An open dialogue on the future of Romania’s protected areas

At a time when public policies on nature conservation need genuine expertise and civic engagement more than ever, the Natura 2000 Coalition Federation is launching a series of podcasts designed to bring the voices from the field to the forefront: specialists, NGOs, site managers, and organizations dedicated to nature protection.

One of these special episodes was produced in collaboration with Propark – Foundation for Protected Areas, an organization playing a key role in professionalizing and supporting Romania’s national protected area system. You can listen to and watch the full conversation HERE.

Why is this podcast important?

Protected areas in Romania are often managed with limited resources and under the pressure of fast or poorly adapted political decisions. In this context, the voice of civil society—coherent, informed, and constructive—is essential to bring balance and accountability to environmental decision-making.

The podcast provides space for reflection and analysis on the systemic issues in conservation: underfunding, lack of recognition for protected area professionals, the need for ongoing training, and the hope sparked by step-by-step networks being built between NGOs, administrations, and local communities.

What is Propark’s role?

Propark is an active member of the Natura 2000 Coalition Federation, an alliance of the country’s leading environmental organizations. Through this partnership, Propark contributes to:

·       Developing strategic positions on protected area governance;

·       Participating in public consultations and working groups with authorities;

·       Training and supporting practitioners managing Natura 2000 sites.

In the episode, our colleagues explain why building a competence-based, transparent, and collaborative system is essential, and how Propark’s training initiatives contribute to this national objective.

Topics covered in the episode:

·       How NGOs can influence environmental policy in a coherent way;

·       What it means to have a strong, well-trained network of people working in protected areas;

·       Why professionalizing conservation management systems is critical;

·       What a sustainable future for protected areas looks like—built on partnerships, education, and community engagement.

Why do we need such platforms?

Podcasts like this are more than a communication tool—they become instruments for advocacy, education, and mobilization. They build bridges between decision-makers and experts, between NGOs and citizens, between nature and society.

More than just a dialogue, this podcast sends a clear message: the non-governmental sector in Romania has a strong, legitimate, and professional voice.