The Bison Land: Conservation, Education and Tourism in Vănători Neamț Nature Park

MAIN OBJECTIVES

1. Achieve modern and effective biodiversity management by December 2026 through the reintroduction of a locally extinct species (the moose), the creation of four biodiversity hotspots, and wildlife monitoring – thus ensuring the maintenance of essential habitats for the integrity of the Park.

2. Establish the “Forest School” educational area by November 2026, through the completion of the Visitor Centre, the development of a forest-park, and the integration of the zoo into the overall visitor experience. The aim is to create a national model for infrastructure and educational programmes on nature and biodiversity conservation, and to develop a tourism attraction with a positive socio-economic impact on local communities.

3. Integrate education on the values of the Nature Park into the curriculum of schools in Neamț County, by engaging at least 20 teachers and 400 pupils in delivering the optional course and participating in a regional project competition by December 2026.

4. Strengthen the communication capacity of Vănători Neamț Nature Park (PNVNT) through a series of nature interpretation training sessions for rangers and by increasing regional and national visibility via a communication campaign and 4 public events before the project ends.

5. Improve the operational efficiency of the Romanian Ecotourism Association (AER) by December 2026 through the acquisition of office equipment to support the implementation of at least 3 projects and 2 consultancy contracts per year.

DETAILS

Duration: 27 March 2025 – 26 January 2027

Partners:

The total budget of the project: 7,779,973.24 lei, of which AER’s budget is 2,328,061.65 lei
Funding Source: Funded by the OMV Petrom Foundation and developed by the Civil Society Development Foundation (FDSC) and ProPark – Foundation for Protected Areas.
Coordinator: Bogdan Papuc

ACTIVITIES

A.1. Preparatory measures for the reintroduction of the moose (Alces alces): including research and obtaining necessary approvals.
A.2. Development of infrastructure for moose reintroduction: involves repairs and upgrades to the acclimatisation enclosure.
A.3. Creation of biodiversity hotspots: establishing pilot areas to mitigate climate change effects and enhance biodiversity.
A.4. Wildlife monitoring through a network of monitoring stations: data collection to improve biodiversity management.
A.5. Monitoring large herbivores via GPS collars: tracking movements and behaviour.
A.7. Outdoor landscaping at the Visitor Centre: improving accessibility and the visual aspect of the facility.
A.8. Setup of an educational room and briefing room; delivery of tailored environmental education activities in line with the park’s offer and education plan.
A.9. Establishment of a local products gift shop within the Visitor Centre.
A.10. Signage for the Visitor Centre at the DN15 road entrance: improving visibility from the main road.
A.11. Creation of the “Forest School” educational area: includes outdoor interpretation elements, access infrastructure, a concept for the zoo’s modernisation, and a demonstrative dendrological area.
A.12. Development of educational materials for the optional curriculum module “Through Romania’s Forests” – a forestry education course for lower secondary schools in Neamț County, and a national best practice example.
A.13. Promotion of the optional module “Through Romania’s Forests” for adoption by schools in Neamț County and the PNVNT region.
A.14. Mobilisation of the local community for the implementation of the park’s education plan.
A.17. Visitor guidance preparation: staff training and development of resources for an improved visitor experience.
A.18. Promotion campaign for PNVNT: increasing the park’s and Visitor Centre’s visibility and appeal.
A.20. Organisation of events: four events to promote the park and raise awareness.
A.21. Redesign and update of the park’s website.
A.22. Equipment purchase and improvement of AER’s operational efficiency.
A.23. Project management and operation of a project implementation unit (PIU).
A.24. Promotion and communication activities to disseminate information about the project.

The project “The Bison Land: Conservation, Education and Tourism in Vănători Neamț Nature Park” is financed by the OMV Petrom Foundation under the “Verde pentru Viitor” programme, developed by FDSC and ProPark. The Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) is implementing the project in partnership with RNP Romsilva – Vănători Neamț Nature Park Administration, the Mioritics Association, and the Association for the Conservation of Biological Diversity.

EXPECTED RESULTS

Modern and effective biodiversity management in PNVNT.
Reintroduction of a locally extinct species (the moose).
Creation of four biodiversity hotspots.
Enhanced wildlife monitoring within the park.
Establishment of a national model for nature education infrastructure and programmes at the “Forest School”.
Development of a high-value tourism destination with socio-economic benefits for local communities.
Integration of PNVNT’s values into school curricula through teacher and student engagement.
Increased communication capacity and regional/national visibility for PNVNT.
Improved operational efficiency of AER.
5 moose (2 males, 3 females) released in the acclimatisation enclosure.
Proper management ensured for the moose population.
4 biodiversity hotspots created.
A comprehensive wildlife monitoring database.
24 fully equipped monitoring stations.
Reports and recommendations for improving species and habitat management.
A completed exhibition in the Visitor Centre offering an enhanced visitor experience.
An educational room and briefing area equipped.
Improved visibility of the Visitor Centre through new signage.
A circular access trail and interpretation stations at the Forest School site.
Educational materials for the optional “Through Romania’s Forests” course.
Optional course delivered in 20 classes involving 400 students.
A network of local educators developed for PNVNT.
A guide for nature interpretation at the Visitor Centre.
Trained staff (PNVNT and forestry personnel) for improved guided experiences.
Increased media exposure and brand awareness for the Park and Visitor Centre.
Organisation of 4 promotional events.
A redesigned and functional website for the park.
Improved project management and coordination.
Increased visibility for the project and its funding programme.
A socio-economic impact study of the project.