Rural National Rural Development Network

Issue 9 Year II, November 2014

DUMITRU HORIA IUNCU , of national interest

NRDP 2014-2020 Agri-environment and climate payments, a measure for the protection of the environment and of the biodiversity

SONIA CASTAÑEDA In Spain, we promote the preservation of the natural patrimony

MIHAI HANU History of the village in Vrancea, through the eyes of a true peasant

ȚOPA ECOLOGICAL FARM Desire and Love – the key to the success of the Dan and Tincuța Cismaș family

ROOTS OF A EUROPEAN COUNTRY

Ministerul Agriculturii și Dezvoltării Rurale Rural Romania – No. 9

REGIONAL OFFICES Support Unit of the National Rural Development Network Table of Contents

BRĂILA EDITORIAL...... 3 282 Independenţei Blvd., 1st floor, postal code 810124, [email protected] Phone: 0339 732 009, Fax: 0339 732 016 INTERVIEW CRAIOVA Dumitru Horia Iuncu: “Our main goal is to preserve the biodiversity and the landscape nd 19 Libertăţii St., Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture, room L-311, 2 floor, as close to its natural form as possible” ...... 4 postal code 200421, [email protected] Phone: 0251 460 377, Fax: 0251 423 651 RURAL DEVELOPMENT Biodiversity, an attribute of the living world...... 8 ZALĂU Agri-environment and climate payments, a measure for the protection of the environment, 49 Kossuth Lajos St., postal code 450010, [email protected] of the soil quality and of biodiversity, supported through NRDP 2014-2020 ...... 12 Phone: 0360 404 056, Fax: 0360 404 158 Sonia Castañeda, Manager of the Biodiversidad Foundation of Spain...... 16 TÂRGU MUREŞ - Area protected through the Ramsar Convention ...... 20 60 Mihai Eminescu St., postal code 540331, [email protected] WWF - Romania: “Natura 2000 – an integrating approach to preserving nature in the rural area”...... 22 Phone: 0365 430 349, Fax: 0365 430 351 Poiana Stânii Regale. Volunteering for the environment ...... 24 Traditional meadows saved by butterflies...... 26 IAŞI Folk calendar for the month of November...... 28 Ciric Recreational Area – Ciric Recreational Complex, postal code 700064, [email protected] Saint Andrew – Holiday from the Romanian soul...... 29 Phone: 0332 881 281, Fax: 0332 881 282 Tourism in Țara Vrancei...... 30

TIMIŞOARA 53 Take Ionescu Blvd., 2nd floor, office 26, postal code 300074, [email protected] PEOPLE Phone: 0356 460 982, Fax: 0356 460 983 Mihai Hanu – History of the village in Vrancea, through the eyes of a true peasant...... 32

TÂRGOVIŞTE 7A Vărzaru Armaşu St., postal code 130169, [email protected] EXPERIENCES Phone: 0345 100 025, Fax: 0345 100 605 My farm: Desire and love – the key to the success of the Dan and Tincuța Cismaș family...... 36 My business: From Țara Bârsei, the traditional Adriana bread – our first certified traditional product...... 39 BUCUREŞTI My community: Sweet health! The natural products from Transylvania support th nd 39-41 Nicolae Filipescu St., 6 floor, 2 District, postal code 020961, [email protected] the community in Valea Barcăului...... 40 Phone: 0316 900 214, Fax: 0316 900 215

The text of this publication is for informational purposes only and does not imply any legal liability. LEADER UP-TO-DATE LAG Alutus Regio Egyesület Association...... 42 Additional information on MADR and USR may be accessed on the Internet: www.madr.ro, www.rndr.ro LAG “Poarta Transilvaniei” ...... 44

USR, Department for Publications, November 2014 ISSN 2284-8665 ISSN-L 2284-8665 M.A.R.D. NEWS AND EVENTS © RNDR, 2014 Thematic conference: “NRDP 2007 - 2013 – Lessons Learned. NRDP 2014 - 2020 - Perspectives for agriculture and rural development”, in Timişoara ...... 48 Reproduction of the texts of this publication is authorized provided the source is specified. Printed in Romania NRDN MEMBERS INTRODUCE THEMSELVES Photo copyright: www.bucegipark.ro, Silviu Matei, Costas Dumitrescu, Gheorghe Roșian, Virgil Batros, Anca Sârbu, CATAR – Confederation of Peasant Associations in Romania...... 50 www.shutterstock.com, Gheorghe Roșian, Biodiversidad Spain, Dragoș Grijincu, www.fotolia.com, George Bufan, ADEPT Transilvania Foundation...... 51 www.delta-neajlovului.ro, Andrei Crișan, László Rákosy, David Jutzeler, Dan Cismaş, www.pictoria.ro, Adriana Prod., GAL Țara Vrancei, GAL Asociația Alutus Regio Egyesület, GAL Poarta Transilvaniei, CATAR, ADEPT

II 1 Rural Romania – No. 9

Editorial

Agro-environment, the crossroad between the preservation of biodiversity and agriculture

Romania is ranked first in Europe in terms of biodiversity and has one of the richest resources of lands classified as having a High Natural Value (HNV).

Based on the criteria proposed by the European Forum for Nature Conserva­ tion and Pastoralism, this category may include: natural and semi-natu­ral pas- what species of plants and animals, Timișoara hosted on October 23 and tures in the mountain area; ex­tensive with preservation value, this park has, 24 the conference on the topic: NRDP traditional orchards where the stock which are the most important nature 2007-2013 – Lessons Learned. NRDP of old hayfields resources is almost monuments and natural reservations, 2014-2020 – Perspectives for agricul- enti­rely preserved, turning hayfields and also the actions taken for promo­ ture and rural development’, attended into one of the most valuable and best ting them. also by Mr. Daniel Constantin, Vice conserved traditional habitats in the Prime Minister, and Minister of Agri- Carpathian areas; mosaic landscapes, Going through the pages of the ma­ culture and Rural Development, con- including pastures, trees, shrubs, gazine you will find topics like: biodi- ference you can read all about in this small-sized agricultural lots extensively versity, an attribute of the live world, issue of the magazine. cultivated, where biodiversity is high. which unveils concept notions, inter- national conventions and policies for For the following programming period, You can see the history of the village the preservation of biodiversity at an 2014-2020, the challenge is to preserve in Vrancea through the eyes of a true European level, but also aspects rela­ this rich resource of lands and protect it peasant, aged 90, Mihai Hanu, who has ted to protected areas, habitats of com- against the social and economic chang- made his house in Nistorești a museum munity importance and Natura 2000 es, but also against the climate changes, full of valuable items, reminders of the sites in Romania; Agri-environment which are not to be over­looked. old times. payments, a measure for environmen- In this context, the farmers should be tal protection, continued through Na- You can also read about the success of encouraged to introduce and conti­ tional Rural Development Programme one family, Dan and Tincuța Cismaș, nue to apply the production methods (NRDP) 2014-2020, brings to the at- who have developed a small farm for compatible with the protection of the tention of the farmers the 7 packages ecological products, and also about environment, the landscapes, the na­ of Measure 10, with the presentation the traditional Adriana bread manu- tural resources, the soil, and the ge- of the compensation payments for each factured by the company Adriana Prod netic diversity. The arrangements to package and other useful information; SRL from Țara Bârsei, and last but not this respect should be compensated by Biodiversidad Foundation of Spain least, about the honey from Transylva- agri-environment payments. presents itself and shares its experience nia promoted by the Agapis Founda- gathered during its 16 years of exist- tion through the Sănătate Dulce (Sweet Therefore, the agri-environment pay- ence, through the voice of manager So- Health) brand. ments become absolutely necessary nia Castañeda; the WWF-Romania co- for the sustainable development of alition shows us a integrating approach “Leader Up-To-Date” shows in this is- rural areas, and the land-friendly prac­ to the preservation of nature and of sue of the magazine: LAG Alutus Regio tices which they promote represent the the rural area; Traditional pastures of Egyesület Association and LAG Poarta crossroad between preserving biodi- High Natural Value in Natura 2000 site Transilvaniei. versity and agriculture. – East Cluj Hills are saved by the blue butterflies of the Maculinea species; “The members of NRDN present them- Our goal is to talk about all this in this Poiana Stânii Regale, a natural reserva- selves” column includes details about issue of the magazine. tion within the Bucegi Natura 2000 site the Confederation of Peasant Associa- is an example of volunteering for the tions in Romania (CATAR) and about From the interview with Mr. Dumitru environment, by making people aware the Adept Foundation. Horia Iuncu, manager of the Adminis- of the botanical richness of this place. tration of Bucegi Natural Park, you will Viviana Vasile, Team Leader of the find out how many natural parks there The University of Agricultural Scien­ project “Establishment and Support are currently in Romania, what year ces and Veterinary Medicine of Ba- for the National Rural Development the Bucegi Natural Park was founded, nat “King Mihai I of Romania” in Network”

2 3 Rural Romania – No. 9

Interview with

Counties: Dâmboviţa, Prahova, and Dumitru Horia Iuncu, manager Braşov, and more than 60% of it is covered in forests. The natural res- ervations nominated in Law 5/2000 of the Administration of Bucegi Natural Park occupy 8216 ha, of which 4997 ha on the administrative territory of Praho- “Our main goal is to preserve the biodiversity va County, 1575 ha on the adminis- trative territory of Dâmboviţa Coun- and the natural landscape as close to its natural ty, and 1644 ha on the administrative territory of Braşov County, namely form as possible.” 25% of the area of the Park. In terms of geographical position The development of tourism, Bucegi Natural Park is a natural and landforms, Bucegi Natural Park the irrational exploitation of protected area of national in- is located on the eastern side of the natural resources, the conti­ terest which has the most spec- Southern Carpathians and includes nuous degradation of the bio- tacular and diversified scenery the entire Bucegi massif, uncovered diversity, and the influence of for nature lovers, but also a lot as an amphitheatre with a southern climate factors have led to the of flora, vegetation, and fauna opening and delimited by gaps which necessity of creating a proper elements. When was this park frequently exceed 1000 m from the organizational framework for set up, what area does it occupy, neighboring areas, as well as with

the preservation and protection which is its geographical posi- parts delimited by Leaota massif, and Photos: www.bucegipark.ro of the environment by setting tion, and which landforms does Dudele (1954 m), Raciu (1518 m) and up natural parks. How many it have? Rătei (1504 m) mountains. such parks are there currently in Romania and which were the Dumitru Horia Iuncu: The area criteria on which their designa- Bucegi Natural Park is to preserve the of , first mentioned Please continue with the tion was based? landscape, including all types of inte- in the 15th century, was proposed geo-morphologic structure of grated habitats and species (with a for protection in 1936 due to its un- the Park, and also with the cli- Dumitru Horia Iuncu: Pre­sen­ special highlight on those nominated matched landscapes and to the di- mate corresponding to its geo- tly, in Romania, besides Bucegi Na­ in the Habitats Directive, in the Birds versity of plants and animals specific graphical position. tural Park there are other 16 Natural Directive, in the Bern Convention, to this mountain area. This proposal Parks which were legally set up. The and the Ramsar Convention), and the was submitted again in 1990, when Dumitru Horia Iuncu: Bucegi level (with the height between 800 of the species of plants with declared purpose of Bucegi Natural terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, it ended in the Order of the Minis- Natural Park is well delimited as a and 1800 m on the southern sides scientific value. Park is to protect and preserve the in close connection to the activities ter of Waters, Forests, and Environ- geographical unit with tectonic and and between 800 and 1600 m on the landscape ensembles where the in- of the local community and with the ment no. 7/1990, and then the park structural gaps of large sizes which northern sides); and the alpine level, Dumitru Horia Iuncu: Due to teraction of human activity with na- recreational options for the tourists. was made official together with other stop in the valleys of Prahovei, Cer- with two sublevels: inferior alpine their geographical position, Bucegi ture, in time, has created a distinct Also, it aims at preventing any ex- protected areas of Romania through bului and Brăteiului, or which go on level (1800-2000 m, and respectively Massif and Natural Park enjoy the area with a significant landscaping ploitation or intensive use of the nat- Law no. 5/2000, whose limits are es- to lower peaks towards the depres- 1600-1800 m in height), and superi- existence of a remarkable biodiver­ and cultural value, often with a great ural resources which are against the tablished in Government Resolution sion couloirs of Bran. The maximum or alpine level (extended beyond the sity, both in terms of ecosystems, and biological diversity, and with its natu- preservation goal, as well as at en- 230/2003. height in the Park is of 2505 m (Omu limits mentioned above). in terms of species. ral capital at an optimum operational suring the proper conditions for edu­ peak). The height of the landforms level, as close as possible to its initial cational, recreational, and scientific Bucegi Natural Park has a surface of determines the level-like structure The annual average temperature of 72 habitats have been identified with- operational regime. The main goal of research activities. 32496.8 ha, on the territory of three of the soil, vegetation, and climate, the air is of 4.9˚C. The coldest month in the perimeter of the Park, habitats which leads to an harmonious and of the year is January, with tempe­ classified according to the national complex landscape. ratures between -3.9˚C and -5.2˚C system, 23 of which are of Natura at the mountain level and -10.8˚C at 2000 community importance. Of the What is characteristic of the Bucegi the alpine level. The warmest month latter, 5 are of priority importance. Plateau is the presence of isolated is July, with temperatures between I want to specify some of the plant rocks, like Babele and Sfinxul, which 14.4˚C and 15.7˚C at the mountain species protected by law which can are residual forms resulted from level and of 5.6˚C at the alpine level. be found in these habitats and whose wind, freezing-unfreezing and water frequency varies from sporadic to flowing processes. Bucegi Natural Park includes rare and to frequent, namely: Euro- numerous types of Natura pean yew (Taxus baccata), great yel- Because of its position, Bucegi Nat- 2000 habitats, where there are low gentian (Gentiana lutea), Euro- ural Park is considered to have a plants with preservation value. pean larch (Larix decidua), mountain mountain climate, characterized by Please specify the characteris- rose (Rhododendron kotschyi), white two levels: the mountain and forest tics of these habitats and some ivy (Daphne blagayana), swamp wil-

4 5 Rural Romania – No. 9

cies, specially administered for pres- Twins, the Dog, the Emperor, or the ervation through interventions con- Lizard. Near them there is also the cerning their management. CROSS OF HEROES, the symbol of the Bucegi mountains. This cross, These 14 reservations are: with a height of 33 m, was built be- Cocora Cave, including Cheile Urșilor, tween 1926 and 1928, for the mem- Valea Horoabei, Zănoaga - Lucăcilă, ory of the heroes fallen in the battles Răteiului Cave, Turbăria Lăptici, in Valea Prahovei during the First Poiana Crucii, Plaiul Hoților Reser- World War. vation, Plaiul Hoților Fossiliferous Place, Bucegi Prahova hill, Colții lui Barbeș Mountains, Bucegi (Bucșoiu, What actions are you taking Mălăiești, Gaura hills), and the Fos- for promoting, and respective- siliferous Place at Vama Strunga. ly raise the public’s awareness Also, the scientific area Caraimanului about the existence of these nat- hill shall be proposed to be declared ural values? cable car stations, etc.), which should awareness of the inhabitants, and es- as scientific reservation. highlight the importance of the Park pecially of the young people living in Dumitru Horia Iuncu: The main in the area; organizing seminars, the localities near the Park, and espe- All the reservations mentioned are goal of the Administration of Bucegi press conferences; volunteering ac- cially of the visitors from other areas, classified in accordance with this Natural Park is to preserve the biodi- tions with volunteers from Romania with the logistics support we already Management Plan as strict protection versity and the landscape as close to or from abroad, members of various have through the Visiting Center of area (ZPS) and as integral protection their natural form as possible. This international bodies for nature pro- the Park in Bușteni and through the area (ZPI). goal can be reached by promoting it tection (pupils, students, professors, two information stations located at through the intense education of dif- ecologists, etc.). Moroieni and in the Peștera area, ferent social media. Dâmbovița County. Also, we shall Bucegi Natural Park is charac- The entire administrative activity of continue the actions for monitoring terized by an impressive num- At the Administration of Bucegi Nat- Bucegi Park is carried out based on a both the habitats, and the species of ber of natural monuments. ural Park there is a specialized de- Management Plan, with clear goals, flora and fauna, with special care in More precisely, how many such partment for this purpose, and the which supports the preservation of what regards the European interest monuments are there, how main goal is to raise awareness and the natural capitals and also the local species. A new goal we have for 2015 were they designated as natural promote public education through: communities and the traditional ac- is to remedy the natural aspect of monuments, and which are the school competitions with prizes for tivities. the Babele – Sfinxul area through a low (Salix myrtilloides), edelweiss one, the Rosalia longicorn (Rosalia most renowned? knowing and protecting nature; complex of works (walkways, small (Leontopodium alpinum), angelica, alpina). drafting a manual for the Park to bridges, viewing areas, planting grass Dumitru Horia Iuncu: There red vanilla orchid (Nigritella rubra). be introduced as a study topic in In the end, please say a few on the land), with the purpose of pro- are 46 natural monuments, most of schools; organizing school camps words about the projects you tecting the two natural monuments them being of geo-morphological The natural reservations with- with volunteer students for cleaning have for 2015 which are emblematic for Bucegi, Ba- importance. The most renowned are certain paths or tourist areas; exhibi- bele and Sfinxul, and also for ensur- Bucegi Natural Park is also re- in Bucegi Park have been set up Sfinxul, Babele, Colții Morarului, Pi- nowned for its rich fauna. How pursuant to the necessity to in- tions with drawings and paintings of Dumitru Horia Iuncu: In 2015 ing a greater comfort for the visitors. etrele de la Omu, Claia Mare, Sfânta the students with topics like nature, our aim is to continue the activities Another important goal we want to many species of animals have crease the protection for these Ana Rocks, Franz Joseph Rocks. been found until now and which species of plants, trees, and an- forest, flora, fauna, landscapes; draft- and projects we have already started approach next year is to implement are the most spread? imals with high scientific value. ing brochures, flyers, maps; building and also to access European funds for the Management Plan for the bear The natural monuments are included educational panels placed in differ- initiating new and ampler projects. species and to minimize the direct Please tell us about these natu- in the perimeter of the strict protec- Dumitru Horia Iuncu: Our in- ral reservations. ent locations (schools, access paths Thus we shall continue our pub- conflicts between this species and the tion area and of the integral protec- to the Park, accommodation places, lic education action and raising the inhabitants in the area, particularly. vestigations revealed that in the tion area, and special measures are to Bucegi massif there are 3500 known Dumitru Horia Iuncu: 14 natural be taken for ensuring their integrity. animal species. Bucegi Natural Park reservations have been identified and They correspond to the 3rd category is the host of four species of com- legally set up within the perimeter of of IUCN. Babele and Sfinxul are the munity mammals, of which two are the Park, for the purpose of protect- most visited natural monuments and priority mammals, the wolf and the ing and preserving certain important were formed in time due to the rains brown bear, two community species natural habitats and species related and to wind erosion. of amphibians and reptiles, the yel- to flowers, fauna, forests, hydrology, low-bellied toad (Bombina variegata) geology, speleology, and paleontolo- Among the thousands of tourists who and the Carpathian newt (Triturus gy. These reservations cor­respond to climb every year to the Bucegi Pla- montandoni), a community species the 4th category of the International teau, very few know that there are of fish, the European bullhead (Cot- Union for Conservation of Nature also other similar forms and shapes tus gobio), and 12 community species (IUCN), namely to the field for the which the eye and the soul can en- of invertebrates, of which a priority administration of habitats and spe- joy, like: the Dolphin, the Toad, the

6 7 Rural Romania – No. 9

Rural Development

Policies for the Preser­ Biodiversity, an Attribute of the Living World va­tion of Biodiversity in “Biodiversity is an attribute of the living natural world and any attempt Europe to artificially increase biodiversity is an aberration.” (Namkoong, 1995) Europe is the continent with the lar­gest changes in the natural en­

vironment due to anthropic activity, Photo: Silviu Matei Concept, International Strategy – IUCN, 1980), conserva­ first time to debate the issue of and mandatory measures have been Conventions,­ Preserva­ tion is defined as: ‘the management the global environment and of the imposed for the protection of wildlife. of human use of the biosphere so that development necessity. The results tion Policies at European it may yield the greatest sustainable of the conference were: In 1979, as a consequence of the Level benefit to present generations while • The Stockholm Declaration, with pollution, the loss of habitats, and maintaining its potential to meet 26 principles; the unsustainable management, In the current circumstances, the needs and aspirations of future • The Action Plan for the Human the Member States of the European when the destruction of the natural generations’. Environment, with 3 compo- Economic Community adopted Di­ Biodiversity in Romania forests with virgin and quasi-virgin framework has increased, the threats nents; rective 79/409/EEC on the con­ against the biological resources are To this purpose, 3 main objectives • The Global Environmental As- servation of wild birds (the Birds areas, pastures and steppes rich in complex and varied. The biodiversity are proposed for the conservation of sessment program (EarthWatch); Directive). Due to its geographical position in species, to swamps and widespread related losses can be explained the living resource: • The activities for environment the center of Europe, as well as to humid areas, possibly unmatched in through the divergences between the • to maintain essential ecological management; That same year, at the initiative of the its varied landforms, Romania has the European Union. social and the individual interests. processes and life-support sys- • Support measures; European Council, the Convention a remarkable biodiversity, both in Everything comes down to the tems; • The United Nations Environment on the Conservation of European terms of ecosystems and species, At least two areas are renowned at an competition for space between the • to preserve genetic diversity; Programme – UNEP, whose Wildlife and Natural Habitats, and in terms of genetics. This was European level for their richness in human being and other species. • to ensure the sustainable utiliza- Managing Board and Secretariat adopted in Bern, was presented. supported by the fact that the natural species: the Carpathian Mountains, tion of species and ecosystems. were created in December 1972, habitats have been a lot less affected which are 50% in Romania, and the Therefore, the importance of at the UN General Assembly; Subsequent to the Treaty on the anthropically then in the other West , which is the second biodiversity is major both for the International Con­ven­ • The Voluntary Environment European Union (1992, called the European countries. Even though largest humid area in Europe (after environment, and for the humans, Fund, founded in January 1973, tions on Protecting Maastricht Treaty), the Habitats the area of Romania is only 5% of the delta of Volga river). The Danube and for this reason the preservation in accordance with the financial Directive (92/43/EEC) is adopted. the area of the European Union Delta represents the humid area the thereof has priority. Species and Habitats procedures of the UN. This document, which refers also to countries, our country has 5 bio- least affected by anthropic activities the Birds Directive, mentions the geographical regions, the Steppic in Europe. The lakes and swamps of According to the document “World Historically, in 1972, at the Stock­ All these are considered to be setting up of a coherent European ones existing only in Romania. Here this Delta represent a unique natural Conservation Strategy” of the Inter­ holm Conference on the Human the foundation stone of the first ecological network (Natura 2000) we have unique and widespread types patrimony, characterized by the national Union for Conservation En­vi­ronment, the international international framework for solving which would include both the spe­ of natural habitats, from compact presence of a rich biodiversity, with of Nature (World Conservation com­munity came together for the environmental issues. cial conservation areas (SCA), and the special protection areas (SPA). 11 years after the Stockholm Con­ In 2009, after the extension of ference, in 1983, the United Nations the EU, the European Parliament founded the World Commission on approved Directive 2009/147/CE on Environment and Development – the conservation of wild birds. This WCED, known as the Brundtland Directive is the updated version of Commission. This Commission Directive 79/409/EEC. drafted and published in 1987 the document Our Common Future, In an attempt to systematize the which would be the basis of Agenda global information on the living 21 and then of the Rio Declaration. world, the terrestrial surface was divided into 8 bio-geographical re­ In June 1992, Rio de Janeiro hosted gions. A more recent approach of the United Nations Conference on the bio-geographical classification Photo: Costas Dumitrescu Environment and Development, units is that of the eco-regions, de­ called the Rio Conference or Earth fined based on certain climate and Summit, which gathered together vegetation indicators. At an Eu­ representatives of 172 countries. ropean level, there are 11 bio-geo­ This was the time when the necessity graphical regions: Alpine, Anatolian, to integrate economic development Arctic, Atlantic, Boreal, Continental, and environmental protection in Macronesian, Mediterranean, Map of the European the rural development objective was Pontic, Pannonic and Steppic, only bio-geographical regions officially acknowledged. in Romania. (www.eea.europa.eu)

8 9 Rural Romania – No. 9

birds as one of its main objectives. species is the change in the use of should be representative in terms of The Danube Delta was acknowledged the lands in their rest and feeding species and habitats of community as a site of UNESCO world patrimony areas, including the transformation importance, for which proper in 1991, and is the only area in thereof in arable lands. In addition con­servation measures are to be Romania with protection at such to this, another threat is represented established. level. by the performance of certain hydro- technical works, respectively the In 2014, in Romania 531 Natura Each species has adapted to different building of dams on rivers. Possible 2000 sites were declared: 383 sites conditions and the variety of the types the most obvious example is the of community importance (SCI) and of ecosystems ensures the diversity building of the dam at Porțile de 148 sites of special protection areas of species, as well as the continuous Fier, which dramatically affected (SPA). The actual surface included in existence of a stable population. the migration of sturgeons in the the Natura 2000 Network represents This is why it is considered that Danube. Currently, solutions are 22% of the surface of Romania. the protection of habitats is the being discussed for attempting to Even though some species (bear, most important measure which reestablish the migration path. wolf, lynx) and habitats cannot be must be taken into account for the considered as rare, vulnerable or in conservation of species. For the In Romania, another species which danger in Romania, but considering existence of the travelling species, faces the extinction threat in its their status in the European Union, the conservation of their resting Photo: Anca Sârbu natural habitat is the Danube salmon. sites of community importance (SCI) places in the path they take during It is the biggest salmon in our waters Photo: Costas Dumitrescu and proper protection measures migration is decisive. (SOR), in collaboration with partners and it needs waters with high flows, should also be considered in their Another danger certain species face concerns the designation of protected from Great Britain and Bulgaria, has waters which are also targeted cases. is the fragmentation of habitats. The areas which conserve the unaffected For this reason, the Danube Delta monitored the migration of two red- by the companies which want to isolation of certain populations in natural space, a proper approach was is considered to be a key area for a breasted geese (Branta rufficolois build micro-hydropower plants. By In Romania, 99 types of habitats of an area which is not big enough to initiated in the 70s, when the concept lot of bird species who are on their Pall) from Bulgaria to an area near the obstructing the waters, the migration community importance have been ensure the exchange of genes leads to of a Romanian unitary system for long road from Africa to the north Polar Circle. The migration included towards the places for spawning will identified, habitats for which special inbreeding and to the degradation in national parks was developed. flying periods followed by days of rest areas of conservation (SAC) shall be of Europe or even the north of Asia, be blocked, which shall lead in time time of the population in question. where they make their nests. The and feeding. One of the important to the disappearance of this species designated, and 25 of them are of After joining the European Union, Romanian Ornithological Society potential threats for the migrating from the Romanian waters. priority importance. The fragmentation of the habitat the Romanian national legislation in can be caused artificially by building the field of biodiversity conservation In what concerns the species, in our constructions which prevent the mo­ was updated in accordance with country there are 283 species of vement of animals from one area the requirements imposed to the community importance, of which 229 to another. The anthropic deve­ Members of the Union. Due to animal species and 54 plant species. lop­ment can lead to such cases, its special biological diversity, The list of animal species includes 23 especially when developing human the most difficult challenge was terrestrial mammals (3 priority ones: establishments spread for tens of the establishment of the areas wolf, bear, and buffalo), 3 marine kilometers (especially along flowing to be included in the European mammals, 105 birds, 6 reptiles, 7 waters) and creating an artificial Ecological Network (Natura 2000 amphibians, 25 fish, 53 insects and barrier which is impossible to sites), considering that those areas 7 mollusks. penetrate, as well as when developing the highway network.

In case of highways, for the areas identified as passing ways for ani­mals a solution could be the building of eco-ducts or of bridges over valleys. In case of the human establishments, the only solution is to preserve certain natural areas which make the connection between the unincorporated lands and not to allow the building of constructions Photo: Silviu Matei there.

A series of measures have been established through regulatory and legislative documents in order to Map of the bio-geographical regions in Romania (www.mmediu.ro) remedy the past errors. In what

10 11 Rural Romania – No. 9

Agri-environment and climate payments, a measure for the protection of the environment, of the soil quality and of biodiversity, supported through NRDP 2014-2020

The purpose of the agri- In NRDP 2014-2020, Package 5 3, 6, and 7 shall apply per agricul- environment and climate addresses the adaptation to climate tural lot and there is no possibility to payments, part of Measure change effects, and the ecological change lots during the commitments. agriculture has become Measure 11 of The commitments concluded for 10 – Agri-environment and the programme. Packages 4 and 5 are conditioned by Climate of NRDP 2014-2020, the keeping of the value of the area for is to encourage small farmers­ The agri-environment payments will the entire commitment period while and other types of land or be granted to the farmers who vol- the lots for which the requirements Crex crex Lanius minor forest owners to bring their untarily undertake agri-environment apply may be changed every year. own value to the entire so- commitments. These initial commit- • mowing may only start after July • traditional use of livestock ma- are forbidden on the area of pas- ments to be concluded by the farmers The package specific require- 1st (for lands located in ATUs with nure is only allowed up to the tures under commitment, except ciety by continuing to apply as of 2015 cover a period of 5 years ments are as follows: average altitudes equal to or high- equivalent of maximum 40 kg. N for animal-operated equipment the traditional agricultural as of the date of their signing. After er than 600 m) or after June 15th s.a./ha (1 LSU/ha); and for small-capacity mecha- production methods, compa­ the conclusion of the initial commit- Package 1. Pastures with high (for the lands located in ATUs • mowing may only be executed af- nized equipment. tible with the protection of the ments, they can be extended annu- natural value with average altitudes lower than ter July 31st; environment, of the natural ally, within the limit of the financial • use of chemical fertilizers and 600 m); • mowing shall be executed from Package 4. Green crops allocations, but without exceeding pesticides is forbidden; • grazing shall be performed with the inside of the parcel towards • green crops shall be sowed un- landscapes and resources, th the implementation period of NRDP • traditional use of livestock ma- maximum 1 LSU per hectare. its boundaries; til September 30 , using: pees, of the soil quality and of 2014-2020. nure is only allowed up to the • a 3-meter wide strip shall be left vetch, rape, mustard, lupine, biodiversity, through the 7 equivalent of maximum 40 kg N Package 2. Traditional agricul­ un-mowed on the boundaries of sweet clover; packages described below. The commitments in Packages 1, 2, s.a./ha (1 LSU/ha); tural practices each parcel (it may be mowed af- • use of chemical fertilizers is for- Package 2 may only be applied ter September 1st); bidden, only organic fertilizers additionally, in combination with • grazing shall be performed with may be used before the setting-up Package 1. maximum 0.7 LSU per hectare; of green crops; • works by mechanized equipment • formed biomass shall be incorpo- Variant 2.1. Manual works on per- are forbidden on the area of pas- rated into the soil by March 31st at manent pastures used as hayfields tures under commitment, except the latest. • works by mechanized equipment for animal-operated equipment. are forbidden on the area of pas- Package 5. Adaptation to cli­ tures and traditional orchards Variant 3.2. Lanius minor and Falco mate change effects under commitment, except for vespertinus • cultivation of at least 2 hybrids/ animal-operated equipment. • use of chemical fertilizers and varieties with different precocity pesticides is forbidden; on the committed area; Variant 2.2. Works by light equip- • traditional use of livestock ma- • adaptation of the sowing schedule ment on permanent pastures used as nure is only allowed up to the to the modified climate require- hayfields equivalent of maximum 40 kg. N ments; • mowing may only be performed s.a./ha (1 LSU/ha); • use of minimum tillage methods;

Photo: Costas Dumitrescu with small-capacity mechanized • mowing shall be executed by July • application of livestock manure in equipment, while the use of heavy 1st at the latest; composted form. machinery is forbidden. • a 3-meter wide strip shall be left un-mowed on the boundaries of Package 6. Pastures important Package 3. Pastures important each parcel (it may be mowed af- to butterflies (Maculinea sp.) for birds ter September 1st); • use of chemical fertilizers and Variant 3.1. Crex crex • grazing shall be performed with pesticides is forbidden; • use of chemical fertilizers and maximum 1 LSU per hectare; • traditional use of livestock ma- pesticides is forbidden; • works by mechanized equipment nure is allowed up to an equiva-

12 13 Rural Romania – No. 9

lent of maximum 30 kg N s.a./ha; be finalized by October 15th; used in the period between the • mowing may only start after • during the maize yield harvesting, sowing of the autumn crop and August 25th and may be execu­ an area of minimum 5% and max- March 15th; ted manually or by low-capacity imum 10% shall be left unharvest- • agricultural works and/or grazing mechanized equipment, the use ed or, if no maize crop is sowed, are forbidden between October of heavy machinery is forbidden; the farmer, for that commitment 15th – March 15th; • grazing shall be performed with year, shall provide a quantity of • use of chasing away methods maximum 0,7 LSU per hectare; 100 kg of maize grains per ha, in and/or poisons between October actions leading to an accelerated at least one feeding point located 15th – March 15th is forbidden. na­tural drainage of pastures under in the area of each parcel under commitment are forbidden. commitment; The compensation payments, cal- • in case a maize crop is sowed that culated as standard costs for each Package 7. Arable lands impor­ year, on the committed parcel, package/variant, are as follows: tant as feeding points for the the autumn crop shall be incorpo- • Package 1. Pastures with high na­ Red-breasted Goose (Branta rated into the soil until the end of tural value (HNV) – 139 Euro/ ruficollis) March, at the latest; ha/year; • a crop of autumn cereals (wheat, • during the 5-year period of com- • Package 2. Traditional agricultur- barley, rye, triticale) or rape shall mitments, the sowing of maize al practices; be set-up after September 15th, in crop during summer is mandato- • variant 2.1.- manual works on each year of the commitment; ry for at least 2 years; permanent pastures used as hay- • sowing of autumn cereals (wheat, • pesticides and phyto-stimulators fields – 107 Euro/ha/year; barley, rye, triticale) or rape shall (natural fertilizers) may not be • variant 2.2. – works by light

Flock of red-breasted geese (Branta ruficollis)

equipment on permanent pas- • Package 7. Arable lands impor- Regarding this measure, the payment tures used as hayfields – 21 tant as feeding points for the granted under Package 5 may be cu- Euro/ha/year; Red-breasted Goose (Branta rufi- mulated with the payments granted • Package 3. Pastures important for collis) – 288 Euro/ha/year. under Package 4 or Package 7, as birds; there are no similar requirements • variant 3.1. - Crex crex – 244 The payment granted under this leading to the double financing of Euro/ha/year; measure may be cumulated on the certain actions. • variant 3.2. - Lanius minor and same area with the direct payments Falco vespertinus – 171 Euro/ granted to the farmers and with the Payments granted under Package 4 ha/year; payments granted to the areas facing cannot be cumulated with the pay- • Package 4. Green crops – 126 natural restrictions, as there are no ments granted under Package 7, due Euro/ha/year; similar requirements leading to the to the different requirements appli- • Package 5. Adaptation to climate double financing of certain actions. cable during winter on arable lands. change effects – 126 Euro/ha/ Only Packages 4 and 5 of the agri-en- year; vironment and climate measure may There are no other possible com- • Package 6. Pastures important to be combined with Packages 1 and 2 binations of Packages on the same butterflies (Maculinea sp.) – 263 of each sub-measure of ecological ag- parcels, as the eligible areas are dif- Euro/ha/year; riculture. ferent.

Available financing FEADR: Euro 8,015.66 million NRDP National contribution (CN): Euro 1,374.52 million 2014-2020: Total financing available (FEADR+CN): Euro 9,363.18 million No. of measures: 14 Allocation Measure 214 (M 10) Agri-environment and Climate Payments (FEADR+CN): Euro 999.95 million Photo: Gheorghe Roșian

14 15 Rural Romania – No. 9

related to the Natura 2000 Network Sonia Castañeda, Manager of the in Spain. Biodiversidad Foundation of Spain They support the encouragement of the development of the Natura 2000 Network in accordance with “Our aim is to promote the conservation, recovery and sustainable use of the the community requirements, of the declaration and administration of the natural patrimony and of the biodiversity, as a guarantee for generating places in the Network managed by jobs in a society with welfare and natural riches.” the state, and the assessment thereof under the scenarios related to the cli- mate changes. They also include the We are talking to Mrs. Sonia competences for the development of Castañeda, manager of the a priority action framework in order Biodiversidad Foundation of to identify the objectives and priori- Spain, in order to find out the ties for the co-financing by the EU of statute of this foundation and the conservation measures of Natura its main activity, its collabora- 2000 Network. tors and partners with whom it promotes the conservation As an addition and development of of the natural patrimony and of the above, Law 41/2010, of December which, among other actions, unites volvement of the population in the biodiversity. 29, on the protection of the marine the conservation of the environment care and conservation of the natural environment, creates and regulates with the economic development by environment. Sonia Castañeda: The Biodiver- the Network of Protected Marine Ar- supporting the traditional fishing sidad Foundation of the Ministry of eas in Spain, which can also include techniques. It also coordinates the Also, the Green Occupation Pro- Agriculture, Food, and Environment the Special Areas for Conservation LIFE+INDEMARES project, the gramme and the Green Enterprise of Spain is focused on the conserva- and the Special Protection Areas for most important project in Spain and Network wish to encourage econo- tion and sustainability of biodiversi- Birds. Europe for marine conservation. Its my and green occupation. Both these ty, by contributing to the generation goal was to identify the large areas programmes were created in order of jobs, wealth and well being for What measures are applied for in the marine environment with an to profit from the environment po- the entire society. The Foundation the conservation of biodiversi- important natural patrimony, which tential and from sustainability when is a forum for collaboration and dis- ty? How is the measure of con- deserve to be protected under the creating companies and jobs. The cussions with the civil society, it is a tection of the Natura 2000 Network. portance (ACI) and to declare the servation by non-intervention Natura 2000 Network . Since 2009, potential of this economy is increas- promoter of economic activity and of Specifically, in Spain, the Network is Controlled Exploitation Areas (CEA) seen? the LIFE+INDEMARES project has ing each year, even in this time of creating jobs and a guaranteed and composed of 1448 sites of communi- and the Special Protection Areas studied almost five million marine economic recession. Actually, since agile means of developing actions re- ty importance (SCI), 598 protected for Birds (SPAB), provided they are Sonia Castañeda: The Biodiversi- hectares through 50 actions and 2011, the green jobs in the EU have lated to the environmental policies. areas for birds (SPA), and 24 special located in marine areas within the dad Foundation undertakes to serve 120 oceanographic campaigns. Also increased by 20%. These were the Through different gatherings, it is areas for conservation (SAC). Of this national jurisdiction where there is as the link between the protection of during this study, over 50 new ma- very reasons for creating the Green involved in more than 300 projects area, 137000 km2 are terrestrial land no ecological continuity between the the natural environment and the en- rine species have been discovered Enterprise Network, which now has per year and it executes conservation and 10000 km2 are marine areas. marine ecosystem and the natural couragement of the green economy. and over 33 scientific, management over 6300 members. Of these mem- projects of national and community Also, Spain has a total of 118 types terrestrial area, subject to the pro- and communication committees bers, 100 are investors and public interest. Its allies are associations, of habitats specified in Annex I and tection. In any other case, the desig- The Foundations supports the con- have been held. and private financiers and a wide non-governmental organizations, 263 species specified in Annex II of nation and declaration must be done servation of biodiversity through its range of entrepreneurs from various universities, unions, and entrepre- the Habitats Directive. Regarding the by the autonomous communities. On different lines of work. On one hand, On the other hand, the Foundation fields like shops and restaurants with neurial federations and it is consid- species in the Birds Directive, Spain the other hand, we rely on the Stra- it carries out actions for the conser- is looking to involve all the factors ecological food, companies which im- ered as a reference entity in what has 125 species included in Annex I. tegic Plan for Natural Patrimony and vation of species like the Spanish which are connected to the environ- plement energy efficiency systems, concerns the environment.a Biodiversity 2011-2017, a fundamen- mole and the Cantabrian capercaillie, ment management so as the conser- tourism agencies specialized in tour- How does Spain’s legislation tal element for the enforcement of under various LIFE projects. Also, vation actions can be performed as ism in nature, sustainable mobility In Spain, what is the total size of comply with the provisions of Law 42/2007 on Natural Patrimony through donations, funds are granted widely as possible. Another example options, etc. the areas included in the Natura the Habitats Directive and of and Biodiversity. This instrument, for research entities, environmental is the case of our Network for Terri- 2000 Network, the number of the Birds Directive? which is something new in the Span- NGOs or universities, for projects for tory Administration. To the same re- What are the strategies of the declar Natura 2000 sites, and ish legislation, establishes goals, ob- the conservation of biodiversity. spect networks of volunteers for the Foundation for the following the number of habitats of com- Sonia Castañeda: Law 42/2007 jections, and actions for promoting environment are created and done programming period 2014- munity importance? of December 13, on the Natural Pat- the conservation, sustainability and For the Biodiversidad Foundation, through the programme ‘Beaches, 2020 and what are the projects rimony and Biodiversity establishes recovery of the natural patrimony the protection of biodiversity cannot rivers, volunteering and adminis- it aims at performing, especially­ Sonia Castañeda: Approximately that the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and of biodiversity for the period be obtained by sustainability only. tration’. Also, there are campaigns for supporting the rural com- 27% of the Spanish territory, namely and Environment is the one able to 2011-2017. Among its commitments For this reason, the Foundation man- for sensitizing people about the en- munities? over 147000 km2, is under the pro- propose the areas of community im- and objectives there are also those ages the ENPI Ecosafimed project vironment, which influence the in-

16 17 Rural Romania – No. 9

Sonia Castañeda: The Biodiver- BIODIVERSIDAD Foundation coordinates the entific, and communication), which sidad Foundation has undertaken meet periodically for the technical to intensify its strategies developed LIFE+ INDEMARES PROJE CT, the most impor­ and financial execution and the sci- in the last few years, and especial- entific and communication coordina- ly those focused on encouraging the tant project in Europe, in the field of marine tion to be successful. green economy and on innovation. administration, research, and conservation INDEMARES had available a bud- Currently, the Operational Plan for get of Euro 15.4 million, co-financed the Green Occupation Programme he LIFE+ INDEMARES proj- for the characterization and iden- through the LIFE+ programme of the 2014-2020, is being finalized for ect, coordinated by the Bio- tification of Bentonic habitats and EC in the amount of 50%, with the encouraging and developing green diversidad Foundation of the of Pelagic species (cetaceans and rest coming from the project partners. economy and occupation. This is a T Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and turtles) specified in the lists of the programme co-financed by the Eu- En­vironment, has as main goal the Habitats Directive, as well as of Due to INDEMARES, Spain ranks ropean Social Fund which supports, identification and designation of the marine birds specified in the at the top of the conservation of the among other actions, the rural com- the places with high ecological value annexes of the Birds Directive; marine environment in Europe, not munities, especially through train- within the Natura 2000 Network, in • promoting the participation of only due to its area (RN 2000 pro- ings on the sustainable development observance of the European legisla- all the parties involved in the posed for designation over 7 million of the local economy and through tion, and contributing to the conser- research, conservation, and ad- hectares), but also because it created discovering new ecological business vation of the environment and to the ministration of the sea and of the the basis for the future management niches. sus­tainable development of the activi­ resources thereof and the involve- of these areas. ties carried out in this environment. ment of sea users in the project; We have also shown the LIFE + IN- • implementation of certain direc- As the main result of INDEMARES, DEMARES project of the Life Com- The actions of the project have been tives for the management and 39 Special Protection Areas for Birds mission, whose purpose is represent- focused on reducing the lack of scien- monitoring of the proposed plac- have been declared, with 4.9 million ed by the integrated, participative, hectares and 10 Areas of Commu- and innovative management of the tific information on the natural val- es; ues existing in the marine depths, the • making the population aware of nity Importance, with 4.3 million marine areas within the Natura 2000 hectares, which ads up to 7.3 million Network. This is an ambitious project assessment and quantification of the the importance of conservation hectares, because some of the areas with a specified duration of six years. impact of human activities, and the and of the sustainable use of ma- sensitizing of the population about rine biodiversity; overlap. This area, together with the one declared before in the project, What can you tell us about the the importance of our seas, for the • proposing of new types of habi- shall mean the protection of 8% of collaboration with the public in- proposal to EC of the Natura 2000 tats to be included in the Habitats has coordinated a multi-disciplinary nary Archipelago, SEO/BirdLife and the marine area of the state, in obser- stitutions in Romania and about Network (RN 2000), the most am- Directive. team with the direct participation WWF Spain, and from many other vance of the Agreement for Biological the future projects of the Foun- bitious and responsible in Europe. of 300 people from the Ministry of institutions like the University of Diversity. dation? Specifically, there are references to INDEMARES has integrated the ac- the following: tivity of the reference institutions in Agriculture, the Spanish Oceanog- Malaga, the Autonomous University raphy Institute, the Higher Council of Madrid and Barcelona. For this purpose, with the help of 110 Sonia Castañeda: On May 22, • the completion of the identifica- the field of marine environment ad- for Scientific Research, ALNITAK, oceanographic campaigns, the most 2014, a delegation of employees of tion of the marine Natura 2000 ministration, research, and conserva- the Romanian Public Service vis- Network in Spain through studies tion. The Biodiversidad Foundation the Coordinator of the Study of Ma- Three committees have been set up precise and ample Bentonic habi- ited the Biodiversidad Foundation rine Mammals, OCEANA, the Society for the coordination of this multi-dis- tats in Europe have been identified. in order to get to know the actions for the Study of Cetaceans in the Ca- ciplinary team (administration, sci- In addition to providing prodigious implemented under the Green Oc- scientific information (the discovery cupation Programme and the Green of tens of new species and challeng- Enterprise Network. The staff of the es for science have been anticipated, Biodiversidad Foundation presented as well as the publishing of new sci- their experiences and their results in entific publications), they shall allow the development and promotion of for an integrated management of the green economy, as sector where the conservation of the natural values. Foundation is a national reference. About 144 habitats have been iden- In what concerns future projects, tified in the Spanish inventory of the Foundation has completed the habitats and marine species and the Ope­rational Plan for the new Green proposition will be to include 3 new Enterprise Programme 2014-2020, habitats in the EC Habitats Directive: which includes actions for promot- biogenic habitats with sedimentary ing green economy in other Member depths, representing mainly anto- States, Romania included. sors, marn, and rhodolites, and accu- mulations of sea shells in important quantities.

18 19 Rural Romania – No. 9 Photo: Dragoș Grijincu

Comana Natural Park -

Area Protected under the Ramsar Convention salt-affected swamps, water flows in the plain area, to the mountain area Comana Natural Park, located in 2004 by Balta Comana, as a natural with vegetation of Ranunculion flu- Muntenia, on the territory of Giurgiu reservation and a avifaunistic protec- itantis and Callitricho-Batrachion, County, is a protected area of nation- tion area. oligotrophic to mesotrophic still wa- al interest which corresponds to the ters with vegetation of Littorelletea 5th category of IUCN (natural park). The Comana site (as of October 25, uniflorae and/or Isoeto-Nanojuncet- 2011) is protected under the Ramsar ea, eutrophic lakes with muddy banks Comana National Park was declared Convention, as a humid area of inter- with vegetation of Chenopodion rubri as protected area through Govern- national importance. and Bidention which host flora and ment Resolution no. 2151 of Novem- fauna specific to the Romanian Plain. Krameri), the spined loach (Cobitis ber 30, 2004, it has an area of 24963 The Park overlaps with the special cannabina), the Eurasian siskin taenia), the Kessler’s gudgeon (Gobio (Carduelis spinus), the white stork ha and it represents a special conser- avifaunistic protection area and with Flora. In terms of herbs, there kessleri), the European weather (Ciconia ciconia), the black stork vation area with protection for spe- the Comana site of community im- is a diversified range of plants loach (Misgurnus fossilis) and (Ciconia nigra), the western marsh cies of flora (Paeonia peregrina Mill. portance, and includes the natural (pasture and swamp plants), some the European bitterling (Rhodeus harrier (Circus aeruginosus), the sp., Ruscus aculeatus) and fauna reservations Ologa - Grădinari Forest of which are very rare, protected by sericeus amarus). The Park hosts cirl bunting (Emberiza cirlus), (birds, fish, mammals, reptiles and and Padina Tătarului Forest. law or endemic for this area. In the and provides food and nesting the Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), amphibians), within the territory of riparian forests with Quercus robur, spreading area of the park there are conditions for several of protected the European bee-eater (Merops the protected area. Comana Natural Park is a natural Ulmus laevis, Fraxinus excelsior three flora species mentioned in species mentioned in Annex I of the apiaster), the common blackbird area surrounded by the continental or Frasinus angustifolia, along the Directive I of the European Council European Council Directive 147/ (Turdus merula), the northern The decision to set up the park was southern bio-region of the Roma- large rivers (Ulmenion minoris), allu- 92/43/EC, on the conservation of EC of November 30, 2009 on the lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). adopted based on the technical and nian Plain and by the north-eastern vial forests with Alnus glutinosa and natural habitats and of the species of conservation of wild birds. Among bio-region of the Burnazului Plain. Fraxinus excelsior, Ponto-Sarmatic wild fauna and flora, namely:Echium scientific documentation drafted these: the Levant sparrowhawk Comana Natural Park also has an riverine forests, riverside coppices russicum, four leaf clover (Marsilea since 1954 by the Romanian Acad- The Park holds, protects, and pre- (Accipiter brevipes), the common ecosystem characteristic for a del- with Salix alba and Populus alba, quadrifolia) and Himantoglossum emy for the delimitation and pro- serves a diverse flora and fauna kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), the ta, known as Balta Comana, spread Eurosiberian silvo-steppe vegetation caprinus. tection of two areas of special im- range, expressed both in species, and grey heron (Ardea cinerea), the across hundreds of hectares and with Quercus spp., Ponto-Sarmatic portance for the flora, namely the in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. great bittern (Botaurus stellaris), formed from the joined waters of Among the fauna species Scientific Reservation of Ruscus acu- The Park has several types of habi- forest vegetation with downy oak, Fauna. the common linnet (Carduelis Neajlov and Argeș. leatus and the Scientific Reservation tats: Dacian forests of oak and horn- woody vegetation with Salix eleagnos mentioned in the same European of Peony (Paeonia peregrina). These beam, Balkan Pannonic forests of along the mountain rivers, pastures Directive there are two mammals: two reservations were joined as of Turkey oak and common oak, mixed and Pannonic and Ponto-Sarmatic the European ground squirrel (Spermophilus citellus) and the common bat (Myotis myotis), a reptile and two amphibians: the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis), the European fire- bellied toad (Bombina bombina) and the Danube crested newt (Triturus dobrogicus) and five species of fish: the European mudminnow (Umbra

Balta Comana is the third humid area of Romania, af­ ter the Danube Delta and Balta Mică a Brăilei and the second in terms of biodiver­ Photo: Dragoș Grijincu sity, after the Danube Delta. It hosts 141 species of birds and 13 species of fish. Among the species of fish: the Euro­ pean mudminnow and the Comana chub can only be found in Balta Comana. Photo: www.delta-neajlovului.ro

20 21 Rural Romania – No. 9

Biodiversity Conservation, 2014-2020

WWF - Romania: “Natura 2000 – an integrating approach to the conservation of nature in the rural area”

Founded in 1961, WWF is one of the tected areas. This is a defining feature ra 2000 sites, but not all of them have most important international organ- of Natura 2000 Network: it acknowl- management plans, and of those who izations which carries out project for edges that humans are part of the have management plans drafted, only the conservation of nature, in over nature and considers that the opti- 8 have the approval of the Ministry of 100 countries. The global mission of mum solution for a sustainable Environment and Climate Changes. WWF is to stop environment degrada- development is the cooperation According to the obligations undertak- tion and to build a future where people between man and nature. en at an European level, the Ministry would live in harmony with nature. should approve at least 240 manage- Numerous Natura 2000 sites are ment plans until 2016, otherwise it The WWF - Romania organization is valuable precisely because of the will lose the European funds allocat- involved in the most important work manner in which the lands were ed to Romania during 2007-2013 for groups for the drafting of the pro- managed by the people in time, ensuring a proper management for grammes for allocating European for example with traditional agricul- the protected areas and for stopping funds, coordinated by the Ministry tural practices, which helped with the the degradation of biodiversity and of of European Funds, the Ministry of formation of rural landscapes and with the natural resources. In the few cas- Agriculture and Rural Development, the preservation of biological diversity. es where there are approved manage- and the Ministry of Environment and Therefore, it is essential that these ment plans, financing solutions must Climate Changes. WWF attends work activities and practices be con- be found and established for the meas- meetings, organizes seminars and ad- tinued in the future, in the diffi- ures included in these plans; without ditional discussions by involving the cult social and economic context such funds, there is the risk that the local communities in the areas where in the rural areas, through public measures will remain only on paper. it operates, and sends punctual recom- financing mechanisms. mendations to institutions. 2.Ensuring the connectivity bet­ 2014 – a key moment for the con­ ween the protected areas (inclu­ Natura 2000 requires coopera­ servation of nature ding the Natura 2000 sites): for tion between man and nature the natural systems to fulfill their In 2014, the last adjustments are be- specific functions and for the species The process for identifying and desig- ing made before the launching of the to be able to survive and migrate (for nating Natura 2000 sites was started national programmes for economic example, the bear needs wide and un- in 1992 and has been performed based and social development, rural devel- interrupted areas to feed and breed), on two central European directives on opment and infrastructural develop- connections between the natural areas the conservation of nature: the Habi- ment with European funds for the pe- are necessary. They are called ‘ecologi- tats Directive (approved in 1992) and riod of 2014-2020. This is the chance cal corridors’ and they must be defined the Birds Directive (approved in 1979). for the Natura 2000 Network to by law and managed through special The purpose of the Natura 2000 advance from the phase of des- measures integrated in the future Network is multiple: protecting ignating sites to the phase of ac- Large Infrastructure Operational Pro- nature (important and vulnerable tual protection, through concrete gramme, to be financed with European species and habitats), preserving activities and measures related to the funds during 2014-2020. the natural richness and provid- financing from European funds. ing the resources necessary for 3. Granting of Natura 2000 pay- social and economic develop- The main recommendations of WWF ments: the national programmes ment. Romania in what concerns the Natura which may include European funds for 2000 protected areas are: nature, like the National Programme Economic activities are allowed at the for Rural Development, should in- Natura 2000 sites, contrary to the 1. Solving the blockages in order clude a measure which provides com- fears or opinions according to which to be able to initiate the imple- pensation payments for the owners of the sites only imply excessive restric- mentation of the activities for agricultural lands and forests located tions. However, these economic ac- the conservation of species and within the Natura 2000 sites. This is tivities should not lead to the degra- habitats in the Natura 2000 pro- necessary for the owners to be able to dation or destruction of species and tected areas, in accordance with comply with the requirements (restric- natural habitats for which these areas the management plans for these tions) in the management plan, which were declared as Natura 2000 pro- areas: we have 531 designated Natu- imply certain losses of revenues. The figures in this material may be changed in accordance with the results of the negotiations between the Romanian Government and the European Commission about the National Programme for Rural Development 2014-2020

22 23 Rural Romania – No. 9

Poiana Stânii Regale Volunteering for the Environment

In a wonderful landscape, unique in the Romanian mountain area, University. Hereinafter, madam pro- there is the Poiana Stânii Regale, located at a height of 1270 m, a fessor will show us a model of volun- place which belongs to the royal properties and which is financed teering for the environment, imple- mented in a Natura 2000 protected by the Royal Family. area site.

“Everybody admires the plants in- balance with Nature. In this context, The spreading of the information on voluntarily and who among us the promotion of volunteering activ- the flora among the volunteer citi- can pass by them without observ- ities for the environment, through zens of Sinaia and their involvement ing them? We have gotten used to programmes for communication, in concrete actions for the monitor- having them around, to enjoy their education, and information of the ing and identification of endemic, shapes and colors and the benefits citizens about the exceptional bo- rare, and vulnerable plants within they provide us, as a foundation of tanical richness of the Natura 2000 the Bucegi Natura 2000 site, located the biological diversity and as a sup- sites, true cores of vegetation diver- near the place where they live, is an port for our daily existence. sity and of important plants they example to this respect. host, requires special attention” says Knowing and protecting them rep- prof. univ. dr. Anca Sârbu, from the The Bucegi Natura 2000 site is one resent significant benchmarks in our Faculty of Biology at the Bucharest of the widest sites of this type in Ro- Photo: Anca Sârbu

mania. It has numerous scientific res- rare species of orchids (Dactylorhiza and have been directly involved in ervations and natural monuments, maculata, Gymnadenia conopsea, monitoring the plants with conser- among which the Poiana Stânii Platanthera chlorantha) and a diver- vation value from Poiana Stânii Regale. sity of mountain pasture plants, like Regale and in concrete actions for Campanula persicifolia, Hieracium the removal of invasive plants like This mountain pasture, which is a aurantiacum, Scorzonera rosea, etc. Veratrum album, which significantly type of habitat protected at an Euro- affect the vegetation diversity of the pean level (Natura 2000 code: 6520 In the last two years, several groups pasture and the good development – Mountain hayfields) has over 170 of volunteer students and teachers of the populations of protected spe- plants, of which 10% are protected. from various schools in Sinaia have cies like Gentiana lutea and Trollius Of the species protected at European benefited from specialized guidance europaeus. level, here we have the bell-flower – Campanula serrata, the Genţiana lutea and the snowdrop – Galantus nivalis. Gentiana lutea is a plant which is declared as natural monu- ment at a national level. Photo: Anca Sârbu Also, Poiana hosts endemic plants (Campanula patula subsp. abietina, Crocus banaticus­ , Phyteuma vag- neri, Silene nutans subsp. dubia), rare and vulnerable plants (Dianthus barbatus subsp. compactus, Trol-

Photo: Anca Sârbu lius europaeus, Viola dacica), a few Campanula patula subsp. abietina Gentiana lutea

24 25 Rural Romania – No. 9

cared for and adopted by a certain Traditional Pastures Saved by Butterflies species of ants which take them to their anthill where they are fed and Natural pastures, and especially the ones with high conservative value, have become scarcer and scarcer cared for until they pupate. in the last 50 years. The traditional agriculture in Romania has favored the preservation of wide areas of The eggs and larvae can be found on natural pastures very rich in species, as compared to the western and central European countries. flowers in the July-August period, when the larvae live in the anthills of the host ants until the spring, when Based on the “Birds” and “Habitats” they pupate. The butterfly leaves the Directives, the European Union has pupa and the anthill at the beginning drafted an ample programme for of July. The mowing and the grazing the protection and conservation of between June and August 20 is de­ the living environments and of cer- vastating for the “blue butterflies of tain endangered plants and animals, the ants” (like the locals of the Natura programme which includes the Eu- ropean network of protected natural 2000 site “Eastern Cluj Hills”, know areas, known under the generic name the butterfly species Maculinea telei- of “NATURA 2000” Network. These us and M. nausithous). Therefore, mechanisms for nature protection the measures for the protection of these butterflies were:

are supported by the national and Photo: László Rákosy regional measures applied in each • prohibition of grazing or mowing Member State of the EU. until August 25; • mowing of the vegetation man- Photo: Andrei Crișan Even if it is less known, the biodi- ually or mechanically with small versity of the Romanian pastures machines lighter than 400 kg is ranked first in Europe, and even (some of them specially created in the world. Unfortunately, this for the administration of pastures important national, European, and with high natural value); Steppe pasture with high biodiversity • removal of the mowed vegetation world patrimony has been more and at “Fânețele Clujului”, Cluj County more drastically affected in the last within no more than 2 weeks after 10 years. The main causes of the de- the mowing. The rest of the time, means that they are locations of are about to be extinct in numerous Traditional agricultural activities at the Natura 2000 site cline of the valuable pastures and grazing is allowed with just few maximum biodiversity. These ‘piec- countries in Europe and are included “Eastern Cluj Hills” species of plants and animals, some animals (maximum 0.3 LSU); es of heaven’ (usually integrated in in the list of species protected under of them unique in the world, can be • the slight fertilization with nat- Natura 2000 sites) are being sought EU regulations. ture and on natural products pre- er farmers who, in their turn, apply reduced to the following: the practice ural fertilizers is allowed (max- after more and more by Romanian pared traditionally. These measures for the compensations related to the of intensive agriculture on large ar- imum 30 kg of nitrogen active and foreign tourists who believe that These butterflies live in special living are supported by the numerous visits “Maculinea” measure. Some of them eas, the practice of grazing with too substance/ha); where there are several species of environment and they depend on a the volunteers make in the areas with have become ecologists farmers, with many animals during the entire year, • water accumulation and land Maculinea butterflies explaining to interviews and tales that represent plants, butterflies, or birds, the peo- certain plant (the wild burnet), and the abandonment of the traditional drainage are prohibited. the students, the parents, the teach- an excellent courses in ecology and ple are healthier, and if they have their larvae, after feeding from the activities (mowing, grazing with few ers, and the local authorities that the nature protection. Thus, with only what is takes for a decent living, the interior of the wild burnet flowers animals), drainage of humid areas, The owners or the users of these lands, preservation and the use as agri-tour- two species of butterflies, the natural people are also happier. descend to the ground where they are etc. who accept the above conditions, may ism of this richness is more profitable state of the living environment can apply for Package 6, “Pastures im- than cultivating maize or the exces- be preserved at excellent parameters, The actions to be taken in these re- The general tendency to intensify the portant for butterflies (Maculinea sive grazing of the fields where the for the benefit of the entire communi- agriculture and to use a single type of gions should be related to preserv- sp.)” under Measure 10 – Agri-envi- Maculinea species have been identi- ty and of generations to come. crop on wide areas cannot be stopped ing the traditional agriculture and to ronment and climate of NRDP 2014- fied in Romania. in the following two decades. Most of combining it with the rural and eco- 2020 and shall receive a compensa- We still believe in the idea that the times, the foreign and Romanian logical tourism. Numerous non-gov- tion payment of 263 Euro/ha. This Pursuant to the enforcement of the Romania's chance lies in the unal- investors are looking to get the maxi- ernmental organizations are taking Photo: David Jutzeler measure has several good aspects. “Maculinea” measures and to ob- tered nature and in tourism, which mum production without taking into actions to this respect. The Roma- There is a financial basis for saving taining compensations, numerous should be revived and stimulated. account the soil and nature degrada- nian Lepidopterological Society, to- these unique communities of butter- farmers in the two regions in ques- In addition to these structures, seen tion. In the hilly and mountain levels, gether with the Adept Foundation flies and the environment they live in. tion have changed their mentality as true sanctuaries of nature, there where private properties are usual- and with WWF Romania have sent The farmers and the rural population towards nature and agriculture. They are still enough lands for intensive ly small, the traditional agriculture to the Government a measure for the are made aware and sensitized about have become true trainers for oth- agriculture. should be maintained. salvation of the blue butterflies of the nature and its components. Maculinea type from two distinct This material was given to us through the kind prof. dr. László Rákosy, In these very regions the nature has regions in Transylvania and Bucovi- The blue butterfly of the ants, These are the first steps towards president of the Romanian Lepidopterological Society, kept its structures unaffected, which na. These butterflies are extinct or Maculinea teleius agri-tourism based on the intact na- custodian of the Natura 2000 site “Eastern Cluj Hills”

26 27 Rural Romania – No. 9

can find it, while the woman has to Popular calendar of November Saint Andrew - Celebration bury a charmed salt ball near the sta- ble threshold and leave it there over November is the eleventh month in for autumn tillage, manure fertiliza- weather is less favorable, provid- night. The elders also claim that if on the Julian and Gregorian calendar, tion of spring crops, storing and con- ing insulating materials both of the of the Romanian soul St. Andrew’s night the sky is clear, which starts on January 1st. The po­ trolling already stored produce. hive (mattresses, lateral wrappings) Religious documents state that An- At the same time, it is deemed to be then winter will be warm, whereas if pular names of the month indicate and in the apiary (fences, protective drew is also called the First called to a night of terror, since it is the time it is frosty, there will be a tough win- either the time of rime and sleet, In November, tree growers’ main curtains), pest removal (animals, service, who joined the Savior after of the battle between zombies and the ter. Brumar, Brumarul mare, Promorar, concern is how to store fruit, to en- birds) which could disturb the bees. He left John the Baptist. living. or the time of wine fermentation and sure the best storage conditions and The ritual of unmarried girls is al- clearing, Vinicer, Vinar. to continue planting trees and bushes November is the month when winter Saint Andrew is one of the 12 apos- Thus, on St. Andrew’s night, in Ol- most the same in all the regions of preparations and gatherings inten- until the occurrence of negative tem- tles who promoted Savior’s teachings tenia, people say that zombies leave the country. They put basil under sify. The spiritual landscape of the Although November is the last month peratures and the moment when the on Romanian ground, being thus the cemeteries and the dark skies and their pillow in order to dream of their village is completed by religious holi- beloved one, or use a wedding ring of autumn and weather is, general- soil begins to freeze. deemed Romania’s protector or try to steal people’s minds and their days such as Archangels Michael and blessed by the priest which they sink ly, cold, field labors do not end. The th Romanians’ spiritual patron. riches. Gabriel (November 8 ), Christmas in a glass of fresh water so as to see main agricultural works for field In the apiculture sector, special care th Shrovetide (November 13 ), The their darling’s face in it. crops refer to: late seeding, protect- is given to cleaning flights, high- Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Legends say that on St. Andrew’s eve, In order to keep them away, believers ing autumn seeding, harvesting late ly beneficial for good winter time, st the barrier between earth and sky is usually rub garlic onto all the joints Mary (November 21 ), Saint Andrew, On the same day, in all the villages th lifted and dark spirits are allowed to of their houses. Even children have crops in order to prepare the fields listening to bee families when the which has a fix date (November 30 ). of Oltenia and in other parts as well, haunt the earth. their own St. Andrew’s ritual. They wheat is left to germinate. It is said wake up early in the morning and cut that every family member will have a The Romanian people, which, during off some branches which they keep in new year full of health and wellbeing, its tormented history, has not left its the house, in a glass of water, until St. depending on how nice the wheat will Orthodox faith, has cultivated ances- Basil, when they use them as a sorco- grow. tors’ virtues and has kept among its va. If the branches are full of buds traditions the customs specific to each and flowers, they indicate a good and With the help of a wheat grain, region of the country. Some customs fruitful year. people also make predictions about are pagan, but have been transmitted crops. For each type of crop they from one generation to the next. The elders say that on St. Andrew’s intend to cultivate, the woman of day, wolves have miraculous powers, the house waters a grain and lets it St. Andrew’s night is magical; an- they become stronger and are able to germinate in the kitchen. Seven days imals (wolves in particular, that is turn their head so as to see their tail. later, the grains are analyzed: those why this holiday is also called the that germinated indicate good crops, Wolf’s Day) acquire special powers, The man of the house does not for- while the rest of them, nothing but and love rituals are most successful. get to hide his scythe so that nobody waste. Photo: Costas Dumitrescu Photo: LAG Țara Vrancei

28 29 Rural Romania – No. 9

The Living Fire from Andreieșu de Tourism in Vrancea Jos has been declared a natural mon- ument and can be included in the Vrancea – an ancient place of history and culture tourist objectives of the region. Another tourist objective which tells This name comes from the former Mărăști, Mărășești and Soveja re- One of main attractions of Vrancea, the history of the Romanian people historical province, Vrancea County, mind of the history of the region. both in summer, and in winter, is is the Mărăşeşti Mausoleum, mentioned for the first time by Dimi- The local relief consists of mountains The Natural Reservation Cheile erected to the memory of national trie Cantemir in his work, Descriptio and sub-Carpathian hills, plain and Tişiţei. Here, Tișița river carved a heroes who lost their life in the bat- Moldaviae , which was taken over by meadows, and is completed by nu- deep between Tisaru Mare and tles of Mărășești: 480 officers and writer Alexandru Vlahuță in his Pic- merous historical monuments, since Râpa Caprei summit, forming these over 21,000 soldiers. The mausoleum turesque Romania. this region is the place of an ancient gorges of extraordinary beauty. The keeps the remains of general Eremia and valuable thesaurus of popular valleys are narrow, resembling can- Grigorescu and the tomb of Măriu- The legends of the region claim that culture and civilization. yons, and alternate with depression ca Zaharia, the 12 year old girl from the name comes from Tudora Vrân- basins (La Pândar, Lunca Largă, Gur- Haret, who helped the Romanian cioaia, the old woman who sheltered, The geographic positioning, the nat- guiata). The area boasts wild beauty. army, sending from the nuttree be- fed and encouraged Moldova’s rul- ural landscape and the cultural en- The road narrows several times, goes hind her house data on the advance- er, Stefan cel Mare. The legend says vironment favor the development of over cliffs, over water courses or near ment of German troops, until she was that her house was on the current various forms of tourism: circulation, stone walls, which are almost vertical put down.

territory of Bârsești commune, on stays, cultural tourism, rural tourism, and highly rigged. Photo: Virgil Batros Traditions and crafts have Dealul Dumbrava. When Ștefan cel hunting and fishing, agritourism. Its turned Vrancea into one of the Mare was wandering disheartened in development is guaranteed by the The natural reservation, which has Monastery is one of the oldest spir- The Living Fire from Andreiaşu the mountains, this old woman, who itual settlements in Vrancea. de Jos is to be found in Vrancea most beautiful regions in the promotion of projects on the reha- an altitude of 850 m, is 4.5 km long, country. Among the locals there loved her country dearly, sent her Sub-Carpathians, on the right slope bilitation and equipment of tourist being one of the largest protected are manufacturers who create and seven sons (Bârsan, Bodea, Pavel, The monastery, with the titular cel- of Milcov valley, at the altitude of areas, the fostering of private tourist areas on the territory of Vrancea. If sell their products and participate in Negrilă, Spulber, Nistor and Spânea) ebration on Virgin Mary’s Birth, was 430 m. In 1973, through the Decision initiatives, the improvement of the you are lucky, on the rocky cliffs you national and international fairs. In initially erected in 1789 by the locals of the Popular Council of Vrancea to gather all the young lads guarding informational structure, attempts could spot some black goats, colo- the village of Irești from Vidra, the sheep on the hills of the region. Fight- to make the population aware of the nized in 1982, a species protected by on the place received as a donation County, the geologic reservation of 12 potters create pots of black ceramics ing valiantly, they helped the ruler advantages and implications of ag- the law. This is also the habitat of a from old Grigorie Gherman of Tulni- ha was set up. (unpolished) and simple red ceramics defeat his enemies, and, in reward, ritourism, environment protection, smaller sized bird, called the wall- ci. Destroyed in 1927 and rebuilt out (glazed). At Spulber, popular crafts- the ruler offered the seven sons the consultancy on the diversification creeper. On the reservation territory, of wood in 1936, this monastery was It is a natural phenomenon, pro- men create old musical instruments: seven mountains of Vrancea, where of business tourism, especially viti- 853 species of insects were identified, reopened after 1989. duced by natural gas emanations alpenhorns and whistles. At Ne- they set up solid households, which culture tourism especially practiced out of which 527 species of butter- which catch fire in the sun rays. grilești the locals have kept the craft were the nucleus around which vil- in autumn, during harvest, for fresh flies, but also wild animals, among A few kilometers away from Lepșa of wood sculpting (wooden houses lages were created bearing the men’s wine, but also on a regular basis, for which bears. Located in a highly pic- there is the Putna Waterfall, a min- The phenomenon from Andreieșu de with specific ornaments). Nereju is names: Bârsești, Bodești, Păulești, wine samplings at Panciu, Cotești turesque natural surrounding and iature natural reservation. You can Jos is not unique in Romania or in known for its talented popular man- Negrilești, Spulber, Nistorești and and in the surroundings. much cared after by the nuns, Lepsa reach it by going down a row of stone the world, but it is definitely spectac- ufacturers of masks and engraved Spinești. stairs lined by hand rails. ular. In Romania other gas emana- pots, while Tulnici is famous for the tions have been identified in the area sheep growing activity and wood ar- Vrancea Mountains are also the place The waterfall is approximately 80 of and in the cen- chitecture, which is characteristic of of birth of the folk ballad Miorita, a m long, and the water collects into a ter of Transylvania Depression. old Vrancea houses. gem of old Romanian folklore, col- lake which is almost 12 m deep. lected from local shepherds by Alecu The soil which is mainly made of Russo in 1850 and then published in The impetuous flow of the river forms sedimentary rocks allows the exit of 1852 by Vasile Alecsandri in the vol- wonderful whirlpools, and in winter gas through the creaks of slates and ume Romanians’ folk poems. time, ice drops and snow balls. This clays, without interfering with un- landscape, besides the wonderful derground waters. This phenomenon Vrancea, an ancient place of Ro- sight it creates, also has a therapeutic is called dry gas emanations, which manian ethnography, folklore, and Photo: LAG Țara Vrancei effect, creating the sensation of calm, catch fire usually in the sun. The Photo: LAG Țara Vrancei remarkable cultural values, boasts relaxation and revival. flames are brightly colored, with hues a picturesque landscape with nat- of yellow and red or blue. Nighttime ural objectives of special beauty: Created in 1955, the Trout Farm is the best time to admire the Living Putna Waterfall, the Reservation which has the capacity of 10 tons, Fire from Andreieșu de Jos, when Cheile Tișiței, Lepsa Trout Farm both for consumption and the repop- colors are best seen. The flame height and Church, the Living Fire from ulation of waters, is one of the main varies from several centimeters to 2 Andreiașu, which is one of its kind sources of fresh trout which supplies m and their basal diameter is 20-30 in Romania. The mausoleums from Romanian restaurants. cm.

30 31 Rural Romania – No. 9

People Photos: LAG Țara Vrancei Romanian folklore. When you look Mihai Hanu - The history of Vrancea villages at him, he seems detached from the pages of some fairy tale, a true free- through the eyes of a true freeholder holder from an authentic Romanian tale.

Mihai is accustomed to people, to Mihai Hanu is one of visitors and cameras, for which he the authentic Vrancea always wears his traditional costume, with his hat on the forehead, his tri- locals who is proud to color scarf and his ancient bag on represent his region, the shoulder, leaning on the club he the place where he has engraved with popular motives. The museum-house where he lives is a lived all his life and to traditional dwelling, with a weaving the honor of which he machine on the porch and the door opened a museum in lined with two popular costumes.

his own house. Here, artifacts have been carefully or- ganized by Mihai Hanu, who, holding He lives in a tradition­ his alpenhorn in his hands, claims to al house, located on a be a worthy descendant of Vrâncio- aia. The room of his clay house seems narrow lane of Bîtcari, small, but it reveals beautifully ar- Nistorești commune, ranged items, which were once useful Vrancea County. At to people, spoons and statues sculpt- ed by the old man, traditional carpets his age, which is 90, he and popular costumes hanging on has collected memories the walls, all of them telling of people of times which seem who once lived on this land. long gone, but which In his museum, which Mihai started are kept alive by Mihai in 2002, you can admire old items Hanu, who is greatly in and household devices, such as a pot used to boil sarmale, a fork used to love with tradition and pick berries, blocks used to make folklore. hats, a butter keeve, a bucket used to milk sheep, a cold water bucket for field labors and a firestone dating Former afghan maker, old fisherman, from the war time, when there were Mihai Hanu opened in his simple and no matches. traditional house from Nistorești an interesting museum which has sur- The stone grinder has a special place; prised Romanian and foreign visi- it is actually a manual mill, extreme- tors alike. The old man collected in ly useful in starvation time; there are his museum hundreds of artifacts, also two woven items which people witnesses of times long gone and, used to put on over their shoes when although he has a venerable age, he there was a lot of snow. continues to sew and create. There are also pins, wool rakes, trays He is a small and lively man, with for battering dough, gas lamps, coal witty mind and young soul. He is a irons, pots, plates and mugs, a cen- genuine thesaurus of true stories, tury old money bags and even Ro- which he has a great talent in telling, manian and foreign currency, a horn he is a passionate keeper of traditions used by hunters, whistles, pipes, even specific to Vrancea County and an a gunpowder horn made by his fa- active creator of artifacts that reflect ther.

32 33 Rural Romania – No. 9

All these items are completed by ar- St. Patrick´s Day in Bucharest, where tifacts manufactured by himself. All he was proud to wear this popular sorts of roots of various shapes in- costume and his tricolor scarf. spired the popular artist, who turned them into snakes or other animals. Those who wish to visit him and Painted eggs, even an ostrich one, a are curious to find as many details miniature Endless Column, frames, as possible about his life, will find tens of carved spoons of all sizes him at home, at the museum from and clubs engraved with traditional Nisto­rești. Since he is afraid that his motives, tassels and towels sewn by work will not be carried on, the Lo- Mihai Hanu fill up the room of his cal Action Group “Țara Vrancei” has house, and the artist has a story for committed to keep and continue the every one of them. promotion of his traditional and folk thesaurus. Of all the items in the museum, the afghans, the vests and the breast- Through the LEADER Junior plates decorated with all sorts of program initiated by LAG Țara floral patterns draw visitors’ atten- Vrancei, children and pupils from tion. They are sewn by Mr. Hanu, an neighboring villages visit Mihai afghan manufacturer certified since Hanu’s museum, listen to his stories 1954. Because although admired and learn about the traditions, and appreciated, nobody wears them history and Vrancea County. nowadays, his work is extremely valuable and remains an expression Hoping that his humble abode, tur­ of cultural traditions originating in ned into a village museum, will be Vrancea County. included on the list of tourist ob­ jectives from Vrancea, Mihai Hanu, His story, nine decades old, is beauti- a popular craftsman from Bîtcari, ful and unique. Although he has had a Nistorești commune, Vrancea difficult life in the countryside, where County, is waiting for your visit! he was born in a family with nine chil- dren, although he went through wars and endured starvation, Mihai Hanu is proud of his work and his museum dedicated to Vrancea County.

He hung on the walls of his rooms, in beautiful frames, photos of personal- ities who appreciated his work, and articles whose main character he is. All the visitors who came here and listened to the story of his life wrote something in his notebook with yel- low pages, which contains thoughts expressed in many languages.

Mihai Hanu is still vigorous at his 90 years, and inspires happiness and optimism. Together with the Tradi- tional Folk Band Cimpoierii din Nis- torești, he participates in all the folk festivals which take place every year in Vrancea County.

In the last years he participated with his band of bagpipe singers from Spulber in the parade organized for

34 35 Rural Romania – No. 9

Experiences: My farm

Boiu, which wrote the grant Children Will and love – the key to success owned from Boiu, received funds from an- other German foundation: Children by Dan and Tincuța Cismaș help life (Die kinder helfen leben). A family from Mures County, Dan and Tincuța Cismaș, intended and actually managed to What did this project involve? develop a small farm with the prospect of increasing their production capacity, aiming to Dan Cismaş: We have to say that, soon after, the school from Boiu re- enter new markets and diversify the range of produce which can be sold. The article below ceived the visit of young people from will show you show how they managed to do it. Germany whose objective was to lit- erally start this project which aimed Mr Dan Cismaș, in the first to get children familiar with eco ag- place, please tell us which were riculture through farm practice. The the first steps in the setup of construction began in March 2005 your farm and was completed at the beginning of September. Dan Cismaș: Everything began 12 years ago. At the time I was working Which was your contribution? at the school from Boiu, which is also my native village. I have to say that Dan Cismaş: Given the fact that I the village Țopa is connected to the was familiar with this idea from the village Boiu, which is 10 km away very beginning, I believed in it and from Sighișoara, on the right bank I got actively involved, thus creating of Târnava Mare. Following land re- a team which built the farm from A turns, the school received a farming to Z. In the first three years, the farm plot, where I used to work with the was administered by the foundation, pupils during agriculture classes. We through Wolfgang Radatz. Then we had various crops of corn, sugar beet, were faced with financing problems, milo for brooms. The then manager because the funds received from Ger- of the school, Sorin Suciu (currently many ended. coordinating manager of the schools from Albesti commune, which also The foundation decided then to pass comprises the villages of Boiu and the farm into the administration of a Topa) came up with the idea of a new family from the village, well-accus- crop – roses. We were skeptical at the tomed to the problems of the place. beginning, but eventually we were persuaded to take part in this project. My wife, Tincuța, was working on this farm since 2005, and learned Which were the prospects for many things about ecologic agricul- this project? ture. The year 2009 represented the beginning of the economic crisis, and Dan Cismaş: A German foundation I became unemployed, so the idea to got involved in it by bringing several take over the farm came as a wonder- thousands of rose saplings from Bul- ful GIFT. We did not hesitate and we garia. The intention was to increase took it over under a 6 years’ contract, the cultivation area, and, to this end, being aware of the importance of a distillery was even built in Daneș. continuing the ideas from which ev- erything started. Later on, more precisely in 2004, also in a partnership with the school How did you continue your from Boiu, we thought that a farm activity? was needed in order to promote the Dragos Ioan, who is 21, Maria, who is Which was the main objective of principles of bioagriculture. Dan Cismaş: I rented several plots 15, and Ana, who is 6) loved the idea this project? from locals who could not use the and worked alongside with us. When The Foundation for culture and eco­ land and we set to work. We were we took over the farm we also wrote Dan Cismaş: The object of the logy, based in Medias, was involved glad to see that our own children (we a grant on Measure 112 – Installing project was to develop the produc- in this project, and the school from have four: Dan Dorian, 25 years’ old, young farmers. tion basis and the existing utilities,

36 37 Rural Romania – No. 9

My business

fruit and vegetables we process at the farm. From Bârsa County, Adriana traditional What happens to the crops on bread – the first certified traditional product the field?

Dan Cismaş: As for the production Starting from the motto obtained directly from the field, we “quality, not quantity”, in sell some of it fresh and we process the rest, turning it into tasty jams, 1998 administrator Dochița syrups, vegetable gravies or other Vasile set up Adriana Prod. goodies for which my wife is a spe- SRL, based in Ghimbav, cialist. All the combinations of teas Brașov County, a firm which we make are designed by us, from plants grown and picked by us, in was initially specialized in compliance with bio rules. This year the production and then sale was pretty good and we have even of bakery products. managed to have a positive balance. Many people enjoyed our products.

There is a cross in front of the farm. What does it stand for? Adriana traditional bread is made of white wheat flour from Bârsa Coun- Dan Cismaş: I have to tell you that ty, bakery yeast, iodine salt, potatoes the farm motto is WILL AND LOVE, from the areas of Brașov and Covas- words written on this cross which na and water. The procedure is tra- With the help of reduced but dynamic respect to the customer, the com­pany reminds of Christ’s sacrifice, which ditional, which means that the oper- staff, all the products made following gradually developed, and the pro­ urges us to seek a balance between ations meant to prepare the raw and old and well-known recipes were sold the two dimensions, human and di- ducts of Adriana Prod are now sold auxiliary materials, dosage, dough di- in the own stores set up in the mar- in Bucharest, Sibiu and Cluj Napoca. vine, in the unbreakable bond bet­ vision, shaping, crust formation, and ween our life and the life of the earth. kets from Brașov. packaging are all executed by hand. At the beginning of 2014, the compa- Following massive requests, the ny received the first certificate of tra- We consider it equally relevant to Similar to homemade bread, Adriana share our experience with young peo- owner felt the need to develop the ditional product, ADRIANA TRADI- has consistent and fluffy core. The ple coming to the farm in order to business, and so the company pro­ TIONAL BREAD. With no additives, bakers batter the dough in a huge participate in ecologic activities. We ducts were also distributed to other improvements or colorants, the other have partnerships with schools from bowl, cover it with a towel and then partner firms. Through hard work, bakery products of Adriana Prod are the area, and the children, together leave it to raise. The dough is divided dedication and, last but not least, equally known and appreciated. with their teachers, come regularly­ into several pieces of various weights. at the farm, where they sample ecolo­ A single tray keeps tens of loaves, through the procurement of new Dan Cismaş: I have learned from gic produce, where we discuss about which are entered in a high capacity equipment and the improvement of my own experiences, but I have also what we do here and we learn that oven. the farm structure for the purpose adapted what I liked in others. We we are the temporary administra- of bio diversification. The project are trying to keep, as much as possi- tors of the treasure which is our land, Since it wished to keep and promote aimed to procure agricultural devices ble, the traditional breeds of grains that we have to take great care of it the tradition, in 2004 the manufac- (a mower, a potato machine, a hoe, a and animals, but we have learned a because, unfortunately, whoever turer requested to certify his potato mill, two mechanic rakes) and eight fundamental principle: man should believes they are the masters act bread produced in the small bakery milking cattle. We also erected two not try to control everything, includ- without any judgment, only thinking which operates in Bârsa County. greenhouses. ing what happens on earth, and leave of their gains of today. nature work for him instead. Now the farm is ecologically certified; it has an area of 45 ha, 21 cows, pigs, It is clear that the farm is constant- And, in the end, remember: hens, as well as crops of wheat, alfal- ly assessed by inspection organisms fa, vegetables, medicinal plants and, both from the ecologic perspective There is no life if the earth is killed. And we can only obviously, the rose crops from which and in respect of compliance with save it through responsible everything started. sanitary and hygienic principles. We involvement in the process should bear in mind that we have of life. What have you learned from permits for processing the milk we working on the farm? obtain from our cattle and for the

38 39 Rural Romania – No. 9

My community

Sweet health! The natural produce from Transylvania support the community from Valea Barcăului

Autumn came on Valea Barcăului. mixtures or delicatessen (honey with The local villages and their inhabi- nuts and propolis, honey with pol- tants prepare for the winter season. len and propolis, honey with dried To some it has been a good year, but plums, honey with coffee, cocoa, not quite so to others. However, as cumin, ginger, almonds, hot pepper, claimed by botanist John Akeroyd, cinnamon or star anise). This factory Photos: www.pictoria.ro the honey from Transylvania, Prince Agapis Foundation opened the way also dries fruit which are the basis of Charles’ favorite, is probably the best in this field, when, three years ago, delicious combinations following tra- honey in the world due to the local it initiated a project as a social en- ditional recipes such as dried plums biodiversity! Therefore, regardless terprise with the help of a European with nuts. of whether it is plentiful or not, the grant and plenty of local support. locals prepare it with great care, year Thus S.C. Valea Barcăului S.R.L. has The main objective of the social en- after year, for the tables of those developed the brand Sweet health: a terprise from Valcău de Jos is to sup- who appreciate the special and deli- miniature factory opened in Valcău port small manufacturers, offering cate therapeutic values of Romania’s de Jos, on Valea Barcăului, for honey, for their raw materials a price which market. At the moment, the factory at the beginning of the training pro- Through the same project, the in- sweet gold. honey-based products and dried fruit. is 8-10% higher than the market price collaborates with 12 local suppliers cess, also received 10 bee families. volved beekeepers will be assisted in and imposing a high quality standard, (small-sized manufacturers of honey, At the center from Marca, the Foun- adopting bio agriculture. Apiculture is one of the most import- Here they pack various assortments which makes the product competi- pollen, nuts, plums) and has created dation chairman organized a space ant resources of Sălaj County. The of honey, pollen and therapeutic tive on any domestic or international workplaces in the community. equipped with fridges where the bee- In Marca, at Ip, at Suplacu de keepers can keep the collected bee Barcău, just as anywhere else in Closely connected to the socio-eco- venom prior to selling the products Romania, bees have been kept for nomic aspect, 50% of the profit is in larger amounts. hundreds or thousands of years, used to develop new initiatives which since Dacians’ times. Our approach includes both professional training stimulate small-sized manufactur- It is important to collect large and the entry on the market with ers from the rural area, while 50% is amounts, because it is different niche products such as bee venom invested in the education of disad- when you talk to processors when vantaged children and young people and pollen, and their manufactur- you can provide them with sufficient ing at quality standards compliant from Valea Barcăului (camps, work- material. You should have at least shops, planting camps, educational with market requirements. Begin- 500 g and go directly to the firm us- ning next year, after the conversion minicamps and actions of active civic ing it, avoiding any middlemen who to ecologic apiculture of the 10 bee- and entrepreneurial involvement). are currently paying EUR 20-25 /g, keepers, we will have ecological- when the fair price is around EUR ly certified products, Alin Prunean The chairman of the Agapis Founda- 50 / g, Alin Prunean says. summarized the basics of the project. tion, Alin Prunean, has been actively involved for several years in a pro- gram which teaches people how to keep bees. Recently, he has set up a center which collects and packages bee venom and pollen.

This center is in Marca, Sălaj. There were 56 attendees who graduated the course and who received certificates of qualification as beekeepers. Prac- tically, these people learned how to manage on their own!

The first step was to train the bee- keepers, then a new stage followed: 10 of them received special equip- ment to collect venom and pollen. Five of them, who were also present

40 41 Rural Romania – No. 9

Leader up to date

LAG Alutus Regio Egyesület Association - significant opportunities for small-sized entrepreneurs

LAG Alutus, under the name of Alu- tus Regio Egyesület Association from Covasna County, comprises the com- munes and villages from the Depres- sion of Baraolt and Valea Oltului: Aita Mare, Arcuș, Bățani, Belin, Bixad, Bodoc, Brăduț, Ghid- falău, Malnaș, Micfalău, Valea program. We have 24 beneficiaries of finances small scale projects, because were carried out. In order to have a Crișului, Vârghiș, Baraolt, to- operations in the beekeeping, cattle public authorities have other financ- highly performing team and efficient talling 35 localities with 38597 growing, vegetal or mixed fields. ing resources at their disposal. For local leaders, who could help us dis- inhabitants, on a territory spread- this reason, LAG provided funds to seminate the information, we organ- ing onto 1109 km2. Among the achievements of small only four communes which initiated ized a series of training sessions. It is craftsmen who obtained funds from small, but necessary investments (for important that every commune be- The Association has 59 founding LAG Alutus, there are two pottery instance, the procurement of snow longing to Alutus should have at least members: 21 NGOs, 6 religious workshops, a printing binding work- removal devices for their villages, one informed local leader, who also organizations, 21 small and medi- shop, two dental practices, a carpen- which are difficult to access). has the role of a multiplier. um-sized enterprises, 11 actors from try workshop and a vulcanization the public environment (local coun- workshop. Promotion, animation, International LEADER cils and the county council). GAL Alutus Work Group information and training cooperation: from Olt to In the non-agricultural sector, we Crişuri and back Selection calls and selected activities sures: 41.112 (EUR 703000), 41.121 of any identified opportunities. We should also mention the tourism projects (EUR 321531), 41.122 (EUR 140869), have supported “bottom-up” initi- deve­lopment projects, with two start- In order to present the financing Considering the friendship relations 41.125 (EUR 121395), 41.141 (EUR atives, and, through the selection ups: an agripension and a center for opportunities, we organized promo- which have lasted for almost two dec- Until now, within ten series of ses- criteria, we have tried to direct the 22500), 41.142 (EUR 25904), 41.312 sports gear rental. The project of an tional events in every locality in the ades between the towns of Baraolt sions, eleven measures have been (EUR 107976), 41.313 (EUR 216379), funds where they were most needed. association which committed to de- region, and where we noticed lack of and Szarvas, the Association Alutus launched, namely 60 calls, which 41.322 (EUR 488054). Thus, we have managed to support velop local tourism through the crea­ initiative or reluctance, we organized Regio Egyesület, together with the received the application of 82 pro- young beneficiaries, with no experi- tion of a virtual guide is also worth further animation activities. Association for Rural Development jects out of which, after the evalua- Since, through the LEADER Pro- ence, small craftsmen, associations mentioning. Valea Crișurilor from Békés county tion, 56 were selected. At present all gram, we have committed to develop which, due to the size of the invest- Between 2012 and 2014, in 25 locali- (Hungary) participate in a project of the financing agreements for these the Alutus territory, from the stage ment, would not have had any chance We believe that LEADER must first ties from LAG, 20 promotion, 10 an- transnational cooperation. grants are signed, and the percent- of drafting the Local Development in a national competition, but which support private beneficiaries, since it imation and 19 information activities age of fund contracting is approxi- Plan, our purpose was to encourage are the most important actors in pre- The cooperation was initiated by mately 95%, which places LAG Alu- the actors in the rural environment serving culture and traditions. the Hungarian association and is cur- tus Regio Egyesület Association on to identify any opportunities to de- rently in progress. the first place in the Central Region. velop the area on the long-term and We are glad that we have managed to The funds were directed to sub-mea­ support them in the sustainable use support young farmers through this We are glad that on the Alutus terri- tory there is not a single commune which did not benefit from LEADER, and our association has contributed to the economic development of the rural environment.

We hope that the experience ac- quired during this interval will be of use in the next cycle, thus enabling us to help the community again.

You can find further details on our activity at Execution of the cooperation agreement www.alutusregio.ro by the chairmen of the two associations

42 43 Rural Romania – No. 9

public-private administration of a Local Action Group “Poarta Transilvaniei” opens microregion, whose responsibility is territorial development through the the gate to European funds in the territory financing instruments made available to it by financing programs agreed upon by the European Commission and the Romanian Government. Located in the North-Western and cultural heritage, with a rich tra- registers 70,000 Romanian and for- ditional culture, which lead to a se- eign participants. Region, at the crossroads of The Local Action Group “Poarta ries of specific opportunities. Sălaj, Cluj and Bihor counties, Transilvaniei” is one of the 163 LAGs For the first time in Romania, through the Local Action Group “Poarta selected and authorized nationally by The governing­ economic activities NRDP 2007-2013 – axis IV LEADER Transilvaniei” covers the com­ the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural are specific to primary sectors (ag- and following a national selection, Development. munes Almaşu, Cizer, Fildu de riculture and cattle growing), which an opportunity for the economic and Jos and Sîg, from Sălaj County, are the support for a series of relat- social development of the territory Economic and social development Ciucea and Negreni from Cluj ed activities and services. Tourism emerged through a new entity called through the Local Action Group is also a branch of economy which LAG (Local Action Group). This en- County, and Bulz from Bihor “Poarta Transilvaniei”, is, for the annually grows in importance. An tity is a public-private partnership, County, being located at appro­ technical team of the LAG, a great event which is worth mentioning where the private component of the responsibility. The implementation ximately equal distances to the takes place in Negreni, Cluj County, area, consisting of economic agents results of measure 41 at the moment, county residence cities. where the Local Action Group “Poar- and structures of civil society, forms considering the ratio of contracted Old house from the microregion “Poarta Transilvaniei” ta Transilvaniei” is based. With a tra- the majority. This approach is new in public worth, which is 93%, are very dition of over 200 years, this locality Romania due to the fact that the need An exclusively rural space, “Poarta good given the fact that LAG acti­ private sector, priority was given to the setup of pensions, the organiza- Transilvaniei” territory has a mainly hosts the most important German and opportunity of investment, as vity started after 04.04.2013, and the the procurement of agricultural de- tion of tourist itineraries and tourist hilly relief, which, in the mountain- market in the Carpathian basin and well as the selection of who to finance public worth allocated for measure vices and the development of agricul- marketing. ous area, reaches an altitude of 1600 in South-Eastern Europe, also known is the exclusive attribute of this new 41 out of the total contracted public tural and animal growing operations, m. The territory encompasses signif- as the Fechetău Fair. During the fair entity. In a more concise description, worth is the highest in the country. whereas the public sector focused In October-December 2014, LAG icant aspects of natural, landscape (which lasts for one week), the event we may say that LAG represents the The implementation stage of the on the procurement of machines for “Poarta Transilvaniei” has conduc­ Local Development Plan for microre- public services (emergency situations ted a wide information campaign on gion “Poarta Transilvaniei” is as or local administration), road mod- the implementation stage of the local follows: ernization, but also the moderniza- development strategy in the microre- • 71 compliant projects submitted tion of two community halls. Since gion, through direct dialogues with to LAG, totaling over EUR three it is an area with a significant tourist potential beneficiaries and the bene- million of public worth; potential, there were also requests for ficiaries of European funds, in order • 57 projects were declared eligible by APDRP; • 55 projects, with a public worth of EUR 2,380,386, for which financing­ contracts have already been signed.

The funds were equally directed at private and public beneficiaries, targeted mainly at sub-measures: 41.111, 41.112, 41.121, 41.125 a, 41.141, 41.312, 41.313, 41.322 and 421. In the

Traditional gate from Fildu de Jos Images from the Fechetău Fair

44 45 Rural Romania – No. 9

Table with allocated amounts, number of financed projects and their worth on each submeasure

Financial allocation No of financed Amount of financed Sub-measure / measure (euro) projects projects (euro) 41.111 14.642,52 1 14.642 41.112 212.000 7 180.000 41.121 31.251 3 31.251 41.125a 116.533,48 0 0 41.141 31.500 7 31.500 41.143 14.700 1 14.700 41.312 519.893 12 519.893 41.313 679.880 10 674.400 41.322 914.000 14 914.000 Măsura 421 20.600 0 0 Total 2.555.000 55 2.380.386

Tractor procurement in Negreni The procurement of an agricultural machine in Fildu de Jos the cooperation wishes to stimulate ly those who own semi-subsistence Training, good practice exchanges, the association of local producers farms or who operate in the field of participation in specialized fairs are through new structures or adhesion vegetal and animal processing, as joint actions proposed by this part- to the already existing associating well as those who exploit local crafts. nership in order to contribute to the forms. creation of a positive experience, both for the project target groups, and for This project completes the actions of Through its actions, LAG the partners involved in the project, partner LAGs to finance activities in “Poarta Transilvaniei” an experience which should be trans- the training of young farmers, main- aims to produce significant ferred to other projects as well. local changes, opening the gate to European funds in the territory.

Procurement of an agricultural machine in Sîg Procurement of an agricultural machine in Cizer

to help them grasp the mechanism of The cultural and historic heritage of Maramureş County, the Local Action accessing European funds through the area is a factor which must be Group Mara-Gutâi and the Local NRDP, Axis IV LEADER. taken into account. Suffice it to say Action Group Munţii Maramureşu- that poet Octavian Goga lived and lui, with the purpose of encouraging At the same time, journalists from wrote in this area. local actors from the North-Western the written media, online, televisions Region to initiate projects to enlarge and radio from the counties of Bihor, The pilot edition of “Poarta Transil- their experience, stimulating and Cluj and Sălaj were invited in the vaniei” Festival which took place in supporting innovation, acquiring territory in order to experience good November benefited from the sup- and improving competencies and practice examples, for the purpose of port of the County Center for the promoting traditional and local encouraging the wide media cover- Conservation and Promotion of Tra- products. age of the activity of the Local Action ditional Culture Bihor. It included Group “Poarta Transilvaniei”. folk dancing and music performanc- The cooperation of the three Local es, local gastronomy and an interna- Action Groups intends to improve Beginning this year, “Poarta Transil­ tionally awarded film which was fully the marketing skills of local produ­ vaniei” also organizes a festival which shot on the territory of the Local Ac- cers from the partnership territory. bears the Group name. This annual tion Group. event aims to support the increased The Groups also intends to increase visibility and trust in the Local In compliance with the Local Deve­ the number of local producers Action Group, but also to be a link lopment Plan, in the near future, the trained for licensing purposes, to de- in the generation of local solidarity Local Action Group “Poarta Transil- velop the training level in the field of networks, including local producers, vaniei” aims to complete a coopera- food safety, specific legislation and and in local cultural mobilization. tion project with two partners from entrepreneurship. Last, but not least, Team of LAG “Poarta Transilvaniei”

46 47 Rural Romania – No. 9

M.A.R.D. news and events

on: stimulating partnerships; Theme conference: “NRDP 2007 - 2013 – Learned lessons. knowledge transfers and the im- NRDP 2014 - 2020 – Perspectives for agriculture and plementation of innovative ini- tiatives; the actual involvement rural development” held in Timişoara of farmers in long-term strategic decisions.

Aula Magna of the University of The second half of the first session Photo: George Bufan Agricultural Science and Veteri- benefited from the presence of Dan- nary Medicine of Banat “Regele Mi- iel Constantin, vice prime-minister, hai I al României” from Timișoara minister of Agriculture and Rural De- hosted­, on October 23rd and 24th, 2014, velopment, and George Turtoi, state the theme conference “NRDP 2007 - secretary in the Ministry of Agricul- 2013 – Learned lessons. NRDP 2014 ture and Rural Development, but also - 2020 – Perspectives for agriculture representatives of central and local and rural development” organized by authorities from the Timiș County. M.A.R.D. through NRDN. also of cattle growers who invest in farmers until 40, with areas The chairman of the County Council genetics and the new elements con- between 25 and 60 ha; Timiș, Mr. Titu Bojin, made a presen- “The National Rural Develop­ tained in NRDP 2014 - 2020. • the green package, which condi- tation of M.A.R.D. activity in the last ment Network has the role to tions 35% of the payment on the two years and a half, emphasizing the unite local, central an national Photo: George Bufan From among the new elements of area, if there is compliance with 3 measures which supported farmers. authorities, but also organiza­ NRDP 2014 – 2020 mentioned by measures: to maintain the area of The following are among such mea- tions interested in the develop­ the Minister of Agriculture, which are permanent pastures, where such sures: ment of Romanian villages”, part of the long and medium term de- exist; to ensure crop rotation, 3 • the subsidies grew from EUR 139 Ms. Viviana Vasile, Team Leader of velopment strategy for middle class crops for areas exceeding 15 ha in 2013, to EUR 162 in 2014; the project “Setting up and support- strengthening, the and stimulation and 2 crops for areas smaller than • compensations were paid to ing the National Rural Development of association and plot contacting, we 15 ha; to keep an area of 5% in the farmers affected by the draught Network” said in her welcome speech mention: first stage and 7% subsequently, of 2012 amounting to Ron 100/ addressed to the participants, as • the integration principle – Mea- an area which is not cultivated or cattle growing, veterinary medicine, direct action - Marin Leonard ha for areas between 1 and 10 ha; moderator of the event. sure 6, sub-measure 6.1 – Sup- is cultivated with proteic crops or horticulture. Zoriti, executive secretary, Na- • the farmers who incurred loss- port for the installation of young green curtains; tional Agricultural Chamber. es following the 2013 calamities farmers, who benefit from 50% • redistributive payment: since After presenting the conference “You have to be informed and take were exempted from the payment eligible funds and 50% co-finan­ 2015, farmers from the category agenda, the moderator gave the floor advantage of the opportunities pro- Here are the conclusions drawn fol- of the agricultural income tax; cing. These will be completed by 5 - 30 ha benefit from payment to Prof. Paul Pârșan, PhD, rector of vided by the new program. At govern­ lowing the delivery of these papers: • the reduction of costs with drink- 20% percentage of nonrefundable increase by EUR 40 / ha. the University of Agricultural Science mental level, they wish to simplify the • innovation is one of the engines ing water delivery for irrigations; funds for production integration and Veterinary Medicine of Banat procedures necessary to access Euro- of rural development, through • EUR 220 mil. from the EU grant- and other 20% nonrefundable To conclude the first day of the con- “Regele Mihai I al României” from pean funds”, the University rector the diversification of rural econ- ed for the modernization of the funds for association; ference, the representatives of LAGs Timișoara. advised the students present in the omy, the creation of new jobs, main network, and EUR 370 mil. • payment applications simplified from Timiș and Arad counties took aula in a significant number. the challenges and opportuni- for the water network for irriga- st in 2015 for beneficiaries of direct the floor and informed the minister of “The University is and will ties of the 21 century; tions; continue to be an increasingly In the first half of the first session, • agriculture and rural develop- • subsidizing by 50 % the costs for schemes, with areas between 1 Agriculture and Rural Development strong factor in the rural devel­ interesting topics were debated upon ment are all the more compe­ bio farmers’ participation in in- and 5 ha; on the problems they were faced with opment of the area” such as: titive as there is a strong syn- ternational fairs. • increased 25% payment per area this year, but also on proposals on • NRDP 2007 - 2013 – Learned ergy between higher education, for 5 years granted to young how to improve their activity. In his speech, Prof. Paul Pârșan men- lessons – Local Action Group the mainly agricultural, applicative “Stability is a must in a field tioned that the University actively Association Timiș Torontal Bâr­ research, extension and consult- such as agriculture… The most Parallel workshops - second day of the conference: supports the economy, particularly zava - Ioan Iovan, vicepresident; ing, farmers and their associa- important achievement of these • Setting up a farm - steps to follow - Assistant Professor agriculture, through research activi- • NRDP 2014 - 2020 – New coop- tions; two last years is the payment ties, which can and must be put into eration and innovation oppor- • agricultural chambers must play on time of subsidies and direct Tiberiu Iancu, PhD, University of Agricultural Science and practice through the academic staff tunities - Mark Redman, NRDN the role of a link and interface payments”, minister Daniel Con- Veterinary Medicine of Banat “Regele Mihai I al României” who also conduct consulting activ- consultant; between farmers, higher educa- stantin said. from Timișoara; ities to attract European funds, by • The role of LAGs in the rural de- tion and research; • Financing and crediting systems for the development of training specialists in all the sectors velopment in the new program- • turning into reality the poten- He mentioned two main aspects in his the rural environment - Bogdan Andrica, deputy manager, related to agriculture, namely envi- ming period - Iuxel Vîjiac, NRDN tial that local communities may speech, namely the Government De- ronment protection, forestry, agri- consultant; have in order to fit in the new cisions adopted in 2014 which came ProCredit Bank, Timișoara Branch; tourism, agricultural management, • Agricultural Chambers – instru­ approach of rural development; to support farmers who suffered loss- • Cooperation and innovation - Mark Redman, consultant. agricultural product processing, ments of representation and • the new programming focuses es following the spring floods, but

48 49 Rural Romania – No. 9

NRDN members introduce themselves The Foundation ADEPT Transilvania CATAR – Romanian Confederation of Farmers’ Associations

Within the National Rural CATAR pays special attention to the Development Network (NRDN), representation of categories of par- several cooperative organizations ticipants with an important role in the rural development activity such from Romania decided to set up as: young farmers, new farmers, a national forum to represent subsistence farmers, including those households and small-sized from isolated villages, mountain re- farms. Thus, in December 2012, gions and other disadvantaged areas, The Foundation ADEPT Transil- 85000 ha by creating the SCI site benefits with biodiversity preserva- Sighișoara-Târnava Mare SC with a tion and the increase of the local ca- ten of them established in Brasov women, minority representatives, vania was set up with the purpose small communities involved in rural of preserving the high natural val- population of 25000 inhabitants. pacity for a good future administra- the Romanian Confederation of tion. development. ue biodiversity and landscapes Farmers’ Associations – CATAR. With support from specialists, the from the area Sighișoara-Târnava natural resource of Romania, which The ten founding organizations of Foundation ADEPT managed to en- Since 2007, ADEPT has initiated var- Mare, providing support to local The main objective of CATAR is to gives it uniqueness due to the ongo- CATAR are: Dorna Federation of sure the future of such pastures by ious activities to the benefit of local protect and promote the interests of ing agro-cultural and rural heritage. Mountain Farmers, the AGROM– communities in obtaining econom- mapping the area and conducting communities in the area: the setup farmers’ households and small-sized It should be known as such within RO Association, the Association of ic benefits and incomes from the demonstrative preservation works. of the Tourist Information Center, farms. The main objective is to pre- the Partnership Agreement between Agricultural Producers Galati, the preservation of such landscapes. In Such landscapes of exceptional biodi- the creation of LAG “Dealurile Târ- versity are the result of non-intensive navelor”, the design and marking of serve the lifestyle, culture and tradi- the European Commission and the Association of Hungarian Produ­ this area there are over 5000 ha of tions from the Romanian rural envi- agriculture which has been practiced tourist itineraries, the facilitation of Romanian Government. cers from Romania, the Foundation dry pastures, which enjoy special ronment, the biodiversity and quality ADEPT Transilvania, the Association here for hundreds of years and can access to agricultural-environmental European protection. of the natural environment through CATAR consists of organizations in- of Romanian Farmers, the Associa- only be protected by continuing the packages for local entrepreneurs, the land cultivation and cattle growing, volved in the development of the ru- tion of Young Farmers from Olt, the traditional administration by local opening of markets for local produce, The Foundation ADEPT is one of in small-sized farms and farmers’ ral environment. These organizations AGAPIS Foundation, ADI Association farmers. environmental educational activities the leading foundations concerned households. are domestically representative, fed- of Inter-community Development, etc. with drafting management plans for erative and associative foundations. Valea Someșului, Fermierul Farmers’ For such landscapes and communi- protected areas from Romania, con- st On May 21st, 2014, the Founda- Considering that Romania has the They include associations which rep- Federation. ties to survive in the 21 century, an sulting stakeholders and providing largest living rural civilization in Eu- resent farmers, land owners, wood innovative approach is needed. Thus, tion ADEPT Transilvania won the consistent support to these areas. 1st prize at the first edition of the rope, with a special potential of agri- owners and managers, trading asso- According to the establishing princi- the Foundation ADEPT has been It facilitated the integration in the competition 2000 Nature organized cultural, tourist, social, cultural and ciations, local authorities, civil and ples, CATAR implements the project carrying out an integrated program 2000 Nature Network of an area of by the European Commission at the economic development, the Roma- nonprofit organizations of various The library of good practice. An which combines economic and social category “Socio-economic benefits”. nian Confederation of Farmers’ As- types, associations representing eth- innovative concept of rural en­ sociations expresses its belief that the nic and minority groups, universities, vironment development, whose The Commission motivated its deci- living rural civilization is a strategic research institutes etc. aim is to create an integrated model sion to award the prize to the Foun- of chamber consultancy, develop- dation ADEPT as follows: “…an ment of entrepreneurial culture in impressive example as to how eco- the rural environment and increase nomic development can be achieved of occupancy level. by preserving at the same time sus- tainable households, in rural areas. The project is new in Romania, since The project allows farmers to have a it proposes an integrated and com- better life by working sustainably on plementary approach to support High Natural Value farms, preserv- businesses in the rural environment ing at the same time a unique land- by creating a network of 18 county scape of rich biodiversity. Due to this centers for the development of entre- project, 2300 local families obtain preneurial culture in the North-East, incomes exceeding EUR 2.5 million, North-West and Central regions. and similar ideas are now imple- mented in other areas from Roma- For further information, visit: nia as well.” Thus, ADEPT creates a www.catara.ro bridge between Agriculture and Envi- ronment, which brings benefits both to communities of local farmers and to landscape preservation.

50 51 Rural Romania – No. 9

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Do you wish to share your rural development experience for potential publication in the magazine?

Photos and images

Participation • The images must illustrate an experience. guidelines • Images will be sent as separate electronic files These guidelines only provide (high resolution >300 dpi and > 850 KB). sugges­tions aimed to harmonize contributions. Authors understand that the magazine can modify the • All the files containing images will be sent in .JPEG format received text in order to make it more comprehensible. • Please include a short title for each sent photo/image, as well as the photographer/author’s name. • Author: Name, first name and current occupation.

• Introduction: Insert a brief introduction to underline the presented topic. Letters to the editor

• Article length: 400 – 800 words. • The letters must refer to a topic of rural development • Accurate information: Only and not exceed 200 words. submit information of which you are 100% certain and which you • Editors can modify the text in order to adjust it to the can prove. Mention the source of necessary style, length, clarity and accuracy and do information when you present data not guarantee that all the letters will be published. emanating from other institutions or organizations. • When there are space limitations, letters which are • Style: Since it is a magazine ar- not published in the magazine will be posted on the ticle, it is preferable that the article RNDR website. does not resemble a report. That is why we recommend: ◦◦simple wording; ◦◦relevant data to support the main idea and not all the project- related details; ◦◦avoiding excess of acronyms; ◦◦the full name followed by the acronym must be inserted when used for the first time in the text; We invite you to send us your ◦◦avoiding comments and external references which can be experiences, photos, letters and controversial or misunderstood. articles to: [email protected]

52 Open to the Future

ROOTS OF A EUROPEAN COUNTRY

CONTACT: National Headquarters of the Network Support Unit (NSU) 39-41 Nicolae Filipescu Street, 6th floor, 2nd district, Bucharest, postal code 020961 Tel.: 031 690 0214, Fax: 031 690 0215 E-mail: [email protected], Internet: www.rndr.ro

This publication was created by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania, within the project “Setting up and supporting the National Rural Development Network”. A project co-financed through FEADR under Measure 511 of the National Rural Development Program 2007 - 2013. November 2014 The content of this material does not necessarily represent the official position of the European Union. Distributed free.