FUNDATIA ADEPT: A FRAMEWORK FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Fundatia ADEPT is carrying out a coordinated policy to conserve a 100,000 ha area of exceptional biodiversity, with a population of some 20,000, within the Saxon Villages region.

Measures are aimed at local people obtaining economic and social benefits from conservation, leading to better protection of biodiversity and landscape, and prosperous rural communities. Measures are scientific, economic, and educational.

• Scientific: field surveys of important plant and animal species and habitats are being carried out by specialists from Romanian universities and NGOs, and from the UK. These will lead to practical conservation management under which farmers will be eligible to receive subsidies linked to conservation, and inclusion of the area in the EU’s Natura 2000 network that protects important species and habitats.
• Economic: incentives are being developed so that local people benefit from biodiversity conservation. The commune of Saschiz, 10,000 ha with a population of 2,300, is acting as a pilot area. Incentives include agri-environment subsidies, development of alternative incomes including responsible rural tourism, and development of premium prices for local products. The ‘brand image’ derived from protected status of the area will promote the local economy.
• Education and public awareness: As well as a Romanian translation of this book, there will be a programme of school presentations, posters, newsletters and village festivals, essential to gather local support for conservation and understanding of its potential economic benefits.

An Enterprise Centre in Saschiz, funded by Fundatia ADEPT, will provide a base for training courses and a place for advice on subsidies and marketing. It will hold other educational resources, including a library, bookshop and exhibits. This will be coordinated with the state agriculture and rural development consultancy (ANCA) and the Town Hall.

Encouraging visitors

Although agriculture will clearly be the motor for conservation and rural development in the Saxon Villages, the potential for agro-tourism is enormous, and offers an ideal additional income to farmers that will be sustainable if carefully managed. If tourist development is sensitive and relatively small-scale, it need not detract from the special atmosphere and biodiversity of the region.

Greater village accommodation also creates potential for linking villages along existing ancient tracks by foot, horseback and mountain bicycle, as well as the traditional horse and cart. Tourism will provide a market for many local products, and enable local people to realize their skills and expertise.

ADEPT has opened a Tourist Information Centre in Saschiz to give visitors information on the area and help them to find local accommodation. Training and marketing to promote the expansion of the present network of bed and breakfast accommodation is an ideal way to get money directly to local people, especially women.

Working with local people

ADEPT works in close cooperation with local communities, local and national government and other NGOs. Unless local people support the measures, and feel part of them, the measures cannot succeed.