It was founded in 2009 by 12 philanthropists and conservationists with the aim to stop illegal logging and to preserve a large area of Carpathian forests as a fully protected area for future generations. This is being done by buying land and transferring hunting rights for the complete protection of all natural elements with private and public money.
The Carpathian Mountains are covered by some of the most extensive wild forests on the continent, with the highest percentage of virgin forests, which still harbor an extraordinarily large number of species, including many native species. They are the last home to Europe’s largest populations of large carnivores.
The Carpathia Conservation Foundation (FCC) was founded in 2009 by 12 philanthropists and conservationists with the aim to stop illegal logging and to conserve a large area of Carpathian forests as a fully protected area for future generations. This is being done by buying land and transferring hunting rights for the complete protection of all natural elements with private and public money.
The Carpathian Mountains are covered by some of the most extensive wild forests on the continent, with the highest percentage of virgin forests, which still harbor an extraordinarily large number of species, including many native species. They are the last refuge for Europe’s largest populations of large carnivores.
Since 2005, previously nationalized forests have been returned to private individuals in Romania. This process has triggered massive logging on these restituted properties and thousands of hectares of forest have been illegally logged. This represents a serious threat to the integrity of the Carpathian ecosystem.
Temad has been with Conservation Carpathia for a number of years sponsoring and supporting the realization of the projects they carry out with extraordinary commitment and love for nature.
2021
This year, we participated in fundraising for the campaign “The Făgăraș Mountains Become Home to Bison.” Our friends at Conservation Carpathia are expanding this initiative, taking on the mission of rebuilding the population of free-roaming bison in the Făgăraș Mountains from scratch.
“The Făgăraș Mountains Become Home to Bison.”
Romania continues to take pride in its wilderness: untouched forests, pristine mountain rivers, plant species unique to the Carpathians, and iconic wild animals such as the brown bear, lynx, and chamois.
The Făgăraș Mountains are one of the most important natural areas of the Carpathians, boasting some of the largest expanses of virgin forests, a high density of carnivores, and spectacular landscapes.
Until recently, bison and beavers were the only species missing from this wild setting.
The bison has long been a symbol of Romania. Majestic and powerful, this animal has been part of our history and folklore for centuries, cherished by Romanians throughout the ages.
Although there is no exact record of when bison disappeared from Romania, their habitat once spanned the entire Carpathian chain.
After vanishing from Romanian lands approximately 200 years ago, bison have been successfully reintroduced over the past few years in the southeastern and northern Carpathians.
With a positive impact on nature and coexisting harmoniously with humans, the bison is making its way back home.
Experts believe that a minimum of 100 individuals surviving and reproducing in the wild without human intervention is required for this reintroduction to be deemed successful.
Since May 2020, the first eight bison have been freely grazing, thanks to Conservation Carpathia’s efforts.
June 2021
Markus Jebsen, a founding member of Conservation Carpathia and board member, tragically passed away in a car accident in South Africa on June 13.
Markus was an extraordinary individual who deeply loved nature and supported the mission of protecting the Făgăraș Mountains. He is the visionary behind Cobor Biodiversity Farm, a sanctuary where thousands of people now enjoy a slice of reconstructed paradise.
Markus also purchased 1,000 hectares of land in Piatra Craiului and Făgăraș for complete protection, which he donated to the foundation in 2016.
Fauna Reintroduction:
The Făgăraș Mountains are now home to a total of 26 bison.
The wellbeing of the bison is not only closely monitored by Carpathia specialists but also attracts curious locals—like a lynx intrigued by the new species in the area. 😉
During habitat monitoring, a rare plant species, Tozzia carpatica, in excellent conservation status, was discovered. This plant is protected under the Habitats Directive.
Golden eagle monitoring also continued throughout June, despite challenging weather conditions in the mountains.
While the population in the Făgăraș Mountains remains small, it is incredible to witness a few individuals thriving in the wild. Conservationists are also keeping an eye on the marmot population, the primary food source for the eagles.
Read the full activity report for the month here.
May 2021
In May 2021, Conservation Carpathia acquired an additional 5 hectares of forest under full protection.
They aim to include more wild forests in the National Catalogue of Virgin Forests, identifying 815 hectares that qualify for this category.
Restoring life to heavily exploited regions like Dobroneag, Valea Lungă, and Groapele in the Făgăraș Mountains remains a top priority.
Restoring life to heavily exploited regions like Dobroneag, Valea Lungă, and Groapele in the Făgăraș Mountains remains a top priority.
In spring, 276,370 saplings of spruce, beech, and maple were planted across 69 hectares, despite challenging weather conditions. The team aims to reforest 100 hectares in 2021.
The foundation also began removing invasive plant species from subalpine pastures under their management. Their biologist-led efforts saw the first hectare in Dracșin cleared with the help of field colleagues.
Aprilie 2021
April surprised us three times with heavy snowfall, just as we thought spring was coming. On the good weather days, we advanced our conservation activities.
Conservation Carpathia purchased another 143 hectares of forest under complete protection.
They expanded one of their nurseries to create more space for growing tree saplings. The team cleared the land, weeded, removed protective covers from seeded plots, and took joy in the young plants of various species.
All of this was achieved with the help of permanent and seasonal employees, local people involved in preparing for a new season of ecological restoration. The spring campaign began, especially in low-lying areas, where over 2,000 alder saplings were planted along mountain rivers.
Species Reintroduction
17 bison are now in the acclimatization enclosures at Bunea and Lerești, waiting to be released into the wild this summer. Colleagues were busy all month assessing the status of the beaver population in the northern Făgăraș Mountains.
Read the full activity report for the month here.
March 2021
March brought a mix of weather, with fresh snow followed by days of temperatures above 15°C, and then more snow. The contrast is reflected in the photos from this month.
Conservation Carpathia acquired an additional 160 hectares of forest for full protection.
They removed one-year-old saplings from greenhouses and stored them safely until the snow in nurseries melts. The saplings will grow for two more years before being ready for reforestation efforts. Greenhouses were covered with foil, and seeded plots in nurseries were insulated with leaves to protect germinating seeds from frost.
Fauna Monitoring
By the end of March, only seven wildlife monitoring cameras remained in the field, while the rest were returned to the office for image analysis.
Did you know that every lynx has a unique fur pattern, allowing individual identification?
Check out the full lynx study here.
Genetic samples were collected for bear DNA analysis to estimate their population in the project area.
February 2021
February is usually a quiet month, with snow blanketing the landscape as nature hibernates, awaiting spring. Rangers patrol the area, and preparations are underway for the field season.
Wildlife monitoring cameras provided stunning images of species that are nearly extinct in other countries, including lynxes and wolves. Signs of beaver activity were also observed, including a large beaver lodge within the project area.
Plans for bird monitoring include golden eagles as a priority, with efforts beginning in March when the risk of avalanches decreases.
January 2021
Conservation Carpathia evaluated the conservation status of riparian habitats along key valleys in the project area, with only 17.9 km out of 154.5 km in good condition. The rest require large-scale habitat restoration programs.
They purchased another 5 hectares of forest for full protection and advanced construction of the bison enclosure in Nucșoara. Despite winter challenges, 70% of the electric fence was installed.
Food packages were distributed to 15 local communities, benefiting 400 households.
Some packages included school supplies or IT equipment to support online education projects initiated the previous summer.
