Sustainable Travel in Romania

What does it mean to travel responsibly?

In a nutshell, it means RESPECT. Respect for nature, but also respect for the culture and for the people living in the visited country, in this case Romania.

Any journey should make a positive contribution to the economy, culture and the environment, and the places you visit to offer you the same new, rewarding experiences. Thus, in addition to supporting the creation of a sustainable income source for local communities, they will be encouraged to cherish more and preserve their natural and cultural assets.

Since the fall of communism in 1989, Romania has taken small steps towards environmental protection, conservation of natural and cultural resources. A major change in perspective occurred with the country’s entry into the European Union in 2007 but also with the adoption of new regulations introduced to reduce gas emissions, protect natural areas or move towards a circular economy, etc.

Young generations are beginning to gain new perspectives on these conservation issues, increasingly appreciating clean water and healthy forests, and do not hesitate to take action when the government fails to meet its commitments and attempts to impose abusive measures (for example, incentives for illegal logging, exploitation of shale gas or gold exploitation at Roşia Montană, etc.). Significant progress has been made so far, but Romania has to continue on the right path and we, all of us as travelers, can positively influence this process.

 

How can you travel responsibly in Romania?

About people and ethics

Inform yourself as much as you can about Romania, its people and culture. People here are very open and sometimes too curious, which is why a Western traveler may interpret this as rude, but it is just their natural way of being and should be taken as such.

Always ask permission before photographing people (elders, women, children, etc.). Many are not aware of the current technologies and the fact that they can become "celebrities" on social media.

About the protection of the environment

Avoid excessive use of motorized transport. Discovering the country’s simple rural life or a city on a bicycle, greatly enhances your experiences.

Add to your list of activities as the many hikes or mountain biking, if you spend the holidays in the Carpathian Mountains, and experience a canoe or paddle boat ride in the Danube Delta.

Keep the places you go clean and don’t leave your waste behind, especially non-degradable (plastic, metals, etc.). Romania is struggling hard with this problem!

About conservation of natural resources

Don’t pick flowers and do not disturb wildlife in any way. The marked routes are there for a reason. Stay on the path to protect yourself from danger, but also to avoid damaging the flora. Romania’s forests are (still) home to thousands of large carnivores such as bears, wolves and lynxes.

The likelihood of meeting these magnificent animals is low but never underestimate their possible presence. Sometimes wild animals, such as bears come very close to the edges of some towns in search of food. Under no circumstances feed wild animals!

About supporting the local economy

Choose accommodation structures that meet certain ecological and sustainable development requirements (you will find a generous offer on our website).

Support the local economy and buy local products from peasants or farmers and authentic souvenirs directly from craftsmen etc. Local food is very tasty, so don’t hesitate to try the many culinary specialties.

Keep in mind that Romanian’s are hospitable and will offer you a brandy at any time.

Romanian journeys support and promotes:

The ecotourism destinations in Romania

Spectacular sites around the world begin to disappear forever due to environmental changes and human interventions, and ecotourism is becoming an increasingly important tool in their conservation.

Ecotourism destinations not only allow travelers to discover some of the most beautiful natural and cultural wonders of the world, but also ensure that they do so in a responsible way. Romania has also embarked on ecotourism and sustainability for the preservation of some unique places. This commitment consists of, for the first time, the proposal of eleven ecotourism destinations, four of which are already certified. A reliable partner of these destinations is the Association of Ecotourism in Romania, which accompanies them on their way to obtaining the certification granted by the Ministry of Tourism.

Maybe you haven’t heard of the Eco Maramureş or the jewelery of the Romanian Carpathians, Piatra Craiului, Bison Land in the Neamt area or Ţara Haţegului-Retezat? These are the first four certified ecotourism destinations in Romania which are warmly waiting for you to pay them a visit.

Other hidden treasures of Romania which are making progress towards certification are the magnificent Danube Delta, the beautiful Transylvanian Hills with their fabulous scenery, Mărginimea Sibiului, Ţara Dornelor in Bucovina or Băile Tuşnad with its mineral and healing waters and, no less, the Pădurea Craiului in the Apuseni Mountains, with its fascinating underground world.

The Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti

Over the decades, in Romania many bears have become prisoners under heavy conditions of captivity by so-called "owners", this is sadly still happening although the European brown bear is a strictly protected species.

The Libearty Bear Sanctuary became, in 1998 the only rescue center for bears found captive in Romania. This center, which takes care of approximately 90 bears can be visited and if you want to support this initiative can do it here: https://www.ampbears.ro/en/adopt-a-bear

Romanian Journeys DOES NOT support or promote:

We do not support or promote any form of detention programs of wildlife or animal shows (circuses and dolphinariums).

Instead, we recommend avoiding these forms of entertainment and explaining to children that the place of wild animals is in their natural environment!

Romanian Journeys also does not support or promote hunting and does not recommend visiting zoos that do not comply to international standards (spaces large enough to provide animals accessible areas of soil and grass and adequate living conditions).