Description
The Fundata - Moieciu de Sus area has a very rich biodiversity, rarely met in any other part of the European Union. During the last decade the main structural activity of the locals in this area has changed, being now mainly oriented towards tourism. This change brought as a consequence an alteration of the agro-pastoral landscape. The project aims to preserve the agro-pastoral landscape and to protect the unique biodiversity of this area by implementing specific measures for a sustainable development through ecotourism. An ecotourism interpretational system will be put in practice to guide and educate locals into the spirit of ecotourism. There will be built an interpretation system of ecotourism and set up various events in order to encourage the community to get involved in finding the best solutions for a sustainable development of the two communities. The target group of the project consists of members of the two communities, Romanian and foreign tourists, and pupils.
Summary of project results
Considering the fact that the traditional agro-pastoral landscape from Fundata-Moieciu is in a process of abandonment or structural change (areas of grassland turning into areas of land for recreational tourism), CEM Foundation and Fundata Townhall wanted to draw attention on the diminishing of the grassland biodiversity, the disappearance of traditional mountain crafts and the abandonment of traditional mountain architecture. Since the falling of the communist regime, the local communities have not found solutions for sustainable economic development, environmental protection and conservation of natural and cultural heritage. The project proposed new solutions that will preserve biodiversity, maintain the traditional architecture and transform craftsmanship into an engine for sustainable development. 9 ecotourism trails have been marked and 90 interpretive information panels in wood frames have been installed along the trails. 30 traditional houses and 30 craftsmen and artisans were identified and mapped. Also, 10 important habitats were identified along the routes. A proposal of sustainable development strategy based on ecotourism was created. Partnerships were signed with local and regional schools for environmental education actions in schools. Information materials for locals and visitors were created. The project contributed at creating two new local ecotourism associations that are willing to support the ecotourism development in the area. Also, new partnerships between CEM Foundation and other NGOs, public institutions and authorities, which will support the sustainability of the actions and the ecotourism infrastructure of the project area, were signed. As a primary beneficiary, the local community has the opportunity now, at the end of the project, to develop and deploy integrated tourism activities, involving both marketing of products and traditional activities but also marketing of biodiversity in ecotourism packages, offering a value-added service to the basic tourist accommodation.
Summary of bilateral results