The Scientist Who Decoded the Mysteries of Carpathian Forests
1945 - 2022
In December 2022, Ukrainian science lost one of its most dedicated researchers — Vasyl Ivanovych Parpan, a man whose work became the foundation for modern understanding and conservation of the unique forest ecosystems of the Carpathians. His life was dedicated not only to studying nature but also to persistent struggle for its preservation for future generations.
Born on January 6 in the village of Dolyniany, Ivano-Frankivsk region 1 .
Graduated with honors from the Lviv Forestry Technical Institute 1 .
Began professional activity at the Carpathian branch of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry 1 4 .
Defended his candidate dissertation on "Litter, forest floor and circulation of chemical elements in cultural forest biogeocenoses of Malye Polissya of the Ukrainian SSR" 1 .
Initiated the creation of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Mountain Forestry named after P. S. Pasternak 4 .
Defended his doctoral dissertation on "Structure, dynamics, ecological foundations of rational use of beech forests of the Carpathian region of Ukraine" 1 .
Headed the Ukrainian Research Institute of Mountain Forestry 4 .
One of the most important directions of Professor Parpan's work was the study of phytodiversity of mountain forests of the Ukrainian Carpathians and its dynamics. Together with colleagues, including his son Taras Parpan, he conducted extensive stationary research during 1998-2005 6 .
The goal of this work was to clarify the factors affecting the conservation of forest species diversity and to develop measures to prevent its destruction.
| Altitude Zone (m above sea level) | Average Number of Species per Sample Plot | Species Renewal Coefficient (%) | Community Stability (score) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500-700 | 42 | 12 | 8 |
| 700-900 | 38 | 9 | 9 |
| 900-1100 | 35 | 7 | 9 |
| 1100-1300 | 28 | 5 | 10 |
| Type of Habitat Conditions | Average Stand Growth (m³/ha/year) | Wood Reserve in Mature Stands (m³/ha) | Biodiversity (Shannon Index) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh beech forests | 6.8 | 420 | 2.8 |
| Moist beech forests | 5.9 | 380 | 3.1 |
| Wet beech forests | 4.7 | 320 | 2.9 |
Professor Parpan was a pioneer in applying computer modeling to study forest ecosystems. Together with co-authors, he developed the ecological forest computer model Forkome 1 , as well as a textbook on ecological modeling using the STELLA program 8 .
These works allowed forecasting the development of forest ecosystems under different scenarios of economic use and climate change.
| Tool/Methodology | Application in Research | Scientific Value |
|---|---|---|
| Stationary sample plots | Long-term monitoring of forest ecosystem dynamics | Allows studying slow changes in forest structure and functioning |
| Geobotanical descriptions | Recording species composition and vegetation structure | Enables assessment of biodiversity and its dynamics |
| Computer modeling | Forecasting development of forest ecosystems | Allows evaluating consequences of different management methods |
| Chemical analysis of litter | Study of biogeochemical cycles in forests | Reveals mechanisms of substance and energy circulation |
The scientific research of Vasyl Parpan had not only theoretical but also great practical significance. He was the developer of numerous recommendations for forestry, including 8 :
Awarded for significant contribution to the development of forest science and education 1 .
Recognized for outstanding achievements in forestry practice .
Elected in recognition of his scientific contributions to forestry 1 .
Professor Parpan's most important achievement was that his scientific work on beech forests served as the basis for including Carpathian beech primeval forests in the UNESCO World Heritage List . This guarantees a special protection status for unique forest areas not only in Ukraine but also at the international level.