Foundation Conservation Carpathia
Impact Sector
Restoring Nature
Type of Strategy
Empower
Project Location
Romania
In a nutshell
Forests keep the world healthy. We know that if deforestation doesn’t stop by 2030, it won’t be possible to keep global warming at 1.5°C. The Fagaras Mountains hold the largest areas of old-growth forest in the EU, but clearcutting and illegal logging have significantly damaged this unique ecosystem. But it’s not too late to return these forests to form: This project works closely with locals to create jobs for forest restoration and protection, with the goal of building climate-smart communities.
Climate Problem
Virgin forests are ancient, pristine and gifted with unique ecological features. At 45,000 hectares, Nucsoara once had the largest surface area of virgin forestry in Romania. Yet in the past two decades, almost half of Romania’s once publicly owned forests have moved into private ownership. As a result, both private landowners and the ‘wood mafia’ have profited from its deforestation.
Meanwhile, many of the local communities are living in socio-economic disadvantage. The Nucsoara community’s 1300 inhabitants live in poverty, and lack access to economic opportunities, education, and healthcare.
Clearcutting and illegal logging have resulted in significant loss for these forests, endangering their rich biodiversity. This severely undermines the integrity of the Carpathian ecosystem, and its long-term safety can only be ensured if the people dependent on it have the means to do so.
Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) will use proven strategies for long-term sustainability in conservation. The result will show how climate solutions can bring social, economic and ecological benefit.
Project Solution
This project enables the Nucsoara community to develop economically and socially, while revitalising its backcountry and ecological wealth. Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) applies a holistic approach to reforesting: they restore biodiversity, reintroduce missing species, and replant around 100 hectares of forest each year. They do this alongside the locals, many of whom join the replanting sessions.
Knowing that eco-tourism will bring economic, social and environmental benefit, they are training local guides to deliver a wildlife and nature tourism programme. The project will also organise training events for local tourism entrepreneurs, and assist them in developing truly sustainable and successful businesses.
This project will preserve Nucsoara’s natural environment, reduce poverty, and provide locals with opportunities. FCC is introducing functioning healthcare and education systems, a local sports centre, and adding to the town’s social calendar. They are building infrastructure that is sorely needed, including for eco-tourism. They will develop a renewable energy source to reduce and replace locals’ consumption of the forest, as well as providing alternative heating options to firewood.
"The Fagaras Mountains in the south-central Carpathians cover 200,000 ha without settlements, holding extensive remnants of virgin forest and many hundreds of bears, wolves and lynx. They are the European equivalent to North America’s Yellowstone National Park and must be preserved for future generations."
- Operational since 2019
- Team of 100 employees
- Headquarters in Brasov, Romania
About the organisation
Foundation Conservation Carpathia’s mission is to conserve and restore Romania’s natural Carpathian ecosystem, and help it become a world-class wilderness reserve. To achieve this, they work across six different areas: land conservation, restoration of degraded ecosystems, wildlife protection, community involvement, media and outreach, and the development of a new green economy. Both environment and the local community benefit.
How your donation helps
The forests of the Fagaras Mountains can only be assured of a bright future with the support of surrounding communities. For that reason, it’s not enough to condemn climate-destructive behaviour: real change can only be achieved if the economic situation of local communities improves.
With your support, FCC will be well-equipped to improve locals’ lives and help them to care for the forests surrounding them. Your funding will allow FCC to hire three new project members to help with business development, infrastructure development and communications.
The Nucsoara community’s quality of life improves, while developing economically and socially. The project introduces employment opportunities, higher income, access to healthcare, social projects, and a sports club.
Nucsoara becomes an eco-tourism destination run by a climate-smart community. FCC builds eco-tourism infrastructure, such as thematic trails, to allow visitors to enjoy the pristine forests.
Local villagers play an active role in the conservation of the Fagaras Mountains, and FCC works towards developing a local renewable energy source. Other communities understand the advantages of nature conservation and are inspired to take similar measures.
Why we chose the project
"For over ten years now, FCC’s project is a win-win for one of Europe’s natural wonders, and for those living around them. Involving locals in conservation, while improving their living standards, mean that this project’s benefits will continue long after its completion."
Gabriele Liautaud
Lead Grants and Climate Projects, Active Philanthropy
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KEY SUPPORTER
Grow
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Flourish
CLIMATE CHAMPION
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Meet the people behind the project, ask your questions, and build connection (online)
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Foundation Conservation Carpathia
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