Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas plays a key role in the professionalization of protected area management at the European level, through its active involvement in the EUROPARC Federation and the European Nature Academy (ENA) – a LIFE ENABLE initiative preparing the next generation of conservation leaders.
Between 2023 and 2024, our team took part in key events, trained trainers, and shared best practices from Romania within European networks dedicated to protected areas.

2023: Strengthening the network of professionals and young leaders

EUROPARC Conference 2023 – Leeuwarden, Netherlands
At the anniversary event marking EUROPARC’s 50th year, the Propark team represented Romania in an international setting dedicated to knowledge exchange and innovation in protected area management.
The theme, “Tribute to our landscapes – where Nature and People meet in Harmony”, provided an inspiring space for dialogue and learning.

Lucia Ursu – Alfred Toepfer Scholar, voice of the young generation
Lucia, a former Junior Ranger and now a specialist at Retezat National Park, received one of only three scholarships awarded in 2023, standing out through her commitment to environmental education and eagerness to learn from European models. Propark supported her throughout this journey.

Mara Bulea – Propark Coordinator, in the European trainers’ network
Mara attended the conference and highlighted, in a public message, the importance of safeguarding Romania’s natural values. The experience had a transformative impact, directly influencing her work in professional training at Propark.

European Nature Academy – workshop in Schneverdingen
In December, Mara Bulea and Liviu Moscaliuc (biologist at Ceahlău National Park and Propark trainer) were selected for a workshop to train future ENA trainers. Hosted by the Alfred Toepfer Akademie für Naturschutz, the event laid the foundations for the generation of trainers who would deliver ENA courses in 2024.

 

2024: Romanian leadership and the conclusion of LIFE ENABLE

IUCN Regional Forum – Bruges, Belgium
Erika Vaida Bela, Propark co-founder and Vice Chair of WCPA Europe, represented Romania at the IUCN Forum for Europe and Central Asia, advocating for stronger collaboration within international networks and encouraging active member engagement in protected area development.

Forestry training in Natura 2000 sites – Austria and Slovenia
Erika, together with specialists Andrei Acs (CAPDD Bihor) and Liviu Moscaliuc, facilitated field sessions on forest management in habitats of community interest, addressing topics such as habitat restoration and visitor management solutions.

LIFE ENABLE – project end, start of a lasting network
2024 marked the conclusion of LIFE ENABLE, with Propark playing an active role in building a solid network of trainers and practitioners for the sustainable management of protected areas.

Promoting the ENA self-assessment tool
Propark contributed to the development and dissemination of the Group Competence Assessment Tool, an innovative resource for Natura 2000 site managers, helping to identify real professional development needs.

Expanding the ENA community in Europe
Through Romanian trainers and active facilitation of international sessions, Propark continues to connect practitioners from over 20 countries, fostering best practice exchange and the ongoing professionalization of the conservation sector.