Protect Biodiversity in Romania

Forest Conservation and Management Activities:

• We were able to purchase 169 hectares of land for full protection.
• June was a rainy month and field work was difficult for our team. We took this time to train some of our rangers in identifying invasive alien plant species and our biologist started a field assessment of these species.
• The regional Forest Guard was in the field, supervising the inventory of the forests we bought in 2019.

Ecological Restoration Activities:

• Our ambitious plans to restore more old clear-cuts are reflected in our increasing need for more saplings each year. In consequence, we have hired a new colleague, a specialist in tree nurseries to make sure we are able to extend the current network of nurseries.
• The seasonal workers hired from the local communities removed all the weeds that were outgrowing the saplings.
• We collected elm seeds for our tree nurseries. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of the seeds are fertile. During the last three years fructification of deciduous species has been very low. However, the first fir seeds have started to sprout.
• We have finished installing the temporary fence to prevent grazing on the areas recently reforested.

Wildlife Conservation Monitoring Activities:

• We have started the red deer DNA sampling season. June was an extremely rainy month and thus, fieldwork was very difficult. We managed to collect only 59 scat samples out of a target of 480. 
• We have participated in the chamois monitoring: positive signs – our rangers have spotted several chamois with cute little calves.
• After release, our herd of bison has started to roam around and explore their new territory. One female separated from the herd and has made a subalpine meadow with no livestock grazing her home, whereas the main herd with 7 animals has made long excursions to the East and to the North. The good thing is that they have very quickly adopted a natural behavior and are very shy towards human presence.

Wildlife Management Activities:

• In June we have donated the last five pure bred Carpathian Shepherd puppies to farmers in the Fagaras Mountains. The next ones are due for autumn/winter. So far we gave 26 puppies to 10 different farmers to help them guard their livestock. 
• We bought 20 cows and 100 sheep for our private compensation program. Starting this year we will provide in kind compensation for livestock damage caused by carnivores. Our livestock is being looked after by a local farmer, with whom we started a cooperation.

Wildlife Rapid Intervention Team Activities:

• We continue the active wildlife management in the areas we are custodians of: scaring wildlife to stay away from the villages, installing electrical fences in areas exposed to attacks, participating in meetings with regional authorities regarding livestock damages, evaluating reported cases of conflicts, offering private compensations, and permanently patrolling to prevent conflicts and poaching.
• We have registered several conflict sites involving bears, wild boar and foxes. An action plan was drawn for each situation.

Communication & Community Outreach Activities:

• We have intermediated in the donation of 95 computers. Children in our project area are now connected to the state on-line teaching system.
• Valeriu Nicolae from Casa Buna Association and his amazing team of volunteers have done a great job preparing and installing all the equipment and implementing a program of on-line help for the students.

Travel Carpathia – experience the largest rewilding project in Eastern Europe

Travel Carpathia brings the FCC conservation projects to life through ecotourism. Whether you wish to experience Carpathian wildlife by staying at our eco-friendly wilderness hides or see the charismatic Grey Cattle at our Biodiversity Farm in Cobor or go on a wilderness adventure or follow a tailor-made itinerary, there is a once-in-a-lifetime experience waiting for you. We look forward to welcoming you to Carpathia!

Thank you! 

Foundation Conservation Carpathia Team