Romania will host the 6th edition of the European Rangers Congress (ERC), which will take place between 6th and 10th October 2025. With the theme ‘Rangers – The Voice of Nature: Building a Bridge between Local Communities and Nature Conservation’, the event will bring together more than 200 rangers from across Europe to debate the challenges and solutions of nature conservation. The congress will be held at the Cheile Grădiștei Complex in Moieciu, Brașov county, and is organised by the European Rangers Federation (ERF), the Romanian Rangers Association (ARR), and Foundation Conservation Carpathia.
The role of rangers in protecting nature
Rangers play an essential role in protecting biodiversity and ecosystems, being active members of local communities and contributing to the conservation of protected areas throughout the country. In Romania, 13 national parks, covering approximately 317,000 hectares, and 14 natural protected areas, totalling about 565,000 hectares, are managed with the help of rangers who monitor wildlife and flora and provide information about nature to visitors. These are complemented by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and numerous Natura 2000 sites, which are managed with the help of rangers. Rangers also provide crucial support for research teams, contributing to the study and conservation of ecosystems. Additionally, they work closely with local authorities to protect these valuable areas.
Challenges and solutions in nature conservation
The congress aims to address one of the greatest challenges of the modern world – finding a balance between the needs of local communities and those of nature conservation. In the context of climate change and the biodiversity crisis, the role of rangers is crucial. As protectors of nature, rangers explain to visitors the importance of conserving ecosystems and create sustainable connections between people and the environment. The Făgăraș Mountains, with their virgin forests and diverse ecosystems, represent an example of valuable biodiversity that must be protected. Participants will discuss the importance of involving people from these areas in protecting biodiversity and will explore solutions to strengthen trust between conservation experts and locals.
“It is essential that rangers are involved in the decision-making process, as they convey the reality of nature.” said Florin Halăstăuan, Head of International Relations and Communication at the Romanian Rangers Association (ARR). “We cannot rely solely on what is written on paper. Rangers are the voice of nature, we speak on its behalf, and we put the real needs of nature at the forefront.”
Rangers: Protectors of nature and bridges to communities
The ranger profession, introduced during the last decade into Romania’s Classification of Occupations, has a long-standing tradition in national parks worldwide. Rangers play a key role in protecting biodiversity and the natural values of protected areas. Their activities include monitoring wildlife and flora, nature education, guiding and informing visitors of protected areas and nature sites, ensuring compliance with the legislation and regulations of the protected areas, and collaborating with locals and competent authorities. Through their work, they provide a vital link between local communities, authorities, and the natural environment, promoting a balanced and sustainable approach to conservation.
From Retezat to the Făgăraș Mountains: Romania hosts the European Rangers Congress again after 18 years
European Rangers Congresses, organised by the European Rangers Federation (ERF), began in 2007, and the 2025 edition will mark an important stage in international ranger collaboration. The first edition took place in Retezat National Park in Romania, and now, after over 18 years, Romania will once again host this significant event.
European Rangers Congress – The Ground Zero of Conservation
Throughout the event, which will take place from 6th to 10th October 2025, participants will have the opportunity to explore protected areas, participate in workshops on important fields of ranger work and integration of local communities, field study visits, as well as to learn from case studies on species reintroduction, ecological restoration, debates, and experience exchanges.
Biodiversity conservation and community involvement
The event highlights the importance of protecting natural areas in Romania and the need for collaboration between specialists and local communities. The Carpathian Mountains, with their virgin forests and unique ecosystems, are the perfect place to explore how we can work together for a future where people and nature thrive together.
Foundation Conservation Carpathia plays a significant role in nature conservation, actively supporting collaboration with local communities, and aims to establish the largest national park in the Carpathian Mountains. This project combines environmental protection with local involvement.
“Through the active involvement of rangers and collaboration with local communities, we are committed to protecting the unique biodiversity of the Făgăraș Mountains and strengthening sustainable links between nature and people.” said Mihai Zotta, Conservation Director at Foundation Conservation Carpathia. “This event highlights not only the importance of the role of rangers in biodiversity protection but also the need to create sustainable relationships between local communities and the nature we protect. Our team of 70 rangers plays a key role in this process, monitoring and protecting these valuable ecosystems.”
How was Romania chosen to host this congress?
The location for hosting the European Rangers Congress is determined by a call for applications by the European Ranger Federation. Romania competed with Sweden to be the host of this important event. Romania’s selection is no coincidence. The Carpathian Mountains, with the largest contiguous forests areas in Europe, including primeval forests of immeasurable value for climate and biodiversity protection, provide an ideal setting for such a congress. Additionally, the experience of Romanian rangers in managing the coexistence between wildlife and local communities was a decisive factor in Romania’s selection as the host country, highlighting ERF’s commitment to protecting nature and collaborating with local communities.
How to register for the 2025 European Rangers Congress
To participate in the 2025 European Rangers Congress, registration can be done through the official event website. Visit https://europeanrangercongress.europeanrangers.org/en to register and find all the necessary details about participation. Tickets are available online, and the full congress programme, including information about sessions, workshops, and field study visits, will be updated periodically. Secure your place at this important event dedicated to enhancing rangers’ work by bridging local communities and nature conservation!
About the European Rangers Federation
Founded in 2017, the European Ranger Federation (ERF) operates under the umbrella of the International Ranger Federation. The ERF mission is supporting and networking rangers to strengthen their work for protecting biodiversity, implementing nature conservation on the ground, balancing nature conservation and human use of nature, especially by integrating local communities, and preserving our cultural and natural heritage.
ERF represents more than 5,000 members of more than 40 national ranger associations and has established exchange formats such as twinning partnerships between countries or international training courses. By also supporting the establishment of new associations as well as training and networking individual rangers in need, we reach more than 25,000 rangers on our continent.
About the Romanian Rangers Association
Romanian Rangers Association (ARR) is a non-governmental organisation created in 1996, dedicated to protecting and conserving Romania’s cultural and natural heritage. ARR promotes the ranger profession and advocates for the recognition of the role rangers play in biodiversity conservation. The organisation raises awareness about the high standards required to fulfil this role and actively engages in international experience exchanges and invests in the training of protected area managers in Romania.
