Romania is one of the few European countries that still has virgin forests, some of them unique in the world. Yet in recent decades—and especially over the past 10 years—the country’s forests have been subjected to an accelerating process of destruction. Illegal logging, corruption, lack of oversight and economic interests have led to an alarming situation: hundreds of thousands of hectares of forest have been razed, often in full view of the authorities. This article examines the causes, consequences and solutions for saving Romania’s “green gold”.
How much forest has been lost over the past 10 years?
According to a Greenpeace Romania report, Romania loses an average of 20,000 to 38,000 hectares of forest per year, most of it through illegal or poorly managed logging. Estimates indicate that more than 250,000 hectares have been lost in total over the past decade.
Data provided by SUMAL 2.0 (the Wood Material Tracking System) confirm that the rate of logging is approximately 1.5 hectares every hour. This means that while you are reading this article, at least one section of forest has already been felled.
Which types of forest are most affected?
- Coniferous forests in the Eastern Carpathians – Maramureș, Harghita and Suceava
- Virgin forests in the Făgăraș and Retezat mountains – logged under the pretext of sanitation cuts
- Old-growth forests in the Apuseni Mountains – excessively exploited for construction timber and export
- Riverside floodplain forests – destroyed for agriculture or real-estate developments
Many of these forests were deemed to be “of national interest” and should have been protected by law. However, the lack of oversight and local corruption have allowed their illegal exploitation.
Main causes of large-scale deforestation
1. The timber mafia
Probably the most widely discussed—and most dangerous—component of this phenomenon. In several counties, well-organised mafia structures control timber extraction, with the support or complicity of forestry officials, police officers or local politicians.
Companies operating illegally, some even registered as family sole proprietorships, consistently receive contracts while illegally exploiting entire forests without being held accountable.
2. Corruption and the lack of meaningful oversight
Although Romsilva and the Ministry of Environment theoretically have clear responsibilities, the reality on the ground shows otherwise. Inspections are rare, fines are tokenistic, and much logging is recorded as “clearing” or “sanitation” work.
In some cases, the same forestry inspector who approves the logging is also a shareholder in the company cutting the timber.
3. Large-scale exports and the lack of domestic value-added processing
Romania exports millions of cubic metres of raw timber each year, particularly to Austria, Germany and China. Instead of processing this timber locally, where it could create jobs and added value, the Romanian state allows it to be sold at low prices while its forests are lost.
4. Poor digitalisation
Although the SUMAL 2.0 system was introduced to track timber traceability, the reality is that many shipments are still made without documents or with forged permits. The lack of video monitoring on forest roads and the absence of control drones or satellites make the system easy to circumvent.
Specific cases of illegal logging in Romania
🔸 Maramureș – 2021
In just three months, local NGOs reported more than 200 hectares illegally logged in a protected area. It was found that the company had permits for only 30 hectares.
To complement the information above, you can also read Pașcani Hydroelectric Plant, the project launched 41 years ago that could transform the Moldavia region: energy, water and flood protection, an article that explores an aspect directly related to this topic.
🔸 Suceava – 2022
A Recorder investigation showed how timber trucks travelled at night along detour routes, using permits valid for other shipments. The police were notified, but the investigation was closed.
🔸 Făgăraș – 2023
Satellite images show massive deforestation in the Cincu area, where officially no logging had taken place. The situation was publicly reported, but the authorities did not intervene.
Environmental impact
Climate change
Forests are the most effective “carbon sinks”. They absorb carbon dioxide and regulate local temperatures. Without them, mountain areas face hotter summers and snowless winters.
Flooding and landslides
Without forests, rainwater is no longer absorbed. The result? Frequent flooding in villages in mountain areas and landslides that destroy roads and homes.
Biodiversity in decline
Protected species such as the brown bear, lynx, chamois and black woodpecker are losing their habitat. Many species are forced to migrate or disappear altogether.
What solutions exist?
✔ Reforestation through European funds
Romania has access to funding for afforestation through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and EU programmes. Unfortunately, few projects are implemented effectively. Simplifying access to funding for NGOs and local authorities is essential.
✔ Monitoring by satellite and drone
Countries such as Norway and Finland use satellites and artificial intelligence to detect logging in real time. Romania has a partnership with the European Space Agency, but lacks both staff and political will.
✔ Real penalties for those responsible
Law 171/2010 provides penalties for illegal logging, but enforcement is rare. Legislative changes are needed to classify such acts as serious offences and impose custodial sentences.
✔ Environmental education and civic pressure
Local communities and citizens need to understand the value of forests. Initiatives such as “Plantăm fapte bune” (“We Plant Good Deeds”) and Greenpeace campaigns have an impact, but they must be supported consistently.
Who gains, and who loses?
Those who gain:
- Logging companies, including foreign ones
- Intermediaries in the timber mafia
- Local politicians involved in timber businesses
Those who lose:
- Citizens, through higher taxes, natural disasters and the loss of clean air
- The local economy, through the lack of processing industries
- The environment, through long-term ecological imbalance
Romania is at a turning point. Unless firm action is taken, its forests risk becoming nothing more than a memory in geography textbooks. Transparency, public involvement and, above all, genuine political will are needed to stop this ecological disaster. Forests are not just timber: they are life, water, air and the future.
