Distribution and structural diversity of old-growth forests in Bulgaria

Tzvetan Zlatanov is a forest ecologist in the Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. His interests are mainly related to natural ecosystem dynamics, particularly in forests. He has many years of experience in mapping out the old-growth forests in Bulgaria and assessment of their structural diversity. An important part of his professional career is dedicated to the establishment and management of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas in Bulgaria. He is also interested in the impact of forest structure, influenced by both natural dynamics and forestry practices, on their ability to provide ecosystem benefits and services. Additionally he studies successional dynamics in forests, particularly forest regeneration, as well as the interrelationships between forest structure and various groups of biological diversity. Prof. Zlatanov will present a keynote presentation entitled “Distribution and structural diversity of old-growth forests in Bulgaria”