Green for the Future

Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development in Vânători Neamț and Putna-Vrancea Natural Parks

The “Green for the Future” programme, funded by the OMV Petrom Foundation and implemented by the Civil Society Development Foundation (CSDF) and the ProPark Foundation, enters its second phase with the aim of continuing investments in biodiversity conservation and the sustainable development of local communities. With a total funding of €2.4 million, the project supports the transformation of Vânători Neamț and Putna-Vrancea Natural Parks into national models for nature protection and the promotion of ecotourism.

Vânători Neamț Natural Park: Conservation and Environmental Education

Located in the heart of Moldova, Vânători Neamț Natural Park aims to become a national benchmark for protected area management, biodiversity conservation, and local community engagement.

Project goal:
Transform the park into a national example of modern and participatory biodiversity and natural values management.
Through the reintroduction of moose, biodiversity hotspots, a local educational network, and the modernization of visitor infrastructure, the project brings together conservation, education, and community engagement into a tangible, inclusive model.

Key objectives:

Achieve modern and effective biodiversity management
Establish the “Forest School” educational zone
Integrate park education into Neamț County school curricula
Strengthen the park’s communication capacity

Activities include:

Reintroducing moose (Alces alces) and restoring natural ecological processes
Creating four biodiversity hotspots to adapt to climate change
Monitoring wildlife and assessing the impact of European bison on ecosystems
Fully modernizing the Visitor Centre and setting up the “Forest School” education zone
Extending school programmes with the participation of 400 students and 20 teachers
Training Park staff in nature interpretation
Designing interactive spaces with audiovisual installations on local biodiversity and culture
Developing a themed trail with six interpretation stations and three rest areas
Landscaping with native plants and completing the outdoor exhibit area
Introducing the elective course “Through Romania’s Forests” in 20 school classes
Organizing educational contests and student engagement activities

Putna-Vrancea Natural Park: A Wild and Accessible Park for the Future

Nestled in the wild landscapes of the Vrancea Mountains, Putna-Vrancea Natural Park becomes a space where biodiversity conservation meets education, accessibility, and responsible ecotourism.

Project goal:
Improve biodiversity conservation and support sustainable development through ecotourism and local community involvement.
By restoring habitats, creating modern infrastructure, and offering inclusive educational activities, the project shapes the park as a model of harmony between nature, people, and the future.

Key objectives:

Restore natural habitats and conserve vulnerable species
Monitor wildlife using a network of 31 stations equipped with cameras and sensors
Reduce human-bear conflicts through bear-proof systems in public areas
Develop a mobile virtual observatory accessible to people with reduced mobility
Organize environmental education activities and traveling exhibitions
Strengthen local partnerships around biodiversity conservation

Activities include:

Restoring pastures and restocking rivers with native trout
Installing bear-proof bins to prevent conflicts
Monitoring with cameras, sensors, and audio devices
Creating and distributing a guide on how public lighting impacts insects
Developing a mobile wildlife observatory for visitors with mobility impairments
Participating in local events and workshops for children, elders, and communities
Laying the groundwork for the “Țara Vrancei” ecotourism destination
Producing a photo album and nature photography exhibition
Creating five nature documentaries with school and outdoor screenings
Setting up a multifunctional space for education, workshops, and local dialogue

Highlights from Phase 1 – “Green for the Future” in Vânători Neamț Natural Park

In its first phase, funded by OMV Petrom and developed by CSDF and ProPark – Foundation for Protected Areas, the programme focused on the integrated development of the protected area—from emblematic species conservation to education, infrastructure, and community engagement.

A key direction was modern and efficient management of large mammals, with a focus on bison. Technologies like GPS collars, infrared drones, and monitoring systems supported both species conservation and emergency responses.

Visitor infrastructure was improved with:

An interactive exhibit in the Visitor Centre
A recreation area and sensory trail for families
An extended observation deck for the bison acclimatization enclosure
26 km of trail markings and 3 new educational trails

To enhance visitor experience, 10 park staff were trained in nature guiding, enabling tailored interpretation for diverse audiences.

The project also developed a local network of nature educators—park staff and teachers from five communities—who serve as ambassadors for biodiversity and engage the public meaningfully.

Research included a detailed study on the impact of bison on ecosystems and community relations, helping to update the protected area’s management plan.

To increase the park’s visibility, educational and awareness events were held, such as:

“Bison Day” within the local community
Participation of over 50 youth in the national “Young People in European Forests” (YPEF) contest
Educational activities for students and locals

A milestone event was the inauguration of the fully renovated and energy-efficient Visitor Centre on 31 May 2024—an interactive and educational hub that attracts and informs the wider public.