Project funded within the Civic Engagement Programme, supported by the Swiss Contribution to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU. The content of this material does not necessarily reflect the official position of Switzerland.

The surface area of protected and conserved areas (PCAs) in Romania exceeds 23%, but most of them do not demonstrate effectiveness in conserving biodiversity or generating benefits for local communities. Many are merely nominal, lacking actual management. The causes are multiple: inadequate regulations, the exclusion of NGOs from the delegated management process, chronic underfunding, the absence of mechanisms for evaluating management efficiency and effectiveness, limited professional capacity, and a political climate unfavorable to civil society. In addition, Romania is subject to a European Commission (EC) infringement notice for failing to comply with the Habitats Directive.

The project proposes a systemic approach to reforming environmental public policies with the aim of strengthening and expanding the national network of PCAs, through a package of legislative proposals, guidelines, mechanisms and tools, grounded in an in-depth comparative analysis of protected area governance models in Romania and other EU Member States. To support such a package, the Natura 2000 Coalition will promote best practices and results from European conservation experience, in line with sustainable development principles, addressing topics such as: protected/conserved area governance, professionalization, management practices, and, not least, financing.

The project’s target groups include biodiversity NGOs, PCA administrators, ministries and other relevant public authorities, local communities, economic operators, financial institutions, and the general public.
The partner will contribute with its proven expertise in public policy, facilitating the process of translating expert-generated solutions into legislative initiatives, guidelines and strategies, and will advise the project team to ensure the recognition and approval of these proposals. It will also support the Coalition in increasing its legitimacy and presence among decision-makers.