FUNDATIA ADEPT: A FRAMEWORK FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Protecting the rich biodiversity of Transylvania and using it to benefit local communities.

Fundatia ADEPT brings together Romanian and wider European expertise to carry out innovative conservation and rural development projects that are firmly rooted in local communities.

Fundatia ADEPT is carrying out an integrated conservation, agri-environment , rural income development and education & awareness-raising programme, linking economic and social benefits with biodiversity conservation, and raising local capacity for good management in the future.

Southeastern Transylvania is one of the most important natural and cultural landscapes in Europe, supporting many rare habitats and fauna and flora species including some of the most significant areas of wildflower-rich grasslands in Europe.

This is a semi-natural habitat, the result of good husbandry over hundreds of years and the source of income for thousands of farmers today. The survival of its rich biodiversity depends on maintaining traditional land management, which is threatened by poor rural incomes, abandonment or intensification of land use, and lack of awareness of the value of the area.

This intact rural ecosystem is an unbroken chain linking nature, society and economy. ADEPT identifies critical linkages and strengthens them by advice, practical help and access to funding.

Local control, local benefit, local image

Only local people can conserve this unique area successfully. Continued local ownership and control, yielding consistent management and local benefits, are key to the area’s survival. Biodiversity conservation measures will only be practical and effective if designed in close cooperation with local people.

After full consultation with community leaders, a brand image has been created to unify the elements of this programme, promoting understanding of the importance of the area, and promoting the rural economy through integrated marketing.

This brand is already being used on road signage, interpretation panels and product labels.