“GREEN FOR THE FUTURE” PROGRAM

FDSC, Propark, and the OMV Petrom Foundation launch the “Green for the Future” program

A new initiative dedicated to biodiversity conservation and responsible local community development in protected areas.
The program is fully funded by the OMV Petrom Foundation with a total grant of €800,000 for its 2023 edition.
The Vânători Neamț Nature Park aims to become a national model for biodiversity conservation and ecotourism destination development.

Bucharest, April 20, 2023

The Foundation for the Development of Civil Society (FDSC), Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas, and the OMV Petrom Foundation have launched “Green for the Future”, a grant program focused on biodiversity conservation in Romania’s national and natural parks. The €800,000 non-refundable grant, available in this pilot 2023 edition, will be invested this year in the Vânători Neamț Nature Park (PNVNT).

Between April 2023 and March 2024, the Romanian Ecotourism Association (AER), in partnership with the PNVNT Administration (a legally independent unit under RNP-Romsilva), the Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity, Mioritics Association, and with the support of OMV Petrom Foundation, FDSC, and Propark, will collaborate to develop a model of biodiversity conservation through natural processes and sustainable development, driven by education and ecotourism.

Located in northern Romania, PNVNT is the core of the ecotourism destination known as Ținutul Zimbrului (The Land of the Bison). Within the project, investments will be made in enhancing the park’s visitor infrastructure: renovating the indoor exhibition of the visitor center, improving the building’s energy efficiency, creating a recreational area, rebuilding and extending the panoramic viewing platform for the bison acclimatization enclosure, and restoring three mountain hiking trails. These improvements aim to increase both the attractiveness and sustainability of the park.

Over the course of the year, a wild mammal monitoring plan will be developed – including the bison population – followed by a study on interactions between bison and other large mammals and with key habitats. This initiative will directly support better management of the protected area, helping preserve biodiversity through the conservation of key species and ecosystems – such as forests and grasslands – and by preventing human-wildlife conflicts.

To ensure long-term sustainability, environmental education in the local communities around the park is essential. A network of nature educators will be established to support conservation efforts led by the park administration. The program will include environmental education activities for children and youth in nearby villages, creation of educational kits, development of thematic trails, and outdoor activities under Romania’s national “Green Week” program.

About Vânători Neamț Nature Park

National and Natural Parks play a vital role in preserving threatened species and habitats and contribute significantly to carbon regulation.

Vânători Neamț Nature Park (PNVNT), located in northeastern Neamț County, spans 30,631 hectares. It was established in 1999 and officially designated as a protected area in 2000. The park is renowned for its commitment to biodiversity conservation, safeguarding natural, spiritual, and cultural heritage, sustainable forest management, and the reintroduction of large wild herbivores lost to Romania’s fauna. It also supports ecotourism and the sustainable development of local communities.

Approximately 80% of the park is covered by forests, complemented by ecologically significant grasslands, contributing to a remarkable level of biodiversity. The park holds multiple distinctions:

• It was the first location in Romania to reintroduce bison into the wild;
• It earned the first national FSC certification for sustainable forest management;
• It is recognized by IUCN as a sacred natural site;
• Its Vânători Neamț Monastic Cultural Landscape is listed as the only mixed (natural and cultural) site on Romania’s Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage;
• It has been acknowledged by the Romanian Ministry of Tourism as a key component of the Ținutul Zimbrului ecotourism destination, and was nominated in the Global Top 100 Sustainable Destinations.

About the OMV Petrom Foundation

Launched in 2022, the OMV Petrom Foundation designs and supports long-term programs in Romania, focusing on disadvantaged communities across three strategic areas: education, environment, and health.
More information: www.fundatiaomvpetrom.ro

 

About FDSC – Foundation for the Development of Civil Society

Founded in 1994, FDSC is an independent, non-governmental organization that promotes a strong and sustainable civil society in Romania. FDSC supports democratic values by empowering civil society actors, mobilizing resources, fostering a favorable operating environment, and strengthening intersectoral cooperation.

About Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas

Established in 2008, Propark was created to address the challenges facing Romania’s protected area system through targeted professional development programs. Propark is the country’s leading training provider for protected area management and conservation. It plays an active role in European and global networks aimed at building the professional and organizational capacity of those working in conservation – through training, mentoring, consultancy, and project implementation.