Advocacy & the Natura 2000 Coalition

Effective nature conservation means more than action in the field – it also requires a strong voice at the decision-making table, where laws, strategies, and resources for conservation are set. Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas is actively engaged in influencing public policies in Romania, bringing expertise, solutions, and representation on behalf of an extensive network of professionals and institutions working for nature.

2023: Strengthening a collective voice

Public consultations and strategic advocacy
Propark participated in numerous consultations organized by central authorities, bringing to the table the real needs from the field – those of protected area administrations, environmental NGOs, and local communities living close to nature.

Positions developed together with the Natura 2000 Coalition Romania
As an active member of the Natura 2000 Coalition Federation, we contributed to drafting joint positions and advocacy documents that support the creation of a coherent and effective legal framework for protected area governance. These positions, addressed directly to policymakers, include strong arguments based on experience, data, and European best practices.

Involvement in the national process for designating strictly protected areas (30x30)
Propark representatives attended meetings organized by the Ministry of Environment to identify areas that will form part of Romania’s commitments under the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the Global Biodiversity Framework (CBD Kunming–Montreal). We advocated for a balanced approach – one that safeguards natural values while respecting the realities of local communities.

Erika Vaida Bela – public message on national responsibility
Propark’s founder and one of Romania’s most respected conservation experts, Erika Vaida Bela, publicly emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in the 30x30 process. Her messages underlined that only a clear and transparent methodology can lead to a credible and functional national network of protected areas.

 

2024: Increasingly active in shaping policies

Over 50 official documents signed
In just one year, Propark – together with partners from the Natura 2000 Coalition – signed and submitted more than 50 position papers, recommendations, and open letters to national authorities. These documents addressed issues such as protected area management, funding, participatory governance, and the conservation of priority habitats.

Participation in more than 30 consultations and working groups
We played an active role in forums and working meetings organized by the Ministry of Environment, the National Agency for Protected Natural Areas, and other relevant institutions. In these spaces, we took responsibility for amplifying the voices of field professionals – rangers, park managers, educators, and researchers.

Initiating the professionalization process for the system
Beyond advocating for legislative reform, we also proposed concrete measures for professionalizing the sector, including introducing competency standards, developing training programs, and building a transparent system for recognizing qualifications in nature conservation.

 

Podcast dedicated to the Natura 2000 Coalition

All these efforts were also discussed in a special podcast episode, produced together with our partners in the Natura 2000 Coalition. The conversation highlights the challenges and solutions for ensuring that Romania has a functional protected area system – one that is connected to community needs and aligned with European commitments.

Listen to the podcast here