Retezat National Park Joins EUROPARC Federation: A Milestone for Conservation

The EUROPARC Network continues to grow! In this article, meet our newcomer from Romania: Retezat National Park.

Retezat National Park, one of Romania’s most cherished natural reserves, has recently become a member of the EUROPARC Federation. This prestigious network connects protected areas across Europe and marks a major step forward for the park. By joining EUROPARC, Retezat National Park reaffirms its dedication to preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable development. This new affiliation enhances the park’s commitment to conservation, community involvement, and responsible tourism.

About Retezat National Park

Nestled in the Southern Carpathians, Retezat National Park spans approximately 38,000 hectares, making it one of Romania’s largest National Parks. The park is famous for its stunning landscapes, which include over 80 glacial lakes—Bucura Lake being the largest—and towering peaks like Peleaga at 2,509 metres. Established in 1935, Retezat is Romania’s oldest National Park and earned UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status in 1979 due to its exceptional biodiversity.

Home to over 1,190 plant species, including some endemic to the Carpathians, Retezat also shelters a variety of wildlife such as bears, wolves, and lynxes. Its diverse habitats, from dense forests to alpine meadows, support a wide range of flora and fauna.

What aspect of EUROPARC’s mission resonates with you the most, and how do you envision contributing to our community?

We are most aligned with EUROPARC’s focus on cooperative and sustainable management of Protected Areas. EUROPARC’s approach to fostering collaboration amongst stakeholders to innovate biodiversity conservation reflects our own values. We aim to contribute by sharing our expertise in conservation, education, and sustainable tourism, thus enhancing efforts to protect Europe’s natural heritage.

What recent conservation projects have been undertaken to protect Retezat’s flora and fauna?

Conservation Efforts in Retezat National Park

Project Overview

Recent conservation efforts in Retezat National Park have focused on updating the Park’s management plan. This includes the 2494 Gemenele and 2496 Peștera Zeicului Reserves and the partially overlapping Natura 2000 sites: ROSCI0217 Retezat and ROSPA0084 Munții Retezat.

The project, valued at €4 million and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, aims to:

• Conduct a comprehensive inventory of species and habitats of community interest.
• Implement measures to enhance and maintain their conservation status.
• Establish a continuous monitoring and evaluation system.

Goals and Importance

This initiative is crucial for the long-term preservation of the Park’s rich biodiversity. It aligns with updated EU conservation standards and emphasizes sustainable practices and community involvement.

Key Objectives

• Develop a revised management plan through a transparent and participatory process.
• Raise awareness amongst stakeholders about the benefits of protecting natural areas.
• Promote sustainable local development that balances economic growth with environmental protection.
• Ensure the conservation of ecosystems, species, and habitats of national and community interest.

Wildlife Monitoring Project

Another key initiative in Retezat National Park is a wildlife monitoring study. This project, in collaboration with Rewilding Romania, will take place from 2024 to 2026 and focuses on:

• Evaluating species distribution, densities, and population numbers.
• Assessing the ecological capacity of the park.
  

  Brorwn bear, picture taken by Claudia Dănău

Methodology

The study will use wildlife cameras placed throughout the Park. Mixed teams from the Retezat National Park Administration and Rewilding Romania will handle the setup and retrieval of these cameras, following strict protocols to ensure accurate data collection.

Expected Outcomes

The data will be analyzed using advanced models to provide insights into the diversity and behaviour of the Park’s wildlife. The project aims to:

• Improve species and habitat management.
• Promote sustainable tourism.
• Educate locals and visitors on the importance of nature conservation.

Can you elaborate on the types of environmental education and awareness programmes currently being offered?

The Retezat National Park Administration runs various educational and awareness programmes to promote environmental stewardship and climate change mitigation.

Green Week and Educational Initiatives

One key initiative is “Săptămâna Verde” (Green Week), a national programme encouraging pre-university educational institutions to dedicate a week to climate change and environmental protection. This initiative aims to raise awareness amongst students about the importance of protecting natural habitats and combating climate change. In 2023, over 1,000 students participated in activities related to this programme at Retezat National Park.

Junior Ranger Programmes

In 2004, the Romanian Ranger Association, in collaboration with Retezat National Park Administration, launched the first Junior Ranger Camp in Romania. Building on this, in 2015, the “Volunteer Ranger” programme was introduced. This initiative trains community volunteers to assist with monitoring and informational activities within the Park. The activities are educational and help raise awareness, fostering a sense of responsibility towards natural and cultural heritage amongst young participants. The Park continues to offer local youth opportunities to engage in free activities and camps, as well as exchanges with Junior Rangers at both national and international levels.

Annual Events and Activities

Throughout the year, Retezat National Park hosts several events, including:

• Carpathian Mountains Day (“Ziua Munților Carpați”): Junior Rangers watch the film Romania Sălbatică (Wild Romania) and engage in conservation discussions.
• European Youth in Parks Day: Junior Rangers enjoy a weekend at the Nucșoara Visitor Centre, participating in environmental stewardship activities.
• Let’s Do It Romania: Junior Rangers help clean up Lolaia Waterfall.
• International Mountain Day: The event features a screening of La Drum (On the Road) at the Nucșoara Visitor Centre, with the Junior Ranger team and local tourism associations.

Additionally, “Retezat National Park Day” involves Junior Rangers in tracking and identifying wildlife footprints, enhancing their field observation skills. On “European Day of Parks” they participate in events at the Nucșoara Visitor Centre and experience “Noaptea Muzeelor” (Museum Night), exploring the Park’s natural and historical significance.

These activities aim to engage young people in meaningful environmental experiences and nurture a lifelong commitment to conservation.

What are some of the major challenges the park is currently facing, and how are you addressing them?

We face challenges such as illegal activities, visitor impact, and resource limitations. To address illegal activities, we have enhanced surveillance and run public awareness campaigns. We manage visitor impact by promoting sustainable tourism practices and improving visitor management. For resource limitations, we seek financial support through grants and partnerships to ensure the park’s long-term sustainability.