€800,000 funding has been secured for Vânători Neamț Nature Park, with the aim of turning it into a national model for biodiversity conservation and the development of ecotourism destinations.

In its first year, the program delivered a large mammal population management system, revitalized visitor infrastructure, and created a network of nature educators.

On May 31, the new Visitor Centre of Vânători Neamț Nature Park was officially inaugurated, after a complete redesign of its exhibition spaces.

Between April 2023 – May 2024, the Romanian Ecotourism Association (AER), in partnership with R.N.P. Romsilva – Vânători Neamț Nature Park Administration (APNVNT), the Association for Biodiversity Conservation, and Mioritics Association, implemented the project “Ținutul Zimbrului – a Model of Conservation through Natural Processes and Sustainable Development through Education and Ecotourism”. The project was funded with €800,000through the “Green for the Future” program, supported by the OMV Petrom Foundation and run by FDSC and Propark.

Main Achievements in the First Year

Modern wildlife and visitor management

·       A modern and efficient system for large mammal population management was introduced.

·       The Visitor Centre was completely transformed into an interactive learning space, equipped with immersive technologies.

·       Recreational areas and sensory trails for families were created near the Centre.

·       The panoramic bridge overlooking the bison acclimatization enclosure was rebuilt and expanded.

·       Three mountain hiking trails (26 km) and three educational trails were marked.

·       Ten park staff members completed training to become nature guides, enabling them to deliver meaningful visitor experiences.

Network of nature educators

·       A network of educators and ambassadors for nature was set up, including park staff and teachers from five local communities.

·       18 teachers and 6 staff members were trained.

·       11 educational kits for experiential workshops were developed and used in six schools.

·       More than 700 students participated in activities during Green Week 2024.

Cutting-edge technology for conservation

·       Introduction of GPS collars, a thermal drone, and other monitoring tools.

·       Equipment is also used for monitoring other species, fire detection, and search & rescue operations.

·       A detailed study on the ecological impact of bison and their relationship with local communities was completed, feeding into the park’s updated management plan.

Community engagement and awareness

·       The traditional “Bison Day” was celebrated with local communities.

·       The park hosted over 50 young participants in the national stage of the international competition Young People in European Forests (YPEF).

·       Public events raised the park’s visibility locally and nationally.

The New Visitor Centre

The redesigned exhibition space now blends education, technology, and culture:

·       Central themes: the bison (the emblem of the area) and the forest.

·       Dioramas, high-tech installations, mechanical displays, and a 70 m² immersive projection wall.

·       Four 360° VR films, from the perspective of a bison, lynx, salamander, and lesser spotted eagle.

·       A dedicated section on local communities, including a timeline of the last 8,000 years.

·       Energy efficiency upgrades and a new exhibition lighting system.

·       A 15-minute documentary film on Ținutul Zimbrului (Bison Land) is now available both at the Centre and on YouTube.

Voices from the Field

·       Sebastian Cătănoiu, Director of Vânători Neamț Nature Park:
“For over 20 years, our Administration has pioneered national firsts: FSC forest certification, the first bison reintroduced into the wild in Romania, UNESCO Tentative List inscription, and recognition among the Top 100 Green Destinations. With this new Centre, we raise the bar again—integrating cultural, spiritual, and natural values while innovating in education and wildlife monitoring.”

·       Bogdan Papuc, Executive Director of AER:
“For more than eight years, AER has worked with the Park and the Bison Land destination to develop ecotourism here. The new Visitor Centre enriches the tourism offer and will become a flagship attraction, turning the park into the driving force of local development.”

·       Ana-Maria Mihăescu, President of the OMV Petrom Foundation:
“We are proud to support Vânători Neamț Nature Park in building a model of reconstruction, biodiversity conservation, and community development. This 21st-century Visitor Centre will inspire both children and adults to discover why biodiversity is essential for long-term human well-being.”

Project Partners

·       Romanian Ecotourism Association (AER) – project lead

·       RNP Romsilva – Vânători Neamț Nature Park Administration (APNVNT)

·       Association for Biodiversity Conservation (ACDB)

·       Mioritics Association

·       Funded by the OMV Petrom Foundation, through the “Green for the Future” program developed by FDSC and Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas.