Environment Minister advocates for a nature-based economic model

Hundreds of rangers and conservationists from 33 countries gathered in the Grădiştei Gorges, in Braşov County, for the sixth edition of the European Ranger Congress. The event, held under the theme "Rangers - The Voice of Nature: Building a Bridge between Local Communities and Nature Conservation”, highlighted the vital role of those who watch over the continent's natural heritage. At the opening of the congress, the Minister of the Environment, Diana Buzoianu, sent a firm message of support for their mission to protect the environment: "You have in me an ally, with whom together we can build a real bridge between communities and nature, which must inevitably be developed. You have in me an ally who, finally, will protect nature and stop giving populist speeches, that we are patriots and love this country, but through chaotic development. No! True patriotism is to love the country, to protect the communities, the treasures and to make a development that is long-term." Referring to the central theme of the conference, the minister advocated for a sustainable economic model that links the well-being of local communities to environmental protection: "I believe that a viable economic model can be built to enrich local communities by protecting the treasures we have. (...) We see how these areas are depopulated year after year, and without an economic engine based on natural resources, we will not bring people there. We cannot destroy these places forever and believe that communities will grow.” The minister insisted that rangers play an essential role in this strategy: "You are the first people a community meets, the ones who educate children, raise alarm bells when illegalities occur, and you have fought over time for our parks and for the areas that deserve protection.”

• Courage to face economic interests

Diana Buzoianu also emphasized the extent of courage that rangers must demonstrate in the face of economic pressures that threaten the environment: "You need a lot of courage, because there are quite a few people who want to make profits in terrible ways using these treasures. Perhaps the ministry has managed several times in recent years to say we cannot afford to lose these treasures without trying to protect them”.

She recalled that protecting biodiversity is not a matter of rhetoric, but a concrete fight against the uncontrolled exploitation of natural resources.

The event at Cheile Grădiştei offers Romania an important stage in the European dialogue on nature conservation. "We know what treasures we have, and through this event it will become visible throughout Europe what we are proud of”, concluded the Minister of Environment. The European Ranger Congress is held for five days and includes workshops, debates and exchanges of experience between specialists from all over Europe. Participants discuss solutions for protecting biodiversity, preventing poaching, sustainable management of natural areas and involving local communities in the conservation of ecosystems.