Author: Bruno Marić
The marteloscope network is constantly growing: While there exist several training sites in the Western Balkan region, namely in Serbia, the first training site was recently established in Bosnia Herzegovina. Following the set-up a training event was conducted on October 6th, 2023, in Kupres. It focussed on the practical implementation of guidelines for the management of beech coppice forests. The event gathered 12 participants from public forest companies, Hercegbosanske šume doo Kupres and Šume Republike Srpske, as well as national experts in sustainable forest management. The training was designed to enhance participants’ understanding of sustainable management practices for beech coppice forests and introduced the innovative marteloscope tool for practical application.
A set of presentations were given before the field visit. Prof. Dr. Faruk Mekić provided an overview of the guidelines for the management of beech coppice forests in Bosnia and Herzegovina followed by Dr. Bruno Marić who introduced the Integrate Network and the establishment of the first marteloscope in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the field trip, the participants visited the demonstration plot Stozer Kupres, where a training exercise took place.
Participants performed virtual tree marking, by using the Integrate+ software installed on tablets, focusing on the selection of elite trees and competitors. Once they completed their task, result reports were produced, followed by lively discussions both in the forest and during an indoor wrap-up session. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated the introduction of the marteloscope and its practical applications. The participants expressed that the marteloscope, in conjunction with the use of the tablet software, is a valuable educational and training tool for forest experts and interest groups. It was noted that this combination promotes discussion and exchange of experiences and knowledge among participants.
Colleagues from Hercegbosanske šume doo Kupres expressed a keen interest in preparing a second demonstration plot in high beech forests to facilitate further training and education for their employees and interest groups. They manage a substantial 70.000 hectares of coppice forests and believe that such training, along with the newly established guidelines for management of beech coppice forests and marteloscope, will significantly enhance their forest management knowledge and practice.
Furthermore, colleagues from public forest company Šume Republike Srpske expressed also interest in establishing a similar demonstration plot in high beech forests. They found the experiences shared during the establishment of the first marteloscope in Kupres to be valuable for their future endeavours.
In conclusion, the training session served as an important step in advancing sustainable forest management practices for beech coppice forests in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The enthusiasm and commitment of the participants, coupled with the introduction of the marteloscope tool and guidelines, promise a better management of these vital forest ecosystems.
