Foundation Conservation Carpathia celebrates 15 years of activity dedicated to protecting nature in the Făgăraș Mountains and supporting the local communities around them. From our first conservation projects to active involvement in local development, every step we have taken has been guided by the desire to build a sustainable future where nature and people thrive together.

Conservation and Ecological Restoration Projects

We protect 28,000 hectares of forests and alpine pastures, contributing significantly to the creation of the future Făgăraș Mountains National Park. Over 4.5 million trees have been planted on areas previously clear-cut, a vital step in restoring natural ecosystems and slowing the pace of climate change. Reforestation plays a key role in restoring biodiversity, stabilising soils, and preventing erosion, and we continue this important process by bringing back native species and strengthening natural ecological structures.

Revitalising Wildlife

We have successfully reintroduced 80 bison and 62 beavers into the Făgăraș Mountains area, species that had disappeared from the region over 100 years ago. These reintroductions are crucial for restoring the ecosystem’s balance and rebuilding natural complexity. We continue to monitor animal populations, including bears, wolves, lynx and deer, using modern methods and tools, such as DNA sample collection and surveillance cameras. These actions allow us to continuously assess the health of wildlife and implement protection and intervention measures where necessary.

Supporting Local Communities

Foundation Conservation Carpathia supports the communities surrounding the Făgăraș Mountains through a wide range of programmes that promote sustainable development and environmental care. Through the Roadele Munților initiative, we support local farmers and entrepreneurs in marketing their products made with respect for nature, helping them access new markets and contribute to the region’s green economy. We have also developed a plan to create sustainable green businesses that support nature conservation and the development of eco-tourism.

Furthermore, we support local community development around the Făgăraș Mountains through the Carpathia Fund, a funding mechanism that includes grants for conservation, education, culture, sports, and social development projects, as well as an investment component for small local entrepreneurs. In 2023, we invested EUR 410,000 in these projects, and in 2024, the investment amount is around EUR 1 million (reporting in progress).

In education, we have continuously invested in children in the areas where we operate, offering 45 scholarships to date for students from local communities, supporting their education in environmental protection. We have organised educational programmes in local schools and created learning spaces in nature, such as the Nature Activities and Exploration Centre in Richita, where children can learn about biodiversity and the importance of nature protection. In Richita, we have organised educational camps that involved over 1,000 children, 80 of whom are part of the Junior Ranger programme, where they are encouraged to actively engage in environmentally friendly activities and learn, step by step, how they can protect nature.

The Junior Ranger programme, dedicated to children, includes 80 students from communities such as Bughea de Sus, Brăduleț, Dragoslavele, Lerești, Nucșoara, Rucăr, Podul Dâmboviței, Stoenești, Valea Mare Pravăț, and encourages them to become leaders in environmental protection through hands-on activities and nature conservation training.

In addition to these educational initiatives, we have carried out social programmes for local communities, including support for the elderly, online education for children, and waste collection and management projects. Furthermore, by supporting the Zimbrii Lerești football team and the table tennis programme in schools, we encourage young people to adopt a healthy lifestyle and participate in activities that strengthen their ties with other community members.

In this context, Travel Carpathia supports people in the community by promoting sustainable tourism, facilitating access to economic opportunities, and contributing to regional development. While the main focus is on environmental protection and respect for local traditions, Travel Carpathia plays an important role in supporting the local economy by integrating eco-tourism principles, which balance nature conservation with community prosperity.

Currently, the Foundation’s team consists of 160 dedicated employees working towards environmental protection and supporting conservation projects, each bringing the necessary expertise to achieve our goals. Through all these actions, we contribute not only to protecting nature but also to creating a prosperous future for local communities.

Ecotourism Infrastructure and Events

Foundation Conservation Carpathia has begun constructing the ecotourism infrastructure essential for the future Făgăraș Mountains National Park, aiming to protect the environment and support local economic development through sustainable tourism. Among our achievements are visitor centres and hiking trails that allow visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty responsibly and educationally. A flagship project is the Beaver House, an educational centre where visitors can learn about the reintroduction of beavers in the Făgăraș Mountains and their importance to ecosystems.

Soon, we will also inaugurate the Bison House, another important attraction for tourists, which will contain information and exhibits about the reintroduction of bison in the area and wildlife conservation projects. These centres are designed to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and attract visitors from all over the world.

The events we organise, such as Făgăraș Fest and the Carpathia Bike Tour, are important opportunities to involve local communities and promote the Făgăraș Mountains as a natural tourist destination. These cultural and sports events not only attract tourists but also contribute to creating a sense of community and preserving local traditions.

Through these initiatives, we aim to create a sustainable ecotourism infrastructure that will support both nature protection and the region’s economic development, bringing long-term benefits to all those involved and putting the Făgăraș Mountains on the world tourist map.

Partnerships and the Future of the Făgăraș Mountains National Park

We work closely with international organisations, local authorities, and private sector partners to develop and implement environmental protection policies and support the creation of the Făgăraș Mountains National Park. These partnerships are essential for creating a sustainable national park and promoting it as a model for nature protection and eco-tourism development.

In these past 15 years, we have demonstrated that nature protection and sustainable economic development can go hand in hand, and in the coming decades, the work we have done will continue to ensure a greener future for us and future generations.