Rural Romania National Rural Development Network

ISSUE 16 Year II, January 2015

THE FOUNDATION „COPII ÎN SÂNUL FAMILIEI” FROM HÂRJA – YOUNGSTERS INVOLVED IN DEVELOPING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY EQUESTRIAN RECREATION SPORTS CENTER - ȘELIMBĂR, SIBIU VLAD ENESCU The young farmer from Bran that transformed his passions into successful projects The solar panels produced in a village in Buzău have become export goods Handicraft from Maramureș between Mara and Cosău

ROOTS OF AN EUROPEAN COUNTRY

Ministerul Agriculturii și Dezvoltării Rurale Rural Romania – no. 16

REGIONAL OFFICES Support Unit for the National Network of Rural Development

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IAȘI Ciric Recreation Area – Ciric Recreation Complex, postal code 700064, [email protected] Tel.: 0332 881 281, Fax: 0332 881 282

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The text of this publication is for information purposes only and is not legally binding. Additional information on MARD and NSU may be accessed on the Internet: www.rndr.ro NSU, Publications Department, January 2015 ISSN 2393 – 123X ISSN-L 2393 – 123X © NRDN, 2015

The reproduction of texts in this publication is authorized provided the source is acknowledged. Printed in Romania.

Copyright for the photographs: Cristian-Alexandru Catană, Monica Anghelovici, Liza Panait Archive - Giovanni Photography, National Museum of the Romanian Peasant, LAG Țara Zarandului, LAG Colinele Moldovei, Faculty of Horticulture and Agriculture from Craiova, „ Zestrea Branului Group”. TABLE OF CONTENTS

EDITORIAL...... 3

RURAL DEVELOPMENT The foundation „Copii în sânul familiei” from Hârja – Youngsters involved in developing the local community...... 4 Erika Crișan-Daraguș harmoniously blends agriculture with rural tourism ...... 8 The Bran and Moieciu groups prepare the future generations of the authentic Romania...... 10 Equestrian recreation sports center - Șelimbăr, Sibiu...... 14 Calendar – The festivals of the beginning of the year...... 16 Stan’s Valley Canyon – Adventure mountain tourism for experienced young people, who love the mountain...... 18

PEOPLE Furniture and decorations for guesthouses: wood craftsman – Bogdan Cojanu, from Fundata...... 20 Presentation of the clothing collection „Voroneț Blue”, signed by Liza Panait...... 22 Handicraft from Maramureș between Mara and Cosău...... 24

EXPERIENCES My farm: Vlad Enescu – The young farmer from Bran that transformed his passions into successful projects...... 28 My business: The solar panels produced in a village in Buzău have become export goods...... 32 My community: The Cășaru sister – the daughters of the traditional village in Buzău weave stories turned into gifts for generations .... 34

UP TO DATE LEADER LAG Colinele Moldovei...... 38 Intercomunitary Association Țara Zarandului – Leader LAG...... 40

NEWS AND EVENTS M.A.R.D. News...... 42 NRDN Event – Experts’ reunion at Moieciu – Rural tourism and cultural patrimony...... 46

NRDN members introduce themselves...... 48

1 Rural Romania – no. 16

2 Editorial

Youngsters in the rural area

Agriculture is our country’s best chance to re-stabilize itself from an economical point of view, to assert its presence on international markets with unique products, with a huge potential. Having at its disposal non-refundable European funds for agriculture, Romania must profit from them in order to attract young people, to create workplaces for them, and not least to keep the traditions and local culture stemmed from agriculture.

In this issue of the magazine we collected examples of young people who have found their calling in various sectors connected with rural development. We begin the Rural Development section with the pre- proudly wear the national clothing. The “People” section presents the de- So, within the pages of this issue, we sentation of a children’s foundation signer Liza Panait, her collection „Vo- can find the presentations of the pop- in the village of Hârja, Oituz, Bacău roneț Blue” and the craftsmen from ular groups from the Bran-Moieciu County that integrates in the local Maramureș, Mara-Cosău area, while area. The youngsters carry on the community children who come from the experiences of young farmer Vlad local customs and folklore, by pro- underprivileged families. We will Enescu from Brașov and three sisters moting them within various events, read about how they are taught and from Bisoca show us how youngsters in Romania as well as abroad, where specialized within the hospitality can launch successful initiatives in they participate. We will not leave and event organization services in promoting agriculture and handi- out the mountain tourism, represent- the town of Oituz. We go on to Eri- craft. ed within this issue by Stan’s Valley, ka Crișan Daraguș, a young farmer in the Vidraru-Argeș area, where the As always, we have the most recent from Covasna who became an ex- Curtea de Argeș mountain rescuers news in the area and the presenta- ample for her local community, and together with local youngsters and tion of two NRDN members – the afterwards we move on to present hiking fans have set up a canyon for Museum of the Romanian Peasant in a successful project, accomplished adventure routes. We cannot ignore Bucharest and the Faculty of Agricul- with European funds, an equestrian handicrafts either, so we will read ture and Horticulture in the Univer- recreation sports center in Șelimbăr, about the wood craftsman Bogdan sity of Craiova. Sibiu County. Cojanu, born in Fundata village, The youngsters in the rural envi- who transforms trunks and branch- ronment are also keepers of the es from the woods into genuine fur- Viviana Vasile, Team Leader for traditions they inherited from their niture pieces that decorate the local the project „Starting and Supporting elders. Motivated by their parents, guesthouses on the outside as well as the National Network for Rural grandparents and teachers, they on the inside. Development”

3 Rural Romania – no. 16

Rural development

The Foundation „Copii în sânul familei” from Hârja – Youngsters involved in developing the local community

of this big, beautiful family. We grow up here, on the Oituz Valley, in Hârja, surrounded by hills and mountains; we go to kindergarden, school and then high school and university. We like working and we actually work. The older ones, we have responsibili- ties and we treat them as such. We all want to do more, we want to build a future, to enjoy each other.” said An- cuța, the first child who came here in 1995, when she was two. Today, An- cuța graduated the Faculty of Psychol- ogy and Educational Sciences in the University of Transylvania, Brașov. During this time, she volunteered within centers for helpless children in the country, but she was unable to find all the conditions provided by the foundation „Copii în sânul familiei”. The story of the foundation „Copii în sânul familiei (Children in the bosom of the family)” from Hârja, Bacău County, writes its first lines in 1994, when Mrs. Mary Gibson started a humanitarian project supported by private funding from England. Three houses from Oituz, Hârja village and an apartment from Onești became the place where children from families with low possibilities were raised, educated and developed. Since 1994 and until today, over 20 children have made and are still making a purpose in life as beneficiaries of the foundation. They are „the biggest family in the village” as they like to call themselves; and most important, a big happy family, where they get along as brothers and sisters! „We are raised away from our parents. Although we see them occasionally, we are happier here, in our family. For this we smile in gratitude to our fairies – the lady caretakers that have raised us since infancy. And they, in their turn, have made us smile… For us there are beautiful and less beautiful days. We don’t like calling them ugly. Maybe a lot of people would consider us different, but we know that it’s not like that and we are lucky to a part

4 The foundation builds a the forest. Being an area suitable „In 2011 the Trifoi guesthouse wel- future for whoever wishes for tourism, we managed to imple- comed a TV crew with seven peo- ment everything we wanted. Even ple from the Canadian channel TV to stay in the community the children participated together Ocean. They came to Romania to In Hârja we don’t only speak about with us in renovating and improv- make a documentary about the three homes where the children ing the house in order for it to func- Foundation and the idea of mixing grow, but about their possibility to tion as a holiday home. Today, as children’s protection with rural remain in these parts in the future. they also say, Trifoi guesthouse is tourism. While filming the images They can start a family, they can their fairytale house. The young- they needed, they got involved in return to take care of the newcom- sters from the foundation who knowing the local community. To- ers to the Hârja family, once they wish to remain in the Hârja com- gether with the children in the foun- finish their studies, they can get a munity can get actively involved in dation, they took part in activities local job, living during this time in managing the guesthouse, gener- such as harvesting and spreading one of the homes. ating profit. They can be hosts for the hay, they went to pick up for- the tourists, as well as guides of the est fruits and medicinal plants and Hence, as proposed by the founda- local areas.”, told us Vlad Grigoraș, visiting the neighbors. Throughout tion’s manager, Mrs. Betty Grigo- their stay, Ancuța served as guide raș (manager for the last 11 years), Betty Grigoraș’s son. He is 28 years and translator. Also, they made with the support of the British and old and is actively involved in the two trips to Brașov and Râșnov other sponsors, another country foundation and in promoting the with part of the children in the house was purchased in Hârja, to local tourism in the Bacau area. foundation. A few months later, be transformed into a guesthouse. The Trifoi guesthouse is made up of the material was broadcast on TV5 Target of the investment are also two bedrooms, each for three peo- Tourisme autrement au Canada” the foundation’s children, who will ple, a living, a kitchen and a bath- Vlad Grigoraș tells us. be trained and given responsibil- room. One bedroom has a double ities in the area of hospitality and bed and a single one, while the oth- rural tourism. The Trifoi guest- er bedroom has three single beds. house, as it was named, may also be The heating is done with a stove on The foundation „Copii în a holiday house for the foundation’s wood. In the vast yard the tourists sânul familiei” is actively guests. can use the rural gazebo, the spe- involved in promoting the „Around 2006, upon my mother’s cial barbeque area and they can traditions in Hârja idea, with the help of the British have lunch at the picnic tables at and sponsorships, we managed the edge of the forest. All the util- In their free time, on days off and on to buy an old, country house, the ities and facilities are available for holidays, the children in the foun- last in the village, at the edge of the guests. dation, together with advisors, are

5 Rural Romania – no. 16

involved in various activities, locally, as well as nationally. In the win- ter, the little children go caroling in the village and organize caroling recitals at school or in the church; some of them are part of the church choir, while others are part of the local group „Mocănașul”. Throughout the years, they have taken part in national competitions and folkloric programs. „For the last editions of the Pies’ Festival, event organized by AN- TREC Bacău, whose president is Betty Grigoraș, the children helped and were very much involved in the organization. Some of them stayed at the stands representing the local culinary goodies, other handled the guests and participants, while other served the tables. The children in the „Mocănașul” group held recitals and presented local dances. The little ones don’t need motivating. The pleasure and joy in helping comes from within. They want to be involved, they like it very much among people, to be the center of attention. Lately, we have taken part in ecol- ogy activities on the Oituz Valley, with tourists”, tells us Ancuța, who also hosted on stage the Pies’ Festi- val in 2014.

Vlad Grigoraș – the young law graduate who divides himself between the activities in the foundation „Copii în sânul familiei” and developing the rural tourism on Oituz Valley Law graduate in Bucharest and pas- Possibilities to spend your and coming back); sionate about psychology, Vlad Grig- free time in Hârja and on • visiting the thermal springs oraș continued his studies for two Oituz Valley: in Poiana Sărată (2 km from more years in England. After this • special programs: picking me- Hârja); period he preferred to return to his dicinal herbs, picking forest home country to be involved in activ- • visiting the memorial places in ities that can improve the lives of Ro- berries; honor of the heroes who died in manians from the rural area. While • visiting the ruins of the old cus- the battles of Oituz; studying in the capital and also af- toms point; • trip to Târgu Ocna (25 km); terwards, Vlad was involved in many • bicycle rides on the mountains; fundraisings and sponsorships for • accommodation in the guest- the foundation. • hiking or riding a horse until houses on Oituz Valley Slănic Moldova (14 km going (ANTREC Bacău). „While I was studying in England, I promoted the places, traditions and values in Romania. Many of my friends from abroad have come to visit Romania and were convinced

6 by our country’s beauties. I noticed that there are many young people who travel abroad and actually do something to promote our country’s image. I came back and I try to be involved in promoting this concept very dear to me – rural tourism My wish is to set up in Bacau a youth association that allows us, young people, to put into practice plans and ideas to develop tourism and not only. This love for rural tourism and traditions was passed on to me from my mother, who took me on trips in various villages. I have seen how the rural and agricultural tourism have flourished all over the country”, says Vlad. Currently, Vlad Grigoraș is looking sphere; an atmosphere born from ers for us. They have grown fond of to promote Hârja and Oituz Valley as the love given by our caregivers and all the children during these years. destinations for the lovers of nature, the happiness that we feel. The per- The caregivers sometimes take us history and culture. sonnel make all the difference. You home with them or for the holidays For all these touristic attractions and don’t have to be qualified, have a or on their days off. We are like this degree or any kind of certification. leisure activities, the children in the because of them. We don’t miss any foundation can be local guides. You must feel when to give the children understanding, attention and, material things, and the voids we „The foundation „Copii în sânul fam- most of all, love. You must be there have felt over the years were covered iliei” is very different from the rest for them, when they need you, em- as much as possible by a number of of the centers of this type, especial- pathize with them. The girls that good hearted people who came and ly from the state ones. What makes look after us don’t come here like showed us how important we are”, our foundation different is the atmo- for a job. They are like real moth- ended Ancuța, smiling.

7 Rural Romania – no. 16

Erika Crișan-Daraguș harmoniously blends agriculture with rural tourism

Graduated from the Faculty of Eco- touristic activities, but we are also Program objective for the nomic Engineering and Rural De- developing new agricultural and young woman in Covasna velopment within the USAMV Bu- stock raising projects. Agricultural charest, the young Erika Crișan Da- exploitation has been around ever The project „Improving the manage- raguș went back home to the Turia since I was a child. Over the years, ment of the farm in Turia parish, Co- vasna County, by setting up the young parish, Covasna County, where, in we wanted to expand and develop farmer Crișan-Daraguș Erika, PFA” 2010, she started a project based ourselves and this is where my in- on European funds. This way, the was signed in 2010. The value of the terest for accessing European funds theoretical knowledge she gained at project was 25.000 euros, non-re- started from. Ever since univer- university, are applied at. Over the fundable funds. Aside from that years, Erika has worked in the „Ce- sity years I have researched and I amount, the personal contribution tate” tourist complex, in Băile Bal- have followed youth financing pro- was of approximately 20.000 euros. vanyos, managed by her father. grams, and thus, beginning with 2010 we started a project on Eu- The purpose of the project is to grow „Ever since I was a child, I worked ropean funds, measure 112 «Young agricultural products and mixed stock raining, as well as purchasing with my parents, and they are still farmers set-up»”, said Erika. by my side even today, when, with agricultural machinery and equip- my husband, we are continuing the ment, in order to modernize and grow

8 the efficiency of the activities. The faction is that much bigger when we of economical sciences and business production is then sold to the local see tourists that highly appreciate administration. markets (counties of Covasna, Har- our food items, besides the quality of „By means of this type of projects ghita, Brașov), while it is also used the accommodation services and the I wish to be able to contribute as within the family guesthouse and leisure activities around the guest- much as I can to the development of restaurant. house”, says Erika. the local community. I am happy to „The activity of the agricultural The young woman from Covasna does see that in the last few years, here, in farm is developed over a surface of not limit herself only to the two farms. Turia, more and more young people 30 hectares of plough land. We also She is still the administrator of the become interested in European funds own 30 hectares of pasture. We han- guesthouse, and, on top of it all, she projects. It is good to follow all the dle a total of ten dairy cows, 20 pigs, got involved in starting a new proj- financing programs; no opportunity 25 sheep, as well as 4 horses. Part of ect, still in the implementation phase, to grow our business can be missed. the production is sent to the Cetate beneficiary being ANTREC Covasna, All this is visible locally. With the help complex in Balvanyos. We genu- which she manages as branch presi- of the Town Hall, many projects were inely promote the concept of local, dent. The project targets to facilitate funded in our area, many youngsters traditional gastronomy, with prod- the insertion within the labor market purchased agricultural machines”, ucts from out local farm. The satis- for future graduates from the faculty Erika told us.

9 Rural Romania – no. 16

The Bran and Moieciu groups prepare the future generations of authentic Romania

The Bran legend, first heard around re his fortune (the villages in the Bran the rest of them. The legend was later the year 1800 on Mount Bătrâna in area). Each of the brothers got one picked by the painter and writer Dui- the Bucegi Mountains, says that in village, starting with Poarta, passing cu from the village Peștera, inspiring the area there lived ten brothers who through Moieciu and finishing with for years the local people and young ruled the mountain pastures. When Fundata – from the entrance to the generations of groups who take over he reached 100 years, old Bran rang exit from the pass. It is said that af- the ancestral legends and incorpo- the horn on Saint Dumitru’s day, to ter old Bran died, the task of defen- rate them in clothing, dancing and gather his brothers, so they may sha- ding the villages was passed upon scenes.

The folkloric group „Plai- „Festivalul Mușcatelor (Pelargonium ing the true treasure left by their an- uri Moiecene” Festival)” in Bran, invited by Mioara cestors – special popular costumes Vișan Stoian and Marilena Stoian. and folk dances. The folkloric group „Plaiuri The dancers enjoyed appraisals from Moiecene (Moeciu Plains)”, creat- all the spectators. We should appreciate that these young dancers in the Bran and Moe- ed in the beginning of 2014 is part The group is formed of 47 junior ciu groups, under the close guidance of the cultural Association „Zestrea dancers, trained by Andreea Jitea, Branului (Bran Dowry)”. It is com- who graduated from the Popular Art of their teachers, professors and posed of talented young people from School „Tiberiu Brediceanu” (Brașov mentors, promote the local tradi- the beautiful villages Bran, Moieciu – Folk Song Section). The young tions and costumes, proudly pre- and Fundata. Their dance debut group participated in cultural events senting them in various areas of the was on the 17th of May 2014 at the in the Bran area, and not only reveal- country, as well as abroad.

10 „Poarta Dorului” group „Poarta Dorului (Yearning Gate)” group was started in 2005 by its co- ordinating manager Ionela Bran. She started her activity in the local schools, with talented children, obtaining the approval of the local council at that time for using the Cheia Community Center. Personally, Ionela Bran can take pride in her two wonderful children who take after her. Darius – Cristian is 11 and studies violin, while Da- vid – Ioan, who is nine, is passionate about the craft of clay modelling and he is training for wood carving in the sculpture section. The group is currently composed of 12 pairs of dancers, with ages 10 to 15, 8 pairs of dancers with ages from 15 to 25 and another 8 pairs with ages from 6 to 10. It included singers from all areas of the country (Moldova, Ardeal, Banat, Oltenia, Muntenia, Dobrogea) and the choreographer Liviu Vintilă. Starting with 2009 the group is part of the Romanian International Folk- lore Federation and participated in many national and international festivals, winning many prizes.

„The Poarta Dorului group has only one synonym - a big family. I truly wish that „Poarta Dorului” group can be open for great success, as for the name it was given: poartă (gate) = openness, while dor = sublime, unique”, told us Ionela Bran.

Events participation: • 2007 – Grüne Woche, Berlin – Germany (Global agricultural fair); • 2008 – Kieler Woche, Kiel – – Germany; • 2009 – Gefira – Greece; • 2010 – Vinodar, Daruvar – – Croatia; • 2011 - 2012- Grüne Woche, Berlin - Germany;

11 Rural Romania – no. 16

Folkloric group „Zestrea Branului” The folkloric group „Zestrea Bran- ului”, created in the beginning of 2014, is meant to carry forward the traditions and ways of the etno-fol- ckloric area of Bran. A cultural center for young talented people from the beautiful surrounding areas was formed here, people who are eager to learn traditional dances and songs. These youngsters sacredly uphold their forefathers’ legacy and due to them the respect for the ancestors still burns alive in the soul of the community. The group does traditional dances, holiday caroling, wedding customs; they participate in the local sheep breeding annual festivals and in cultural events. Therefore, we should note the Group’s presence in the local Bran shows and national festivals. „Zestrea Branului” was the run- ner-up in the International BLACK SEA Festival, held in Bulgaria, at Balcic, in 2011. Together with the dancers, singers were also present, among which we must mention Liliana Oncioiu, local singer born in the village of Șirnea, Andreea Jitea, graduate from Popu- lar Art School „Tiberiu Brediceanu” in Brașov, Alexandra Folea, a very talented dancer, young debutant at- tending the Popular Art School „Ti- beriu Brediceanu” in Brașov (folk songs section) and Duicu Marian, the group’s coordinator and Presi- dent of the Association Traditions and Customs „Zestrea Branului (Bran’s Legacy)”.

12 The groups „Legenda Bran- events where they take part. Since Among the routines they dance we ului” and „Voinicelul” the same year, they are accompanied can find Brașoveanca, Ciobănașul, by the children from the Primary Sârba lu’ 22 and Hora. School of Moieciu de Jos, ages from 5 „By means of the homes and lands In the interpretation of the pupils to 8, who perform popular dances in in Bran we are forever bound to our from the Secondary School Moieciu the „Voinicelul (Little hero)” group. It de Jos, under the guidance of Ioan was created by teacher Elena Cristina ancestors’ land and therefore we are Olteanu, starting with 2012, the Gârbacea, with the support of princi- the continuers of local traditions “Bran Legend” is carried on by the pal Marius Olteanu. The „Voinicelul” and habits”, told us the teacher Elena voices of the little children in the is composed of 10 girls and 8 boys. Cristina Gârbacea.

Events participation: Bran-Moieciu; village National Village Museum • International Day for Rural • Book launch of „Girl with blue „Dimitrie Gusti”, Bucharest; Tourism, Fundata; eyes” written by Archduke • Festival of Daisies Festival of • Geranium Festival, Bran; • Dominic of Habsburg, from with- Guesthouses, National Village • Summer Fair, Moieciu; in the Bran Castle; Museum „Dimitrie Gusti”, • The Fire of Sumedru, • Hospitality in the Romanian Bucharest.

13 Rural Romania – no. 16

Equestrian recreation sports center - Șelimbăr, Sibiu

Although the area where the par- of Șelimbăr, an attraction point for turned into reality. ish of Șelimbăr is currently found tourists. We may also find here the The tourists that come to the Equine has a very old history leading back old orthodox hermitage, built around Center in Șelimbăr don’t come only to Ancient times, according to the 1787. neolitical remains discovered, its name gains weight after the battle of Șelimbăr in 1599, between the Paul Avrigeanu, owner of Project title: „Building a armies from Tara Romaneasca lead sports center for equestri- by Mihai Viteazu and the one of the the Equestrian Re- cre- Transylvania prince, cardinal Andrei ation Sports Center an recreation, Șelimbăr Báthory. It was an important victory parish, Sibiu County” for Mihai Viteazul because it opened Today the tourists have a new at- the way to Alba Iulia, at the time the traction in Șelimbăr, the Eqestrian • Beneficiary: S.C. Centru de house of Transylvanian prices, the Center, a brave initiative a multiple agrement ecvestru S.R.L. place where the first Big Union of national and Balkans horse-riding the Three Romanian Countries took champion, in individual competi- • Registration date within place (27th of May 1600). tions, as well as in teams’ trials. Paul O. J.P.D.R.P.: 11.12.2009 Avrigeanu, from Sibiu, has won various medals in the two decades he has • Session nr. 4 / November- Șelimbăr parish is positioned at the been practicing this sport. December 2009 center of the Sibiu valley, along the It was exactly this experience that • Measure: 313 „Encouraging course of the Cibin River, at an alti- helped the young investor to build an touristic attractions” tude of 450 meters. One of the three improved equine center, close to the composing villages, and also the Șelimbăr Industrial Center, also with • Pillar III – „Improving life in main one, is Șelimbăr. European funds for agriculture and rural areas and diversifying Besides its rich history, Șelimbăr rural investments. The Center was parish also has some religious sites, opened on 29.08.2014, being a proj- rural economy” among which there is a historical ect of almost 500 000 euros, half of • Eligible value: 1 716 600 lei monument built in the 13th century, which were non-refundable money. in the form of a Roman Basilica, that It was actually what he had wished • Public value: 858 300 lei is the Fortified Evangelical Church for for a very long time, a dream

14 from the various hotels in Sibiu, where they stay in order to visit the city, but also from the rest of the country, - tourists that come to practice this sport, that has already become a very large industry. This is why Paul Avrigeanu wants the center dedicated to people who practice more sports than leisure. The champion wishes to train young riders the basis of riding and to train them to take part in competitions. Paul Avrigeanu is a coach and certified instructor for FER. He is convinced that horse riding will know a spectacular development. During holidays, the equine center is filled with children who come to spend their free time in an interest- ing and also useful way, horseback riding being a sport that captivates them from day one. The parents can watch their children from an area for spectators, found on the first floor of the building. The equine center built by the former Jockey of the Equine Base Sibiu CSM, Paul Avrigeanu, is composed of sta- bles, exterior manage (exterior grass area for competitions– 8 500 m and exterior warm-up area for the horses – 3 500 m) and interior (25×60 m), according to European standards. Also, there is a horse guesthouse in a stable with 41 open stalls. The cus- tomers who own horses may leave them at the center after they finish the practice and can watch them with the help of a webcam setup in the stall. Also residing here is the champion’s favorite horse, the one he also takes to competitions. Close to the equine center in Șelim- băr there is also a guesthouse owned by the young entrepreneur’s sister, in close connection with him. Her project, „Building a guesthouse and restaurant with equine design specific for the Sibiu area” has a total eligible value of 400 000 euros, out of which a public contribution of 200 000 euros and a private one of 200 000 euros (project started on 03.06.2011, with end date in 2015). Paul Avrigeanu intends to promote his equine center by organizing events, ads and collaborations with tourism agencies.

15 Rural Romania – no. 16

Calendar – Festivals of the beginning of the year 7 - 8 February 2015, Honeybees Fair, Craiova, Dolj County – 2nd edition The second edition of the Honey- bees Fair in Craiova is organized by BIA Apiary, together with Craiova City Hall, County Council of Dolj and Apis Oltenia Craiova Associa- tion, within the Fair Center in Târ- gului street, nr. 26. The event will take place over a period of two days, when the beekeepers who come to the fair will present their own hives, natural beauty products based on honey products, sweets for every taste, but also tools and specific equipment, all these will be available for purchasing by the visitors of the Honeybees Fair Craiova 2015.

February 2015, Pancakes Car- nival, Prejmer, Brașov County Every year, in February, Prejmer organizes the Pancake Carnival (Fasching), a custom revived by the youngsters in the village, that is organized before entering the February gets us closer and closer to the long awaited spring and brings us the Dragobete holiday, so it’s not by chance that it is marked by various „sweet fairs”.

5 - 7 February 2015, Honeybees Fair, Slobozia, Ialomita county, 6th edition The Slobozia honeybees fair wishes to promote beekeeping and the con- sumption of honey products in the area of Ialomita and Bărăgan. At the same time, it intends to develop the honeybee sector by accessing European funds. The program of the Honeybees Fair in Slobozia this year contains scientific debates and communications on honey related issues, and the visitors can buy the honey products displayed in Piata Revolutiei.

16 Easter fast period. Besides the pancakes prepared only with traditional fillings, the participants will watch local village dances and hear band music. They will take part in a masked party that will end the event which was also included in the Romanian Gastronomical Cal- endar by ANT.

20 - 22 February 2015, Hon- ey Festival, Câmpina, Prahova County, 10th edition The Honey Fair in Câmpina is one of the most important profile festivals organized in Romania, gathering individual producers and man- ufacturing companies from various counties of Romania. For opening day, the organizers prepared innovative competitions, addressed to the beekeepers and visitors. The Honey Festival in Câmpina is organized by the Beekeepers Associa- tion „Valea Prahovei” from Câmpi- na, a member of the Beekeepers Association Federation in România ROMAPIS. The Câmpina Honey Fair, 10th edition, is held in Casa Tineretului.

23 - 24 February 2015, Drago- bete Ball, Bran, Brașov County The Dragobete Ball or that of the Love attracts each year lovers who are willing to celebrate in the traditional style the Day of Love in the Romanian culture, the 24th of February, day that used to mark the start of the agricultural year or the day when the bear came out of its lair. Nature comes to life, birds look for nests and the young people resonate with nature. Romanian popular belief tells us that the ones who take part in the Dragobete feast will be protected from illness all year long. The Dragobete Day is celebrated in Bran by girls and boys dressed for holidays so that to show their love.

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Stan’s Valley Canyon – Adventure mountain tourism for experienced young people, who love the mountain

The Romanian sector of the Car- pathian Mountains is the wildest mountain side in all Europe. This is mostly why the Romanian tourists, but especially the foreigners, choose the Romanian Carpathians as travel destination. Most of them are young, active, dynamic tourists. If in most European countries we can note a tendency for human intervention in the natural areas, the Carpathians have kept most of their wilderness, human intervention being almost unnoticeable.

Stan’s Valley Canyon from the Frunți Mountains – the wildest canyon in Ro- mania. With a length of 2300 meters and a level difference of 375 de meters, the route in the Frunți Mountains (in the south of the Făgăraș area) goes back to 1960-1961. The route was created to facilitate the access to the hydro-technical areas for collecting water to feed the Vidraru dam, found nearby. During those years, the workers in the area set up the canyon for the first time with wood and metal bridges, rail guards, stairs and cables, necessary for passing through the canyon.

How to reach Stan’s Val- ley Canyon? Access to Stan’s Valley Canyon can be done by the famous Trans- făgărășan (DN 7C) from Curtea de Argeș to Vidraru dam. Until 2012, the entrance to the canyon was not marked, but since that year there is a new sign informing about the access to the canyon. For a better orientation, follow the exits from Căpățânenii Pământeni and Ungure- ni, leaving the Poenari Citadel behind us. After about 4 km from the citadel, in the first tight curve, we

18 can see a roadside cross and the sign of Argeș Mountain Rescue. There are also about 4 – 5 parking places.

The canyon – restored by the Curtea de Argeș Moun- tain Rescue, young volunteers and from mountain clubs With financing from the 2% contribution on the profit tax, the route was restored in the summer of 2012 water. For about two hours we can flow in Stan’s Valley is high, and the by a team of dedicated people, mem- explore a world of rocks, where the crossing has to be done by water. It bers of the Argeș Mountain Rescue, fast mountain waters chatter their may be up to 1 meter deep. The exit helped by volunteers – young peo- wildness. from the canyon will be marked by ples from the area and mountain one last hydro-technical facility, at lovers in Romania. So, they replaced We will go through canyons that get an altitude of 960 meters. the bridges and metallic stairs, the narrower by the step, crossing over cables and rail guards were consoli- waterfalls and pools. Mobile bridges, From this point to, we will follow dated and the route was marked. corridors and vertical metal stairs the trail to Poiana Călugărița (1150 The canyon area is under surveil- up to 20 meters high will raise our meters – maximum altitude of the lance by the Police in order to pre- adrenaline level. These parts of the route), found at the ridge between vent thefts and destruction. There route require special attention, the Stan’s Valley and Călugărița Valley. is training available for tourists risk of sliding being very high. In In the last part of the route we will when entering the course. Mountain some areas, we will escalade walls follow the path through the broad- Rescue and Police teams frequently that are almost vertical, testing our leaf forest, walking carefully as it is patrol the canyon and fine whoever balance. After about 1 hour and a an area where bears and other wild doesn’t respect the rules. half from the start, we will reach a animals may appear. We can descend very narrow canyon portion. Here, from Poiana Călugărița until Vidraru in spring and in autumn, the water Lake in about one hour. Wilderness, coolness, tor- rential cascades and rock climbing – the attraction Growth areas for the active and adventure tourism, in Stan’s Valley Romanian mountain mountain routes; tourism: In order to enjoy the wilderness of • Campaigns to educate and raise Stan’s Valley Canyon we will have to • Developing the access ways to awareness about the importan- be equipped for a hike with moun- and within the mountain areas ce of a responsible and durable tain boots with a very good adher- with touristic profile; tourism within the mountain ence. The physical condition must • Diversifying the packages for areas. also be kept in mind. The route is not recommended for inexperienced tourists, as it may become very dan- gerous with bad weather (fog, rain, snow). The estimated time for the route is 5 hours, arriving at the bank of the Vidraru Lake. Leaving the Transfăgărășan behind us, the path will turn left in the walking direction towards the first two hydro-technical facilities. They can be easily climbed due to the metallic steps that we have to climb in order to come out at the upper limit of the two dams. From here, orientation becomes fairly easy, the route being carved in the rocks –specific to canyon areas – following the line of the

19 Rural Romania – no. 16

People

Furniture and decorations for guesthouses: wood craftsman – Bogdan Cojanu, from Fundata

Working alongside his brother, who handles classic woodwork, Bogdan Cojanu managed to imprint a certain artistic side to the objects he makes in carved wood. It is because of this very keen artistic sense that Bogdan can see a finished product in any spring and chip he finds on the ground, so he managed to use every piece of wood that may appear useless at first, to create truly unique pieces. He uses fir tree wood and procures it mostly from the area. Until now he has managed to create various decorative wood objects, but also furniture pieces for the guesthouses in Fundata, whose owners call on this skillful craftsman because they want to provide their guests with a special interior design. The guesthouse owners allow him to be creative most of the times, with a remarkable result with every occa- sion. It would seem that Fundata, this parish found on the border between Transylvania and Muntenia, in the middle of the Rucăr-Bran corridor, is so beautiful that it can inspire the eye of the artist to create wonderful pieces from nature itself. In Fundata, every year it is celebrated the National Day of the Romanian Rural Tourism, celebration organized by ANTREC, when the young Wood has constantly been used al- wood is more imposing and also men of the village put on their holi- most in his raw state when making day clothes, one more reason why the more attractive than the one from the furniture to be used inside the village is known as a keeper of habits processed wood. houses, evolving at the same pace and customs. with mankind. Knowing these aaspects and driv- Fundata also has the cleanest air in en by his passion for wood crafting, The furniture made from wood has Romania: having its highest point at Bogdan Cojanu, a young craftsman a series of advantages that can’t be 1360 meters of altitude, the people in from Fundata, Brașov County, man- ignored, compared to the one made the area enjoy a fresh and unpollut- ages to impress with every piece he from other types of material. First, ed air, favorable to any artist when creates in carved wood. it is natural, and hence preferable, working on a new creation. because it does not release any tox- His passion started from a “kids’ What is very special about the furni- ic substances. Wood lasts longer and game” almost 10 years ago, a sign that ture carved by Bogdan Cojanu is the provides a certain warmth to any age doesn’t matter when it comes to natural aspect of the wood, keeping room. Furniture made from sturdy doing something you were born for. where possible, the natural shape of

20 the tree he initially used (part of the tree with the nodes, whole branches, etc.). This is exactly what makes the sculpture original. The wood is chosen according to the piece that will be created, later re- ceiving a shape more appropriate to its utility, but with an original aspect. The shelves supported by branches have curved forms, the railings take on very intricate outlines, the cup- boards keep whole pieces from the tree they were made of, all these details providing a note of distinction, originality and uniqueness so that no piece of carved wood resembles another. Bogdan Cojanu lets his imag- ination run wild with regards to the finished product. The beds are extremely beautiful, the frames have asymmetrical forms and can be hand painted with floral designs, also by the young man. He uses acrylic paint, dedicated to painting on wood. Among the products he makes we can find decorative pieces, like flower holders, paintings with protruding branches, all of them real works of art, worked on every day in his small shop. Regardless of the dimension of the objects he carves out of wood, they have a high aesthetical value, fitting perfectly in the rustic traditional environment, giving them a noble air. Having started as a passion, it turned into a day to day job that makes Bog- dan Cojanu really proud.

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Presentation of the clothing collection „Voroneț Blue”, signed by Liza Panait

A lover of the rural traditions and pop- Before the official launch „of the Vo- Fashion house Villi. ular outfits, the well-known designer roneț Blue” collection at the World Liza Panait managed to transpose the Trade Center in Bucharest there was The creations done by Liza Panait, love for the Romanian village into a a photo shoot at the National Village although spectacular, can be worn on fascinating collection called „Voroneț Museum „Dimitrie Gusti”. The ones the street as well as for events, high- Blue”. who made the rural spirit come to life lighting the personality of the woman in the clothing pieces with elements who is wearing them. All the pieces The unique blue of the exterior wall inspired by Romanian folklore were show woman hood, fineness and dis- painting of the Voroneț church mon- Maia Morgenstern, Manuela Hără- tinction. Each piece tells a story, Liza astery can be found in most of the cre- bor, Maria - Lizei Panait’s daughter Panait having put a lot of passion in ations of her recent collection. Why and granddaughter Ioana, who were them. In order to create a line, besides „Voroneț Blue”? „For its uniqueness”, photographed by Giovanni Kalender- her intuition, the artist thoroughly confessed Liza Panait. ian, one of the most famous photog- studies the fashion trends, and in this The intense sapphire blue, found on raphers in the Middle East, who has season the accent is on the tradition- the walls of the church so called „ been working with Eliza Panait for al clothing. Liza Panait does not copy the Sistine Chapel of the East”, was some time. For the „Voroneț Blue” col- styles, she does what she feels and obtained based on a recipe unknown lection, the show at the Village Muse- always keeps in mind the traditional even until today, its secret ingredients um „was like a meeting between gen- outfits and elements that she loves giving it the resistance it has showed erations, to pass on customs and the and that have laid a mark over her even 500 years after the church was national clothing teaches us to keep creations. „Everything is a reinter- built. them”, said Liza Panait, owner of the pretation”, said Liza Panait.

22 manian country side. Being actively involved in the execution of her pieces, Liza Panait managed to pass on from her experience and vision to the dressmakers she works with, so that they make quality products. Some of them are actually done on an embroidery frame, such as the fine models that can be seen on different clothes. Liza Panait is in love with the traditional Romanian style that has left a definite mark on her collections, style that she considers to be “our Before they are worked on, the mate- The traditional Romanian identity” style – the Romanian peo- rials are tested. They are put into water, ironed, the dye that will be used With a career of over 25 years in ple’s identity is tested or they are tested to see if fashion, Liza Panait has done over 50 embroidery can be applied. A cloth- The „Voroneț Blue” collection counts large collections, besides the various over 90 pieces inspired by folklore, ing piece must remain the same as it collaborations for theater plays, and where one can find stylish elements was when purchased, even after it is worn once, it can’t change its shape from the national outfits from all each collection manages to be more nor size. The special attention given over the country, both in clothes, spectacular and more unique than to these details only shows the love as well as in accessories (handbags, and passion that Liza Panait has for the previous one. belts or hand crafted jewelry), hav- her clothes and for the woman who ing a floral or geometrical theme. The presentation of the „Voroneț will wear them. „I don’t do anything The paint she used is made naturally, by chance, we are not traders”, stated Blue” collection was also sensitive from plants and it is water resistant, the fashion designer. due to the fabulous interpretation applied either on the skin or on fab- The materials she uses are imported of the cello player Adrian Naidin, a ric. from Italy and France, but also from huge lover of traditional Romanian The traditional Romanian coat, the India, Liza Panait being fascinated music, who managed to inspire a sheepskin coat, became the star of with the rustic influences from this mirific aura to the show and accentu- country. The viscose lining is pur- the „Voroneț Blue” collection, being ate that note of genuine folklore, the decorated with various embroidery chased from Romania. Part of the unequalled dowry of the Romanian or paintings, regardless if it is the fabrics is produced in the shop, while vest, wool vest, bolero or long coat. other fabrics are bought from the Ro- people. Among other pieces of the collection we can find some made of velvet, manual knit work, waist bands, spar- kling dresses, lace ones or made of raw silk. As a bold detail, Liza Panait has managed to make embroidery on silk and knitwear, and the combina- tions are special. Besides the domi- nant Voroneț blue, we can also find other shades of blue, but also golden, ocher, black, red brown and beige. The bride of the collection was dressed in a gown made of lace combined with a 80 years old embroidery purchased from the Sighișoara area. Liza Panait manages to purchase some materials from various villages, as the folklore collectors find their texts or song lines. Later, the fabrics can be combined in various unique models. Around 80% of the produced designs remain unique; they will never be made again.

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Handicraft from Maramureș between Mara and Cosău Theory and practice for the Arts students

In the middle of the historical Maramureș area we can find one of the sources of traditional Roma- nian handicrafts. Their story was passed on from generation to generation, and today it is known on a national level, but also on an international one. The proof is solid and come from the increasing number of tourists that choose as a holiday destination the villages from the Mara – Cosău area, and also from the information found in the media and on-line about the importance of preserving and capitalizing the handicrafts in the Maramureș area. The area of the historical area is set in the south-west of Țara Mara- mureșului. The area comprises the villages at the base of the Gutâi Mountains, outlined by the valleys of the Rivers Mara and Cosău. The region profits from its natural attractions, such as the peaks of the Gutâi Mountains, peat bogs, shal- low waters, cascades and shaped rocks. From the manmade elements we note the wooden churches, the special gates, local handicrafts and folkloric events. You seem to go back in time in villages like Sârbi, Budești, Hărniceș- ti and Breb, you feel time passes differently here. The authentic still has meaning that step by step has to be understood and assimilated by the young ones. For this, the local authorities, youth associations and higher education entities invest time and resources in organizing creation camps – handicraft camps and also visits to the old handymen. It’s not just youngsters who benefit from these projects, but also tourists can directly seek these programs with the help of local tourism agencies or associations who organize one day circuits to the local handymen.

24 Examples of pro- gra ms that promote handicrafts: • creation section: hats and bags, agricultural tools, wooden tiles, glass paintings, pottery; • demonstrations from local handymen: basket knitting, sewing and embroiling shirts, wood carving, sandals, pottery, cooking and preparing; • visits to handymen and to the country side technical installations: forging seal engravers, spinning pins with bells, carving local style doors, sewing handbags. The visitors can notice how the mills work, the water whirls, the manual mills, dis- tilleries, water pumped threshers, wood cutters and looms.

The Art students in Cluj and Baia-Mare discover the secrest of the handy crafts with the handy men from Maramureș The groups of students come from University of Arts and Design Cluj-Napoca, the former Institute of Plastic Arts „Ion Andreescu”. They are accompanied by students from the Northern University of Baia Mare – ethnology section. Ev- ery year, they become part of the rural development program in view of organizing certain educational activities, to know, assimilate and keep the traditions and folklore specific to Țara Maramureșului. Such projects also represent experience exchanges in the area of

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Churches to be visited on the bicycle tracks in the Mara-Cosău area: • Wooden Church „Sf. Nicolae” in Budești-Josani; • Wooden Church „Sf. Nicolae” in Budești-Susani; • Wooden church „Cuvioasa Paraschiva” in Sârbi-Susani; • Wooden Church „Sf. Arhangheli” in Breb; • Wooden church „Adormirea Maicii Domnului” in Călinești-Susani; • Church „Sf. Arhangheli Mihail and Gavril” in Hoteni; • Wooden Church “Sf. Paraschiva” in Desești; • Wooden church “Nașterea Maicii Domnului” in Hărnicești; • Wooden church “Duminica Tuturor Sfinților” in Ocna Șugatag; • Wooden church “Sfântul Nicolae” in Cornești; • Wooden church “Cuvioasa Paraschiva” in Stejarului; mony. At the same time, the camp cultural management and tourism • Monastery “Eroii Revoluției promotion. Here is how Maramureș wanted to be a model for promoting din 1989” 7 km from Văleni, becomes a standard of promoting a sustainable tourism by capitalizing sustainable tourism by capitalizing the traditions and culture of local parish Călinești; the traditions and culture of local communities. • Monastery “Sfinții Împărați communities. Constantin and Elena” 7 km Within the handicraft camps that from Budești; last for five days took part popular Visiting the handymen in • Monastery “Sfinții Apostoli” handymen from the project area, Maramureș from Bârsana parish. especially selected for the events. They are active in areas as sewing Going on a walk through the Mara- hats and bags, basket knitting, sew- mureș area, in Breb we find Ghe- ing and embroiling shirts, cooking orghe Pop-Ciobilă who build for and preparing, glass painting, mak- himself, as well as for the local ing wicker fences, wooden tiles and community wooden agricultural agricultural tools, wood processing tools, forks and rakes in ash tree. and sandals’ making. These are used for gathering hay and after grass. A little bit further With a large opening towards visi- up lives a good friend of Gheorghe tors, as well as the keepers of tradi- Pop-Ciobilă, Pătru Pop a Niții. He tions and handicrafts, the camp has is one of the few handymen who built a complex and visible form of transform wood into real jewels, promoting the area and local patri- Pătru Pop taught the youngsters

26 how to carve seal engravers, spinning pins with bells or other small wooden objects, beautifully decorated with local traditional motives (wolf’s tooth, solar symbols). Also in a house in Breb we can find Vișo- fan Onisim, handyman who teaches young people how to knit out of straws baskets to carry fruit, food for the field and even wood. The baskets may be hand carried but also carried on your back. Once in Sârbi, we understand the secrets behind the wooden stairs in the alcohol bottles. Gheorghe Opriș teaches the students this craft, and he also takes them to a traditional distillery. In there, there is fruit boiling in the brass cauldrons, that later, beyond the chilled alembics, will produce “the liquid that will sing with fire and passion, burning your throat. Around here we say that after you taste the local alcohol, you will let your throat dance as it wishes”, said Mr. Opriș from Sârbi. The visits continued in Desești and Budești, in the houses of craftsmen who build, over the years, the famous Maramureș churches, mixing wooden beams. Then, the youngsters reached skillful women who knitted, spinning real wool stories. They then learned how to make rugs, and how these were taken to the water whirls, to densify. Functional installation for rural techniques can be found in every Maramureș village, but the most complex and visited are the ones in the Cosău Valley.

Cycloturism recommended to young ones and tourists who come to see the Mara-Cosău area The local agencies and ecotourism associations recommend to young people a mini tour of the local wooden churches. The tours can be done on foot, as well as on bicycles. Between Mara and Cosău we find true fine pieces of wood architecture, churches included in the UN- ESCO patrimony.

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Experiences: My farm Vlad Enescu – The young farmer from Bran who transformed his passions into successful projects

we opened the second guesthouse, Curtea Brăneană. So, becoming hosts to our guests, we sought to have better services every year in our guesthouses, regardless if we speak about the hospitality and the comfort of the rooms or the conditions of serving a meal”, said Vlad. The food for both pensions is pro- cured from their own farm. „We currently have two farms that I handle together with my father. Everything that we have done so far was based on our own funding. 14 years ago we had a stable with 8 cows, located 100 meters away from the guesthouse. Ever since I was young I liked animals. Prac- tically, I used to live among them, always following my grandparents and my father around to see how things were going. My father, as a veterinary technician, was very proud of me. Even if it took a lot of effort, I really liked working with them. Today, our cattle numbers rise In the Bran-Moieciu area birth you can live very well off your own to 60 animals and we also have a place of the Romanian rural tour- little business”, said Vlad. farm where we grow 2000 sheep ism, Vlad Enescu, a 23 years old (1500built space) 40 kilometers man, student at the Faculty of Vet- away from Bran, in Vlădeni, erinary Medicine USAMV Bucha- Brașov county”, says Vlad. rest, decided to turn his passions Agrotourism – the start and dreams he had since he was a of new projects; from child into projects that honor any guesthouses to cattle and young entrepreneur in the rural en- Vlad Enescu’s goal – to vironment. sheep farms modernize the cattle „We, the young pleople, bring a Vlad’s family is divided between farm in Bran new mentality. In the rural areas agrotourism and the cattle and such mentality is needed in order sheep farm. His mother, Liliana to modernize the activities we do. Enescu, together with Ștefania (his In order to make his work more ef- I can see that most people over 45 little sister) takes care of the two ficient, and also, to reduce the costs have restraints and fears in ob- guesthouses - Curtea Brăneană and of the farm, Vlad Enescu started a taining funds. Here, in the Bran- Liliana guesthouses. project to modernize his cattle farm Moieciu area, many have animals, on the measure 121 “Modernizing but nobody has a modern farm. As „Liliana guesthouse is practically agricultural exploitations”. The a young man who loves animals, our house that we turned into an value of the project is 170.000 eu- it’s better to build your own busi- agrotouristical guesthouse. This is ros, where 70.000 euros as his own ness than to work for someone else, how it all started. In 2006, when contribution and 100.000 euros for less money as it usually hap- the rural tourism started to bloom, from European funds. The project pens. Like this, if you do your job and also the agrotourism in Bran is close to being finished and Vlad is

28 very confident. Having finished the period for the auction and the purchase file, in March of 2015 he will buy the new necessary tools. „The cattle farm takes up an area of 1200 m2. The goal of my investment targets to make our work more efficient and easy. Until now, all the hay in the farm was worked manually, with day men and all the activity had become very tiresome. We used to buy a lot of feed for the animals, and if we don’t start pro- ducing our own feed, in a couple of years the costs will get bigger and bigger, and the business will no longer be able to survive. It’s time we close the loop and make our own hay. With the project I will buy for the farm a tractor, a plough, a disk and a press to make hay packs, rake, reaper and a trailer. I am confident that the results will be felt in our daily work, reduc- ing the costs. I wish in the future to be able to include in the farm a small factory to process milk. The products we obtain in the farm, but also on our sheepfold in Guțanu – Bucegi Mountains are used on one side, in the guesthouse, and on the other side we work with various restaurants and guesthouses in the area, like for example the Cheile Grădiștei complex. In the future, I intend to open a shop also in Bu- charest”, confessed Vlad very con- fidently.

Riding– from a child’s passion to the equestrian center Vlad Enescu’s projects and plans don’t stop here. One of his greatest childhood passions led him to request European funds in view of an investment that targets setting up a mountain equestrian center. The project is worth 217.000 euros, out of which 38.000 euros are from his personal investment. „Since I way young I used to climb to our sheep yard in Guțanu, at 1800 meters altitude in the Bucegi Mountains. As the climb was dif- ficult, I learned how to ride, and together with my father we would ride to the sheepfold. Now, I own six horses that I keep for my pleasure. I know they are mine, I love them

29 Rural Romania – no. 16

and I keep them for myself. This is how I got the idea for the project on the equestrian center. I am convinced that this center and the possibility of riding up the mountain will be new attractions for our guesthouse. We bring added value to the tourism offer, and especially to the leisure one. We will take the tourists from the house and go up until the sheepfold in Guța- nu or on other picturesque routes in Bucegi and Piatra Craiului. The project I made in 2012 on measure 313 – Building a stable and a covered manege – was approved and in December we submitted the bid. I estimate that by the end of Sep- tember 2015 I will have purchased all the necessary items. The equestrian project involves a stable with ten stalls for horses a covered 20 meters manege, buying 8 horses and 4 pony’s, a carriage and riding equipment“, said Vlad.

„The young people should be more involved in the rural area. Association may be a solution!” Vlad wishes that other young people follow his example. Moreover, along the years, he managed to setup an association with some friends. Re- garding the two project he started, he was motivated by the success of a family in Brașov. „I was really inspired by the project of some friends – Modernizing a farm of laying hens. It is the most beautiful farm I saw in Brașov. Noticing and analyzing what they have accomplished with European funds, I was very stimulated to ma- terialize my desires into successful projects. About the idea to have an association, with some friends I managed to make a co-operative society, through which we bid on lands. In 2013, we tried to bid on a land in Azuga. We failed, but we didn’t lose hope. It’s very important not to quit, as long as you’re convinced you’ll make it!”, advises Vlad Enescu.

30 Curtea Brăneană guesthouse, Bran – 4 daisies Member of ANTREC Brașov • 8 double rooms + 1 apartment; • dining room with 40 available places; • traditional food; • products from their own farm; • conference room; • leisure: hiking to the sheepfold, riding lessons, children’s play area.

Liliana guesthouse Bran – 3 daisies Member of ANTREC Brașov • 5 double rooms; • dining room; • traditional food; • products from their own farm; • sledge slope; • pony rides.

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My business

The solar panel produced in a village in Buzău have become export goods

through a project that totaled 300 000 euros without VAT, out of which almost two thirds came from the European Union. The project called “Setting up a unit for the production of solar panels” was done on measure 312 „Support for creating and developing micro- companies”. The company develops its activity on a production and storage area of 3000 m2, with an annual production capacity of 8 000 de compact solar panels and 8 000 pressurized solar connectors. The products are intended for res- idential as well as for industrial consumers, the company being constantly preoccupied to produce simple efficient and durable solutions, for the people who wish to protect the environment and reduce energy costs. Panosol Power was involved in large project regarding solar panels in Romania, with beneficiaries hotels, office building, hospitals, etc. The fast ascension of the company lead to its presence in international In a world where the energy costs ized solar collectors and solar boil- fairs, dedicated to the sanitary and are getting higher and higher, there ers. On the existing market, the big- thermal installations, as for exam- is an alternative not yet used at its gest competition comes from China, ple the one in Kiev (Aquatherm), Frankfurt and Milano, where hun- true value: solar energy. however, the products imported dreds of exhibitors come from all from there are cheap, yet they do not Just for this reason, in the last few over the world. perform well. years, more and more consumers, The technology owned by Panosol either individuals, either industrial, The young man from Buzău believed Power is the latest generation, and have started considering this form in the growing potential of the solar their experience in the area of solar of energy that is practically free; the panels market when the program panels with vacuum sealed tubes only cost involved being its collec- „Green House“ was launched, by and solar automatization is wide. tion. means of which the state support- The aim of the company is to become ed financially the investment in in- The company Panosol Power S.R.L. a main supplier in the solar energy stalling renewable energy sources in was setup in 2009, with its head- industry, an inexhaustible energy people’s houses. quarters in the village Spătaru, par- that should be used on a wide scale, ish of Costești, Buzău County. The Without having experience in the as it is renewable and non-pollutant. young entrepreneur Silviu Iordache field, coming from the area of tele- Using solar energy on a global level is the sole shareholder of this com- communications, where he acted as is the most efficient way to warm a pany that has as its main object of an apprentice in entrepreneurship, house, as it may replace or reduce activity the production of compact Silviu Iordache applied for Euro- the classic energy sources. By in- pressurized solar panels, pressur- pean fund for rural development stalling pressurized compact solar

32 panels the costs with hot water can be reduced by up to 90%. From a sun rays point of view, Ro- mania is placed in area number two of four such area, with a maximum of 1 600 kWh/m2 in Dobrogea, so using such solar panels is fully jus- tified. Part of the raw materials is imported from China, like the glass for the panel that is not produced in Europe and the direct partnerships with the producers have led to the maximiza- tion of the production line. The products sold by Panosol Power are the following: • Pressurized solar panels, based on the „heat-pipe” technology, with a vacuum tube intended for obtaining running hot water and helping with the heating (solar connectors that work all year round regardless of the temperature, even as low as -50 degrees Celsius); • Compact pressurized solar panels (that produce running water at least 9 months per year, if the water is over the freezing temperature); ies like București, Arad, Constanța, • Accessories for fixing the solar Iași, Târgoviște, Brașov, but also panels, on metallic tiles, as well as through their own online store, also ceramic tiles; by distributors, in a 5% ratio. • Vacuum tubes for solar panels; The Company exports a high quan- • Solar boilers for volumes between tity of solar panels to European 100 and 2 000 litres, equipped countries, at very competitive pric- with one or two serpentines; es. On the list with beneficiaries of • Thermal squeezers with volumes the solar panels from the factory in from 300 to 2 000 litres, equipped Spătaru we can find Croatia, Italy, with one or two serpentines; Moldova and Greece. • Solar automatizations destined In 2013, the company had a turn- for solutions for the running hot over of 400 000 euros, that doubled water, warming up pools and help in 2014. The project of the young with warming the homes; man from Buzău is a successful • Flexible stainless steel pipe for so- business that wouldn’t have been lar installations; possible without obtaining Europe- an fund and that has also led to cre- • Accessories for pressurized solar ating work places. installations. Silviu Iordache also wants to get The solar panel may go up to 30 funding for research and develop- tubes, each with a capacity of 10 li- ment, but also to grow and diversify tres. the product range by making ther- Distribution of the products is done mal boilers for storing hot water, on the internal market, in hardware with the same features: quality and stores, through distributors, in cit- competitive prices.

33 Rural Romania – no. 16

My community

The Cășaru sisters – the daughters of the traditional village in Buzău weave stories turned into gifts for generations

Following the upper flow of the Râm- between Trotuș and Slănicul Buzău- Romanian tradition nicu Sărat River, the parish of Bisoca lui). 65 kilometers away from Buzău, Situated at the border of three his- closes the line of villages from the the parish of Bisoca is formed by the north side of Buzău, being located at torical regions, Bisoca is a very au- an altitude of 970 meters in a cross- villages of Băltăgari, Bisoca, Lacuri- thentic Romanian land, filled with over area between high hills and the le, Lopătăreasa, Pleși, Recea, Sările legends and mostly traditions. The mountains (Subcarpații Vrancei – and Șindrila. villagers are simple, hardworking, God fearing people. We often find them working the land and taking Bucur’s table – one of the and wind into the shape of a 10 care of animals, old chores still up- held with dignity even today. Ever main attractions in the area meters wide table. It is said that since a long time ago, the men in the outlaw Bucur lived in these of Bisoca these lands were known as brave forests, often hiding in the cave People passionate about hiking blacksmiths and farriers. The wom- underneath the table. He later and legends can discover in en would sow and weave in the rush moved from the Bisoca area, star- light, making the traditional clothing Bisoca the legend of Bucur’s ting in the Codrii Vlăsiei the that they would proudly wear every table. On the top of the Cordun Village of Bucur that later beca- day, not just at holidays. Mountain the is a natural forma- me the București fortress (today’s tion in granite, carved by rain Bucharest). Three sisters from Biso- ca promote and make the

34 „Life followed its natural course, we grew up and during all this time, our parents and grandparents were the ones who have always refreshed our love for the people and the village. Today, as we are old enough, we decided to pay back the people for their kindness. We seek to pass on their limitless kindness and to make the children feel what we also felt. We wanted to make our grandma’s dream come true, because she gave us joy and love for the traditions. Grandma Maria told us to close our eyes and listed to the sound of the weaver. We would close them very, very tight … but we couldn’t hear anything. She would smile and tell us that when we grow up, we will understand that life has to be woven with love, patience and kindness to people. When we have woven happiness on the others’ face, we will know we haven’t lived in vain. Now that we are grown up, we realize the truth in her words”, tell the three sisters.

SC. Artă și Tradiții Bisoce- and Informatics – Uni- versity of most of the handicrafts in- ne S.R.L – The project of herited from their elders Bucharest) and Elena (18 years old, student of the Faculty of Pharmacy – the Cășaru sisters to pro- Bisoca is lucky. The crafts and tradi- University Bucharest). mote the traditions and tions are not lost and they don’t seem Their grandparents and parents had support local community forgotten in an ethnographic muse- a clear role in their evolution, by By setting up this social company, the um. They exist, and more than that, raising and educating them in the three sisters aim to produce and har- they are respected and harnessed. spirit of loving the traditions, nature ness the traditional woven materials Here starts the story of the three and the people of the area. Today, as from the area and also to contribute daughters of the village, the Cășaru thanks to the family, the teachers to the development of the local com- sisters: Cristina (27 years old – vet and the people in the parish, they munity by organizing gathering and in Buzău, graduate of the Faculty of come back every time to their native by taking part in various events. Veterinary Medicine – USAMV Bu- village and they are also involved in charest), Aurelia (24 years old, grad- the community’s development and In the range of products sewn and uate of the Faculty of Mathematics promotion of the local traditions. woven with motives from the Bisoca

35 Rural Romania – no. 16

area we find blouses, carpets made from goat hair, traditional outfits and accessories of folkloric inspira- tion. In 2014, the Cășaru sisters promoted the art and traditions from Bisoca by participating in various events, among which Indagra, Romanian National Tourism Fair, ANTREC event – Hospitality in the Romanian Village, organized in the National Village Museum „Dimitrie Gusti”. During these events, the girls organized workshops for sewing on the tambour, for the little ones and the older people, called „Let’s weave stories with love”. As they sell the products they promote, 25% of the economic benefits they obtain are reinvested in education and in promoting the traditional culture among the children and young people of Bisoca. „We truly believe in the children and young people in Bisoca and we want to do something for them. We also want to bring the elders closer to the young people It’s important to take action now, while we can still save something from the legacy of the traditions and crafts of the area. Maybe in ten years it will be too late. We think it’s easier to teach the children. Unfortunately, very few parents tell them about traditions. But if we manage to teach them and make them responsible , their parents will support them as well. The elders understood how important it is to pass on the secret to the crafts they have

36 also inherited from their ancestors. gain from keeping and valuing its ters in the past, where they would This way, the elders can give in time most precious clothing – its authen- go caroling on Christmas day, and thing they made themselves. In re- ticity. Bisoca proudly wears that au- the enjoy the riddle telling compe- turn, the young ones must respect thenticity! titions, poetry reading sessions, the elders and understand that they weaving on the tambour and other The teacher Doinița Albu and Tăsi- were the basis of their training and activities that Bisoca takes pride ca Beșliu handled the preparation of to the traditions of these lands. The in. It is very nice to notice that the the children for the gathering. They 25% that we get from selling our youngsters and the children are created highly touching moments, by products is reinvested in the chil- taking this event seriously, as one reciting carols, dancing and singing dren’s education, because we want of importance in the history of our traditional songs, presenting crafts to help them to continue their stud- village. We wish to thank the two and traditional outfits. The children ies,, stated the Cășaru sisters. lady teachers for the way they are were encouraged and accompanied taking care of the children and to by Andrei Cojanu – playing the ac- the principal Viorel Șerbănoiu, who cordion and Moise Constantin (sec- was also our teacher and help a lot The young meet the old at retary of Bisoca) – playing the whis- in organizing this meeting. It was a tle. There were around 30 children, the Bisoca gathering very emotional moment for, us, for eight adults and seven elders (three remembering. We were also part of At the middle of December, last year, generation of Bisoca). the three sisters organized a gather- the schools dance group. We hope to ing, with the support of the second- „We were very happy to organize create a precedent and this gather- ary school in Bisoca. Old, young, the this gathering and to see the joy ing to be the missing link to a chain people in Bisoca Prepared for this in everyone’s eyes. We were very of events that we will hold here, with event that would remind a lot them touched by the stories told by the the help of the heartfelt people of the about the importance of the tradi- elders, about how match - making community”, ended their speech the tions and that Romania has only to was once done, about the cold win- Cășaru sisters.

37 Rural Romania – no. 16

Leader update

LAG Colinele Moldovei

LAG Colinele Moldovei territory The localities that are part of LAG producers groups, associations, sums up 13 localities, out of which Colinele Moldovei are Albești, partnerships and environment. 12 are situated in Botoșani county Blândești, Călărași, Copălău, Dele- (in the South) and one in Iași coun- ni, Frumușica, Flămânzi, Hlipiceni, The LAG strategy covers, in gener- ty. The total surface of LAG is 957,9 Lunca, Stăuceni, Sulița and Todireni. al, innovative activities, which are square kilometers. mainly part of Measure 6 – „Intro- The Local Action Group Colinele duction of innovative methods and The LAG Colinele Moldovei territory Moldovei is made of 47 partners, one technologies in the local economy also includes two Community Con- of them belonging to Ethnic Minori- of the micro-region”. To implement cern Nature 2000 sites: ROSCI0076 ties: the „Interactive Community these measures, it is needed to trans- Dealu Mare Hârlău (on the territory Development” Agency. The partners fer knowledge in the economic sec- of the Flămânzi town and of the Fru- are part of the Economic, and En- tors that are prioritary for the local mușica, Deleni and Copălău villages) vironmental Sectors, of the various development, and to purchase mod- and ROSCI0141 Ciornohal forest (sit- agricultural and NGOs, including uated on the territory of the Călărași natural persons (74,5% represent ern equipment and technology, li- parish). the private sector and the civil soci- censes and patents that can contrib- eties – 35 partners). ute to the improvement of economic Within the micro-region LAG Coli- competition and capitalization of the nele Moldovei there are three areas The strategy of the Colinele Mold- local resources. included among the Specific Natural ovei Local Action Group consists of Conditions Less-Favoured Areas: compassing partnership projects on Out of the 125 projects included in Lunca parish (code Siruta 37912), local scale, but also with other LAGS, the 7 measures of the development Hlipiceni parish (code Siruta 37734) and includes operational objectives plan, the producers groups, associ- and Răuseni parish (cod Siruta regarding semi-subsistence farms, ations and partnerships etc. are tar- 38679). youngsters, geted in 68% of them (85 projects).

38 G.A.L. Colinele Moldovei cur- non-recoverable euros but a total of state, has been modernized; a rently has 40 submitted projects, 98.802 de euro, the difference very important objective, consid- out of which 32 eligible and con- representing the contribution ering that the building housed the tracted, 2 eligible și yet uncon- sustained from the local budget. Deleni library and the folks mu- tracted, a project under evaluation The project has been selected in sical group Coragheasca, estab- of LAG, as follows: the first session launched at LAG lished in 1975. The group takes • 30 signed contracts, that Colinele Moldovei level, during forward the traditions of the area amount to 2.074.284 de euro, May-August 2013. and contributes to the conservation of the local values, having re-that is 81.51% of the total of The Mayor of Deleni, Iași, Dumitru the strategy; been awarded many prizes in dif- Prigoreanu, set a good example of ferent national and internation- • two eligible projects (but which good practice to the other munic- al competitions. It gathers musi- haven’t signed funding con- ipality Mayors, equally LAG part- cians and dancers, with members tracts) that amount to 240.000 ners, through the implementation belonging up to three genera- euros, that is 9.43% of the strat- of this project that led to the cre- tions. At the inauguration of the egy total; ation on a local scale of the specific „Alexandru Tănase” community • a project pending of eval- frame for the performance of cul- center, the 15th of August 2014, uation, under M 421 „The tural and educational activities, they sustained a folks music and Implementation of Cooperation and of the premises for the trans- dance recital. mission to the next generations of Projects”, which amount to LAG Colinele Moldovei also has the local customs, all the more so 30.000 euros, equivalent of two similar projects to be complet- as the area is affluent in cultural 1.17% of the strategy total. ed – that is, two community hous- inheritance. One of the projects complet- es modernizations. In November 2013, Deleni signed a ed by LAG Colinele Moldovei is Giving a great importance to cul- funding contract with AFIR, for a „Modernisation of the commu- ture within the micro-region is nity center in the Deleni parish, project based on construction and also a consequence of the existence Iași”. The project has been found- assembling that was granted nine of various cultural objectives. Out ed by Axa Leader M 413.22 - months for implementation, ac- of the 69 historical monuments, „Renovation, village development, cording to Irina Ursu, director of 28 are settlements (40,6%), ten are improvement of basic services for LAG Colinele Moldovei. archeological sites (14,5%), five are the rural economy and popula- A community center that was op- necropolis (7,2%), and 26 are var- tion and putting the rural inheri- erating in a building as old as the ious monuments (churches, con- tance to good use”, with 67.500 1960 and that was in a very bad vents etc.)

39 Rural Romania – no. 16

The Inter-Communitary Association Țara Zarandului – Leader LAG

for a sustainable development. The creation of LAG leads to the development of rural areas with an un- exploited potential, so that they can reach the level of the rural areas from the European Union, leading to ensuring a decent and active life for the people of Țara Zarandului. This is why in the local development plan; the area-specific types of projects that can be part of the PNDR measures are presented, together with the necessary funding plan required for the local development. The Inter-community Association Țara Zarandului – Leader LAG currently gathers 33 submitted projects, from which 30 eligible and contracted projects, a project being evaluated by AFIR and two uneligi- ble projects. The project „Modernization of the streets in Livada village, Tomești parish, Hunedoara county” provides the modernization of the streets within Livada and those surrounded by private real estates and properties, thus enabling Livada people’s access to their households and the connection with the center of Tomești via DJ 763A: DN76 – Tomești – Obârșa – limit of Arad county. In order to submit the non-refundable grant dossier within the LAG Țara Zarandului call for projects 01 from 16.07.2012 – 26.10.2012, measure 413.322 „Modernization, rural development, basic services improvement for the rural population The region Țara Zarandului belongs ti, Vața de jos, Vălișoara, Ribița, and valorization of the rural patri- to Hunedoara county, and it includes Luncoiu de Jos, Crișcior, Certești, mony”, the beneficiary purchased Brad depression, bounded by the Bulzeștii de Sus, Bucureșci, Buceș, technical design services in the Metaliferi Mountains and crossed Blăjeni, Băița and Criș. The specific purpose of elaborating a feasibility study, and also topographic and ge- by the Crișul Alb river. landscape of Țara Zarandului region otechnical studies and specific ad- is mainly rural. LAG Țara Zarandului concentrates visory services in order to complete itself around the town of Brad, con- The main objective of LAG is turn- the funding request. This was sub- sisting of 13 parishes in the North of ing to account the cultural and nat- mitted to LAG Țara Zarandului on the county, 19 ONGs, 14 private com- ural heritage, the improvement of the 19th of October, 2012, and after panies and 8 natural persons, local the economic environment in order evaluation and selection, the fund- personalities, experts or local ani- to create working places and the ing contract has been signed on the 23rd of July, 2013. mators of the region. The 13 parish- augmentation of the organization- es on the LAG territory are Tomeș- al capacity of rural communities, After its signing, the city hall of

40 Tomești appointed an internal team The value of the 33 projects is Beneficiary: Tomești parish, fis- responsible for the implementation of the project. For the implementa- 2.151.271 euros, amounts distrib- cal code 4521303, with headquar- tion and the insurance of an appro- uted as follows: ters in Tomești village, Tomești priate management, the beneficiary • the value of the eligible and parish, 15 Main street, zip code has contracted consulting services contracted projects with AFIR 337470, Hunedoara county, tel: for project management, and in order to ensure the proper lead of the (30 projects) is 2.001.049 euro; 0254681889, 0766080822, fax: project activities, after the financ- 0254681828, e-mail: primari- • the value of the project under ing contract was signed, it also con- [email protected] evaluation at AFIR is 94.930 tracted specialized services for the euro; Project developed by LAG Țara technical verification of the project, Zarandului: financed by Axis 3 site supervision and design. • the value of the non-eligible The implementation of the proj- projects at AFIR is 55.292 euro. – „Quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural ect led to the modernization of the One of the projects under ad- economy” - ”Improving life in roads aiming for the improvement vanced stage of progress is the of the traffic conditions and protec- rural areas”. Measure: 413.322 „Modernization of the streets in tion of the environment by solving „ Restoration, the development of Livada village, Tomești parish, the problem with the surface water the villages, improving the basic drainage in the area of construc- Hunedoara County”. Tomești is services for the economy and for tions and bringing bearing capacity located in the central-eastern the rural population and the val- at the level required by the current part of the county, in the eastern and future traffic. The compliance orisation of the rural heritage”. section of the Zarandului County with all provisions from the Ap- depression, bounded by the Bihor Period for implementation: plicants Guidelines, the financing contract and its annexes, and the Mountains, along the Obârșa val- 23.07.2013, not later than 30.09.2015 (already done). recommendations and guidelines ley, a stream of Crișul Alb. given by the AFIR staff and LAG C413322011252247010 Zarandului Country has ensured the 23.07.2013 success of the project, even if during Title: „ Modernization of the its implementation, the beneficiary Eligible value of the project: streets in Livada village, Tomești has encountered some technical dif- parish, Hunedoara County” 99.522 EURO ficulties, which have been clarified and overcome in good condition.

41 Rural Romania – no. 16

News and events

The establishment of the „Prof. Dr. G.K. Constantinescu” Zooculture National Agency

The Romanian Government adopted, in the 29th December 2014 meeting, The Decision regarding the establishment and organization of “P. Dr. G.K. Constantinescu” National Zoocul- ture Agency public institution, with legal entity, financed from the state budget, which will operate under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. The Agency will take over the activity and the staff of the National Agency for Improvement and Reproduction in Zooculture „Prof. Dr. G.K. Con- stantinescu”, which enters staff reor- ganization, with inspection responsi- bilities in zooculture within each di- vision for county and capital agriculture, and also the inspection activity regarding the classification activity of the carcasses with the correspondent staff from the divisions for county agriculture, respectively Bucharest agriculture.

Thus, The Zooculture Agency „Prof. Also, the act stipulates that the Agen- analysis expertise and expertise of the Dr. G.K. Constantinescu” becomes cy may provide certain payable ser- semen quality; providing surcharge the competent authority in zootechni- vices, like: analyzes, tests and surveys access to authorized associations/ cal domain regarding the operation, in the reference laboratory in order organizations and to other entities to improvement and animal reproduc- to verify the physical, chemical and tion, conservation and sustainable quality parameters of the milk and the national database SICASA; the management of animal genetic re- milk products, in order to establish rental of some real estate, owned by sources, according to the legal docu- possible forgery, the semen expertise, the state, but in its administration, as ments. the certification by official bulletins of required by the law etc.

The Establishment of Zona Montana Agency

The Romanian Government ad- The Training and Innovation Center and submission for approval of tech- opted, in the 29th December 2014 for Development in the Carpathians nical-operative measures regarding meeting, The Decision regarding - CEFIDEC, has been created, a spe- the implementation of the Govern- the establishment, organization and ment’s strategies and politics in the cialized structure in the alpine-spe- functioning of the Zona Montana field of the development and protec- Agency. Is purpose is to apply strate- cific professional training. tion of the mountain areas aiming at gies and politics in the field of devel- Zona Montana’s attributions are an increase in the standards of living opment and protection of the moun- of the mountain area population. complex. Among them, the planning tain areas in Romania, areas with The Agency also proposes draft laws specific features, environmentally and implementation of strategies regarding the development and pro- frail and at an economic and social for a sustainable development of the tection of the mountain areas popu- disadvantage. Within the Agency, mountain area, the planning lation.

42 The establishment of the Agency for the Administration of the Anti-Hail and Rainfall Increase National System

According to the Government deci- ensure the implementation of the as subsidiaries, hail-fall fighting sion adopted in the 29th of Decem- Anti-Hail and Rainfall Increase Na- units, rainfall increase units, inde- tional System, taking over the staff ber, 2014 meeting, the Authority will pendent fight units and other sim- be subordinated to the Agriculture from the Anti-Hail and Rainfall ilar groups that will be formed as a and Rural Development Ministry, Increase National System General with the management of the active Management. consequence of the technical- scien- interventions in the atmosphere ac- The Agency will have in its structure tific progress, according to the Gov- tivities as main purpose and will the Local Coordination Centers ernment’s decision.

BioFach2015 will take place in Nuremberg, between the 11th and 14th of February, 2015

Between February 11th – February meant to establish new commercial important increase during the last 14th, 2015 will take place in Nurem- relationships. Also, there will be new years, with a significant increase berg, Germany, the International products, innovative techniques and of certified producers in the field, Exhibition of Ecological Products- trends in the consumers from the BioFach2015. international organic sector’s pref- which reflected in the increase of the erences. exports volume, but also of the de- Ecological food and commercial products from 130 countries will The sector of ecological agricul- mand of bio products on the internal be exposed, conferences and events ture in România has known a very market.

43 Rural Romania – no. 16

Government’s decision regarding the allocation of the amount of 3.700.000 RON, equivalent in euros, as a loan coming from privatizations proceeds until the end of 2015

The amount will be transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development by the Public Finance Ministry, as a request from the Pay- ment and Agriculture Intervention Agency, in order to pay off the difference of the area payment (SAPS), correspondent to the 2014 campaign, to the beneficiaries of this project. The legal act regulates the funding source of the costs of the direct payment schemes involved in the use of the European Fund for Agriculture Granting (FEGA), of specific aids and market and intervention measures, from the privatizations proceeds, registered in the current account of the Public Finance Ministry, opened at the Romanian National Bank. The amount that was put at the disposal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development out of privatizations proceeds will be returned by Decem- ber 30, 2015 from the European Com- missions’ reimbursed funds based on the expenditure declarations they will receive. The application of the measures provided by the legal act will allow the beneficiaries to make their own business plan, and a medium and long development program adapted to the market needs, according to the amounts they will receive as per the payment schemes. Also, by the end of January 2015, a legal act that would regulate the granting of the National Transition Aid (TNA) for the zootechnical sector, for the bovine, ovine and goat field will be promoted, and the payment will be done in February 2015. As a reminder, the level of the Nation- al Transition Aid for the plant products sector has been approved via Government Decision on the 30th of December 2014, and the payment will be done after January 15th, 2015.

44 The absorption of the European funds in agriculture and rural environment development

According to an Official presentation 83,63%, that is 12,85 billions of eu- and rural development. In 2014, the of the Ministry of Agriculture, betwe- ros, money already received or about absorption of the European funds en 2007 and the 31st of December to be received by the authorities. Also, managed by the Ministry of Agricul- 2014, România reached an absor- almost 0,6 billion euros were already ture was of 3, 29 billions of euros, that ption of European Funds for Agri- given to Romania as an advance from is 21, 35% of the total sum allocated culture and Rural Development of the European funds for agricultural for the 2007- 2013.

45 Rural Romania – no. 16

News and events

NRDN event- Meeting of the experts at Moieciu – rural tourism and cultural heritage

Between the 27th and the 28th of legal framework. Based on the ex- The main topics for the November 2014, at the Arnica gu- perts’ speeches, recommendations discussions were: esthouse in Moieciu took place the will be compiled and forwarded to NSU NRDN event. „The Meeting the governmental and ministerial • Issues regarding the current legal of the Experts – Rural tourism and structures. During the discussions, framework, difficulties that hinder cultural heritage”. The debates were the current situation of the Romani- the right course of rural tourism chaired by Ms. Marilena Stoian, an rural tourism has been compared founding president of ANTREC Ro- to the one from other countries such • The harmonization of the guestho- mania and by Mr. Marius Vladu, as Austria, France, Belgium, where uses facilities with the traditional NSU NRDN representative. the rural tourism is sustained by a specific. Authenticity vs. comfort; far more permissive legal framework • Case studies, visits to the local gu- than the Romanian one. The repre- esthouses; During two days, the participants sentative themes of the conference • Examples from other European focused on the harmonization of have been covered by experts from the guesthouses facilities with the the National Authority for Tourism, countries. Rural turism within traditional specific of the area (ar- The „Dimitrie Gusti” National Villa- Eurogites. chitecture, interior design and de- ge Museum, The Romanian Asso- The theoretic aspects and the presen- corations, courtyards and gardens ciations of the Architects, Ecotou- tations sustained in the first part of planning, food). Unfortunately, this rism, Service Quality, The Tourism Saturday have been completed by the harmonization is facing, in many Employee’s Organization, ANTREC study visit to three guesthouses in the cases, difficulties due to the existing Alba, local authorities, town halls. area Bran-Moieciu.

46 The delegation headed by Ms. Mioara The findings of the -deba nary authorities and PSI; Vișan Stoian – president of ANTREC tes were: • The construction and heritage laws Brașov distinguished the degree of don’t apply in the territory. With comfort present in the two and three • Certain norms of the sanitary and the passing of the time, there is a daisies guesthouses. The existing veterinary system diminish the risk that the Romanian villages facilities have not interfered with authenticity and traditional speci- lose their identity; the traditional architecture. Curtea fic of the farms; • The potential of the protected are- Brăneană rural accommodation, in • The PSI authorization causes pro- as around the rural zones is not Bran, Daniela and Regina Munților, blems for the organization activi- used at maximum potential; The in Moieciu de Sus, are the three rural ties of the guesthouse. Sometimes, problem of the qualification of the guesthouses to be visited. Ms. Pau- staff. A certification of their skills la Popoiu – director of the „Dimitrie controls are done every five years. is recommended; Gusti” National Village Museum in Also, the authorization is very ex- Bucharest appreciated the conserva- pensive (2500 – 4000 Ron per • The lack of a legislative guide action of the rural rooms, transformed guesthouse, whether it has 3 or cessible to the rural areas; into loom shops where tourists can 15 rooms). To this we add the lack • The presence of ANTREC within discover these secrets of old handi- of information. The norms are not the authorizing commissions is re- crafts. public for the sanitary and veteri- commended.

47 Rural Romania – no. 16

NRDN members introduce themselves The Faculty of Agriculture and Gardening in Craiova

The desires of Oltenia regarding the One hundred years after the Procla- nently developed and contributed of a high level creation unit dates mation was read at Câmpia Islazului, to the training of a high number of back to education Thus, ever since the University of Craiova came to agronomy and gardening engineers, the year 1848, the famous patriots life. Due to the richness of the fields both benefiting from a solid material and democrats Ion Heliade Rădules- the Faculty of Agronomy was first and practical foundation as well as cu and Ștefan Golescu, together with created in the year of 1948. excellent professors. Christian Tell, Gheorghe Magheru The first study plan set also by the After 1990, new specialization were and the priest Radu Șapcă, in the analytical programs, the Agronomy created and developed to complete Proclamation from Islaz – conside- Faculty shaped as a new type of fa- the portfolio of areas connected to red to be a new beginning in life for culty, with a well-structured orienta- agriculture and gardening, in areas the Romanians, - claimed the neces- tion, preparing agronomy students, of public interest. sity for Universities both in Bucha- with a multilateral profile. rest and in Craiova“. A decision of the university manage- The official inauguration of the Agro- ment in 2011 merged the two facul- The main building of the nomy Faculty of Craiova was done on ties, giving birth to The Faculty of Faculty of Agriculture and 17th of April of 1948. Until now the Agriculture and Gardening, that now faculty has constantly grown, first Gardening in Craiova has almost 2 300 students and mas- within the Agronomy Institute Tudor ters students, 100 professors and 40 Their desires, restated over the years Vladimirescu, together with the Gar- auxiliary staff. by many generations of people from dening Faculty, founded in 1962. La- ter, when the University of Craiova Oltenia, could not be fulfilled during was founded, in 1965, the Agronomy those times. It has constantly faced Institute was incorporated within Within this structure one the disagreement and obstinacy of the new structure. the leaders of Romania during those can find the following are- trialed years of our country. Hence, the two faculties perma- as and specializations:

48 Bachelor’s degree: quality of food products. • Gardening. • Agronomy: Agriculture, Mounta- Our faculty has as objective to pro- perly train students in order to train in studies; Biology area: them professionally according to the • Biology: Biology; • Biodiversity and preservation of existing demand on the labor mar- • Gardening: Gardening, Landsca- eco-systems ket. Thus, we seek to train the stu- ping; dent in fundamental areas, as presented above. • Geodesy engineering: Land mea- Gardening Area suring and surveying; Our graduates may become resear- • Environment engineering: Envi- • Consultancy and management in chers, professors, agricultural con- sultants, agricultural site managers, ronment engineering and protecti- gardening and rural development; gardeners, environment protection on in agriculture; • Viticulture – Oenology. engineers, surveyors, technological • Food products engineering: Con- engineers in the food industry, control and expertise on food pro- sumer protection inspectors, etc. Environment engineering area: ducts; Agricultural products pro- Besides the curricular activities, wi- cessing technologies; • Management of ecological and na- thin the faculty we perform research • Forest Studies. tural resources. activities in the named areas, ma- terialized into various projects and contracts with beneficiaries, as well Natural products engineering Master’s degree studies: as specialized consultancy activities area: Agronomy: through national programs (PNDR, • Control and expertise on food pro- POSCCE, POSDRU). • Consultancy and management in ducts. agriculture; • Environment protection in agri- Univ. Prof. dr. Marin Soare University doctor’s degree: culture; Dean of the Agriculture and • Management in agrotourism and • Agronomy; Gardening Faculty

49 Rural Romania – no. 16

NRDN members introduce themselves National Museum of the Romanian Peasant: tradition, the foundation of modernity

Our institution originates in the to the Romanian peasant, in hom- Museum of the Year Award, (Orga- National Museum established in age to the one who built the tradi- nization under the patronage of the 1834 in Bucharest and emerged as tional civilization of Romania. Council of Europe), remaining the a museum of its own in 1906. Es- only museum in Romania that re- In fact, it is a museum of cultural pecially for this cultural space, the ceived this exceptional recognition anthropology, different from the of its value. building in which the museum can usual museums of ethnography, be found has been built in 1921 and because it does not attempt to Since then, the museum has been has undergone numerous changes. „describe” occupations and tradi- rewarded with countless other hon- The Museum was named for a long tions, but to approach objects that ors and distinctions, for its current time „King Charles” National Art formed the peasant universe in the activity, for temporary exhibitions, Museum and was forced, during the 18th and 20th century (because festivals, tradeshows and all other Communist regime, to change its the great majority of the objects events that we organize in almost location, and in 1978 it was unified that make up our collection of al- every day of the year, as well as for with the Village Museum (founded most 90,000 pieces is the concept research valued through publica- in Herăstrău Park, 1936). Back in of the permanent exhibition of the tions and participation in interna- 1990, in the location built especial- museum, for which our institution tional scientific life. By the way it ly for it, the Museum was dedicated has received, in 1996, the European looks now, and through all that it

50 does, the National Museum of the Our museum has supported, as far Our researchers have participated Romanian Peasant is no longer a as possible, the maintenance and in numerous campaigns of raising simple museum in the common revitalization of such traditions essential information for initiat- sense of the term that is already ob- that play, on the other hand, a ma- ing comprehensive strategies for solete, but a true and complex cul- jor role in the development of or- rural development, this being our tural center. ganic agriculture, which highlight contribution to the present PNDR. the traditional-knowledge accumu- Of course, all this time, we con- Since its refunding in 1990, the lated for centuries. We also didn`t tinued to organize exhibitions, Peasant Museum assumed a mis- neglect the results of the research ethnographic and anthropological sionary role in the society. In other concerning the economic efficien- research and fundamental socio- words, the museum cannot remain cy of the agricultural activities. We logical, educational activities for indifferent to what is happening encouraged collecting old objects, children and for adults, being at the around it. On the contrary, ac- from the Romanian villages, even same time, an open stage for con- cording to the inter-war period in by the inhabitants of these villages temporary arts. Romania, museums must stand in founding and even supporting a na- the center of the public debate that tional private collectors association Through all these activities, the interest the local communities and in the village museums. National Museum of the Roma- the nation in general. The muse- nian Peasant tries to be not just a um has been the host of countless We were often among those who keeper of the cultural identity of meetings, conferences, symposia, supported the ecological tourism, the nation, but also a civic observ- debates or other similar events, with respect for the cultural and er involved in the Romanian rural which aimed to provoke members natural landscape. civilization. of the civil society and public authorities at a live and authentic di- alogue, concerning issues of great interest to the rural world and to Romanian society. Between them, the most important is the research, preservation and revitalization of traditional crafts and, in general, of intangible cultural heritage of Romania. The value of this heritage constitutes a verified source for sustainable development, especially in less-favored areas- as in the case of many of rural and urban small towns.

51 Rural Romania – no. 16

52 We invite you to participate in the Elaboration of the Magazine

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• Article length: 400 – 800 words • The letters must be related to a rural • Correct information: Present only development theme and not exceed 200 words. information that you are 100% sure of and that you can support. Mention • The editors may intervene on the text, in order the source of the information when to adjust it to the necessary style, length, clarity you present data coming from other institutions or organizations. and accuracy and does not guarantee that all the letters will be published. • Style: Speaking of a magazine article, it is desirable for the text not • When space is insufficient, the letters which to resemble a report. That is why, the are not published in the magazine can be following are indicated: »»Simple expression. published on the website of NRDN. »»Relevant data to support the main idea of the article, and not all the details of the project. »»Avoidance of the excess of acronyms. »»The full denomination, followed by the acronym, must be inserted when it appears in the text for the first time. We invite you to send us your »»Avoidance of comments and experiences, photos, letters and articles external references which may be controversial or misunderstood. at the e-mail address: [email protected] Open to the Future

ROOTS OF AN EUROPEAN COUNTRY

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This publication was created by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania, within the project entitled “Establishment and Support of the National Rural Development Network”. Project co- financed by FEADR by Measure 511 within the 2007 – 2013 National Rural Development Programme. January 2015 The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Union. It is distributed free of charge.