, the northern part of Leaota is still rich in species. The mountain has not been disturbed by any development so far. There are no tourists here only few hikers find their way into Leaota. In the alpine areas sheep are grazing during the summer months, but there is very little human activity otherwise. Geographically, the Leaota Mountains extend over three Romanian counties, Arges, Dambovita, and Brasov, and cover a total area of 24,000 ha. 14 NATURE 15 Image caption Photo: Cornelia Dörr

9 Photo: Sandra Bartocha 16 NATURe 17 NATURe

10 Photo: Sandra Bartocha 18 NATURE 19 NATURe

11 20 Image caption 21 Image caption Photo: Sandra Bartocha

12 Photo: Sandra Bartocha 22 NATURe 23 Image caption Photo: Sandra Bartocha

13 Photo: Sandra Bartocha 24 NATURE 25 NATURe

14 The forests in the Leaota area are characterised by a broad occurrence of woodpecker species, which is an indication of the structural diversity of naturally dynamic forests. The Three-toed Woodpecker for example can be found in the natural spruce forests, whereas the White-backed Woodpecker requires beech or mixed forests with a good presence of dead wood. Photo: Konrad Wothe The abundance of Red-breasted and Collared Flycatcher, Woodlark, Eagle Owl, Ural Owl or Hazel Grouse is another proof of the high value of these forests. The good network of mountain creeks also makes the area an attractive home for the rare Black Stork, which is nesting on trees in the forest unlike his close relative, the White Stork. 26 Image caption Photo: Sandra Bartocha 27 NATURe

15 Photo: Cornelia Dörr

16 30 NATURe 31 NATURe Photo: Cornelia Dörr

17 The Leaota Mountains are not disturbed by any development so far. Here are no tourists - only few hikers find their way into Leaota Photo: Sandra Bartocha

18 WILDLIFE CHAPTER II 34 Image caption 35 Image caption Photo: Peter Cairns

19 WILDLIFE The Romanian Carpathians are an important centre of population density for a variety of animals. Of greatest significance is the favourable state of the bear, wolf and lynx populations. All three large carnivore species are a symbol for the wilderness of habitats. Photo: Peter Cairns

20 Photo: Grzegorz Lesniewski Photo: Grzegorz Lesniewski 38 WILDLIFE 39 WILDLIFE

21 This untaimed landscape is the last great refuge for Europe s top predator: The Wolf 40 WILDLIFE 41 WILDLIFE Photo: Grzegorz Lesniewski

22 The Romanian Carpathians are still blessed with an intact wildlife community. Almost 45% of all European large carnivores wolves, bears and lynxes are roaming these mountains and its surrounding foothills. The Leaota area is home to almost 50 mammal species, which represent almost the complete original system. Only the European bison and the beaver are missing in the scenery. The forest ecosystem provides rich food and sufficient shelter for insectivores, rodents and hares, that in turn form the prey base for foxes, wildcats, and various marten species. Photo: Peter Cairns 42 WILDLIFE Photo: Peter Cairns

23 Photo: Florian Möllers As the top predators, wolves and lynxes occur still in natural densities and benefit from a complete ungulate community with Roe Deer, Wild Boar, Chamois and the Carpathian Red Deer. Leaota Mountains are huntinggrounds of at least two wolf packs and their howling can be carried over several kilometres on a quiet winter night a truly wild experience. You can also hear the majestic Red Deer. The sound of a belling stag during the rut in autumn is an experience that really goes under your skin. 44 wildlife 45 WILDLIFE Photo: Cornelia Dörr

24 46 WILDLIFE Photo: Grzegorz Lesniewski

25 While bears can be spotted occasionally, one has to be quite lucky to get a glimpse of the elusive lynx. Europe s largest cat species is a fierce ambush predator that uses the cover of the forest to stalk its prey predominantly Roe Deer and Chamois. The area is also hosting smaller predators such as martens, weasels, wild cats and foxes. Photo: Grzegorz Lesniewski Photo: Staffan Widstrand 48 WILDLIFE 49 WILDLIFE

26 Photo: Grzegorz Lesniewski More than 100 bird species inhabit the Leaota Mountains from the low riverine areas all the way up to the alpine zones. For the Golden Eagle, the rocks and slopes of the upper mountain areas are excellent breeding and hunting grounds, as well as for the Peregrine Falcon or the Alpine Swift that returns to the same site year after year. The old spruce forests of the higher altitudes are the realm of the Capercaillie which is renowned for its distinctive display. Habitat loss, particularly the conversion of diverse native woods into planted, coeval monocultures is a big threat and has lead to the disappearance of the large Wood Grouse in much of their former range. Photo: Markus Varesvuo 50 WILDLIFE 51 WILDLIFE

27 Photo: Staffan Widstrand

28 In spite of being classified as a large carnivore, Brown Bears in the Carpathians rarely hunt wildlife but obtain the meat part of their diet mainly from scavenging or livestock. Plant material, insects, fruits and berries as well as beechnuts form the main food source of bears and are plentiful in the spacious deciduous forests and the upland creek drainages of the Leaota Mountains. 54 WILDLIFE Photo: Staffan Widstrand

29 Photo: Grzegorz Lesniewski

30 58 Image caption 59 Image caption Photo: Florian Möllers

31 FLORA CHAPTER III 60 Image caption Photo: Konrad Wothe

32 flora The floral diversity is rich due to highly diverse microclimatic conditions. The Romanian Carpathians harbour a large number of endemic and subendemic plants adapted to the specific local conditions, and nowadays only occur here. Due to highly diverse geological, topographic, and microclimatic conditions, a rich flora has evolved in these vast mountain forests and alpine grasslands. Deciduous forests, predominately beech mixed with sycamore and elm, cover a large share of the lower slopes below 1,000 m. Beechnuts are the most important autumn food for Brown Bears to fatten up for hibernation, but serve as important food for wild boar and various rodent and bird species all through the winter. Higher up, fir and spruce show up especially in the deep soils and on the shady slopes. Spruce finally takes over at around 1,500 m. There is still a significant proportion of rowan amongst the spruce all the way up to treeline, which gives important autumn and winter food to various species of mammals and wintering birds. A good percentage of these forests has remained untouched and is still completely virgin. Photo: Dietmar Nill

33 Photo: Sandra Bartocha Photo: Dietmar Nill Dead wood is an important feature in these natural forests and offers plenty of living space for all kind of species. The treeline is between an altitude of 1,800 and 1,900 m, where the realm of subalpine bushes begins, featuring the Dwarf Pine, Green Alder, Carpathian Rhododendron, Juniper, and Bilberry. This habitat divides the forests and alpine grasslands and has an important role in protecting the soils from erosion. It also shelters many birds of the alpine and subalpine zone. The rich flora of the Leaota Mountains and its adjacent mountains contains a number of protected, rare and endemic species such as Edelweiss, Great Yellow Gentian, Oxeye Daisy, Snowdrop, Lady s-slipper Orchid, Martagon Lily, Globeflower, Mountain Arnica, and Fen Orchid just to name a few. Out of over 1,000 vascular plant species, 200 are included in the Romanian Red List. 64 FLORA 65 FLORA

34 Photo: Sandra Bartocha Up to an altitude of 1,400 m, Riparian Alder galleries grow alongside the watercourses in Leaota on soils generally rich in alluvial deposits and that are periodically inundated by the annual rise of the brook level. At lower elevations, Black Alder and Ash grow next to the mountain streams, at higher elevations the narrow galleries are formed by Black Alder, Grey Alder and Elm. The well-developed shrub layer in alluvial forests is especially valuable for a variety of insects, butterflies, and birds (e.g. Hazel Grouse and Grey-headed Woodpecker). Yellow-bellied Toad and Crested Newt are numerous here, and for the European Otter this forest type serves as an important feeding habitat. Alder galleries have become increasingly rare all over Europe and accordingly, they are priority habitats according to the EC Habitats Directive. 67 Photo: Sandra Bartocha FLORA

35 SPECIES OF NOTE Selection of well-known species in the wilderness The Living L e a o ta The carpathian mountains, ROMANIA Out of the 209,000 km² of the Carpathian Mountains, more than 33,000 km² are considered to have a high value for conservation - including unspoilt ancient forests. This green backbone of Europe is a unique area, hosting a very rich flora and fauna including more than 1,100 vascular plant species and an exceptional wildlife with more than 3,500 animal and 110 bird species. Leaota is an enormous 25,000 ha mountain in the Romanian Carpathians 68 Image caption Photo: Sandra Bartocha LIX 69 Image caption

36 SPECIES OF NOTE SPECIES OF NOTE BLACK STORK CInoia Nigra HONEY BUZZARD PERNIS APIVORUS URAL OWL STRIX URALENSIS BLACK ALDER ALNUS GLUTINOSA It is a widespread, but rare, species. Unlike the closely related White Stork, the Black Stork is very shy and dislikes human presence. It is restricted to forest ecosystems. It eats mainly fish but also feeds on amphibians and insects. The Black Stork is a migrant, wintering in tropical Africa and India, covering a distance between 100 and 250 km a day. Slightly larger with longer wings, tail and neck than the Common Buzzard, the Honey Buzzard lives in well-structured woodlands. It is a specialised feeder on wasps, bumblebees, and hornets, whose nests he skilfully digs out from the ground. The honey buzzard spends the winters in tropical Africa. A big owl of about 60 cm with a round face and a distinctive facial disk, the Ural Owl is distributed all over the taiga of the Palaearctic, with relict populations in the Carpathians. It nests in hollow tree trunks and usually occupies open mixed woodland. It can hunt prey (mainly voles) even under a snow layer of cm. The Black Alder likes moist soils and is often found along rivers and in swamps. The Alder is relatively short-lived and can grow to a height of m. The species has a symbiotic relationship with a bacterium, which can absorb nitrogen from the air and make it available for the tree. As such, the Black Alder can grow as a pioneer species on otherwise poor soils. BLACK Woodpecker dryocopus martius The totally black plumage and the red crest make the Black Woodpecker unmistakable. It is a common sight in the Leaota Mountains, where it digs out ants from dead trees. Nest holes of the Black Woodpecker are often used by a number of other forest birds, insects, and squirrels. EURASIAN LYNX LYNX LYNX The most important natural population of lynx lives in the Carpathian Mountains. This elusive cat lives mainly off Roe Deer and Chamois which it stalks using the cover of the forest. The individual territory size in the Carpathians can range between 100 and 200 km 2. WILD BOAR SUS SCROFA The Wild Boar prefers deciduous and mixed forests with good undergrowth. In the Romanian Carpathians boars with a weight of 300 kg have been recorded. Wild Boars are rooting the ground to find something eatable. As omnivores they are living off plants, roots, larvae or insects, acorn and beech nuts as well as small mammals, eggs, snails and even carcasses. EDELWEISS LEONTOPODIUM ALPINUM In Romania this mountain beauty is called the "Queen s flower". Leaves and flowers are covered with hair and appear woolly an adaptation to the coldness, aridity, and radiation in high altitudes. In the Leaota Mountains, the Edelweiss is distributed unequally on the rocky meadows above 2,000 m. BROWN BEAR URSUS ARCTOS This magnificent animal is the most powerful mammal in Europe. It can weigh up to 450 kg, yet mainly vegetarian. The Carpathian Mountains are home to almost 50% of all European Brown Bears west of Russia. The population is estimated at 4,500 to 5,500 bears. PINE MARTEN MARTES MARTES Pine Martens are good indicators for intact mountain forests. They are about the size of a cat and belong to the mustelid family, which also includes the minks, otters, badgers, wolverines and weasels. They hunt mainly mice, shrews, birds and squirrels, and have a lifespan of eight to ten years in the wild. In some areas they are prized for their fine fur. WOLF CANIS LUPUS The Carpathian Mountains are the stronghold of Europe's largest Gray Wolf population with at least 2,500 in Romania. This top predator is being hunted to extinction in most of the continent. Wolves are living in family groups and in the Carpathians range over an area of 150 to 200 km 2. NORWAY SPRUCE PICEA ABIES An evergreen coniferous tree of a mixed mountain forest. It is Europe s tallest tree species with a height of up to 70 m. The shoots are orange-brown and hairless - the leaves are needle-like. Spruce is widely used for timber and paper production and is also widely planted for use as a Christmas tree. The evergreen dense forests it produces, are especially important for a diverse bird life. CAPERCAILLIE TETRAO URGALLOS The Capercaillie is restricted to natural, old-growth coniferous forests with good ground vegetation. The upper parts of the Leaota Mountains still offer good living conditions. Nights are usually spent sleeping in old trees. The Capercaillie is renowned for its distinctive mating display. RED DEER CERVUS ELAPHUS CARPATICUS The majestic red deer is still a prestigious hunting trophy. The Carpathian subspecies is the largest red deer and males can weigh up to 200 kg. Red deer originally inhabited open and semi-open landscapes but nowadays roam the more remote mountain areas. ALPENROSE RHODODENDRON MYRTIFOLIUM Rhododendron is an evergreen shrub with beautiful purple flowers that is associated with Dwarf Pine and Juniper in the alpine and subalpine zone. Mountain meadows are partially covered in a red carpet during its full blossom between June and July. SYCAMORE MAPLE ACER PSEUDOPLATANUS The Sycamore Maple is a common element in the mixed mountain forests of the Carpathians and can reach almost all the way up to tree line. The species can grow into mighty trees with over 30m height and can live up to 500 years. GOLDEN EAGLE Aquila chrysaetos The Golden Eagle is one of the most majestic avian predators in Europe. The eagle can hunt prey including rabbits, red foxes, and young chamois. The eagles are monogamous and often remain together for several years (sometimes for life). They build huge nests to which they may return for several breeding seasons. ROSALIA LONGICORN ROSALIA ALPINA A large, blue-grey beetle known for its distinctive markings that serve as a camouflage. The beetle depends on exposed beech forests. The Rosalia Longicorn is 15 to 38 mm long. Suffering from modern forestry, this beetle and its habitat is now of special conservation interest. BEECH FAGUS SILVATICA This large deciduous tree can be found up to 1,500 m and is the predominant climax species in Central Europe. The wood of the Beech is used in the manufacture of numerous objects. The European Beech starts to flower when it is between years old. It has a typical lifespan of 200 to 300 years. In autumn, beechnuts are a very important food source for rodents, birds, Brown Bears, and Wild Boars. WHYCH ELM ULMUS GLABRA Whych Elm prefers moist soils and high humidity, and often grows along brooks and ravines. It might reach an altitude of 1500 m and, if left to grow, develops into a large tree of up to 40 m and a diameter of up to 2 m. LXX LXXI 71 Image caption

37 L e a o ta a story to be told The first time I heard about the conservation project in the Carpathians was through Paul Lister who is the founder of The European Nature Trust and who is a great supporter for the area. His and other people s enthusiasm inspired me, and I could see and feel their commitment. They let me know that there was a specific need here for someone to get involved. My family and I feel very privileged in many ways and with this comes responsibilities and obligations. For many years, through the BESTSELLER Fund and our family's activities, we have been engaged in our society in different ways. We have a desire and an ambition to add another perspective to our engagements. Therefore, we have established the organisation The Wild Nature Team, which will be focusing on purchasing land to protect it against exploitation and to preserve wild nature. Nature and its beauty is the world's greatest asset. I believe in the importance of protecting our natural environment, and I acknowledge that above all else we depend on nature. Particularly wilderness which is still untouched natural environments where the entire ecosystem and the biological integrity of the landscapes are intact. I do believe that these places, where they still exist, are especially important to protect for future generations. Not just for the benefit and enjoyment of people but also out of necessity. We need to support a better tomorrow both for the sake of wild nature and for the sake of the entire world. My family and I have respect, humility and passion for nature - mainly the pristine scenery and wildlife. Around the world, especially in Europe, you can see how centuries of human influence, in certain cases ruthless exploitation, have left little remaining wild nature. For me, conservation of large wilderness areas is the most interesting and important way to contribute. For a long time I have been fascinated by Scotland and its countryside, but even here only a small part of the original flora and fauna remain. Therefore I am very pleased at having the opportunity to help with unique projects on such a large scale as Leaota, where you can really make a difference, and I am delighted that others feel the same way. It is still early days; so much is yet to be seen regarding this comprehensive and important project. Right now it is about being able to protect as much virgin forest as possible against the rapid exploitation such as logging, resource extraction, urbanization, infrastructure and agriculture. The way to preserve this unique nature and protect it against these hazards is through ownership. Therefore, we are continuously looking to expand cooperation with Foundation Conservation Carpathia and other organisations with similar interests. Safeguarding the Carpathian Mountains, home of rich fauna, primeval forest and natural processes, is a fantastic enterprise. With its rare population of wildlife and high level of biodiversity, Leaota is important to preserve and restore. We need to protect these original ecosystems, all their species, and we need to create a change in the minds of all of us. We should continue telling the story about the importance of taking care of our last remaining wild nature and hopefully Leaota will serve as a model for future projects. by Anders Holch Povlsen - Owner and CEO of BESTSELLER A/S and founder of The Wild Nature Team LXXII

38 COLOFON LEAOTA published by The Wild Nature Team, 2011 THE WILD NATURE TEAM The Wild Nature Team is an independent, privately held organisation owned by Anders Holch Povlsen. Based on the vision that nature is the world s greatest asset, the organisation specialises in purchasing land to protect it against exploitation by humans and to preserve as much wild nature and its beauty for future generations as possible. For more information about the Leaota project in the Carpathian Mountains, please visit Printed in Denmark by Rosendahls A/S Graphic design: Designbolaget Credits: Planning and management: BESTSELLER A/S "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." - Robert Swan O.B.E. Polar explorer, environmentalist and founder of the 2041 initiative The LEAOTA book is printed on Swan certified paper, and all content paper is made by sustainable material from responsibly managed forests: The Swan The purpose of the Swan label is to minimize impacts on the environment and our health from products and services. Criteria are developed for specific products and services. The setting of criteria is based on an assessment of impacts during the whole lifecycle - all the way from raw material to production, consumption and waste. Editorial coordination: Lars Bonde, Editorial support: Christoph and Barbara Plomberger Photo coordination: Staffan Widstrand and Karolina Eljas Postproduction: Werkstette, Proofreading: Cover photo: Sandra Bartocha First edition: 15,000 copies 541 Printedmatter 457 ISBN: Rosendahls

39 Unique wilderness in the Carpathian Mountains LEA OTA A story about preserving one of the last remaining untouched areas in Europe MMXI Nature is the world s greatest asset. Today wild forests are becoming an increasingly scarce resource on our planet. Leaota in the Carpathian Mountains is a unique and unspoiled area with the rare situation that almost the entire ecosystem is still present. Leaota is nature in its untamed beauty, and this is a living story of how, by cooperating, we can conserve and create a large wilderness area for the benefit of nature, animals and humans. We need to support a better tomorrow both for sake of wild nature and for the sake of the entire world.