13 MAY 2025

Get to know the shapers of a sustainable travel future! In the online respect_NFI conversation cycle, we take you on a journey around the world and introduce you to personalities who are putting their visions and ideas for fair and sustainable tourism into practice.   

Our next stop is Romania. The country not only impresses with its fabulous and impressive nature but is also known for the ongoing destruction of its primeval forests. The strong influence of a veritable “timber mafia” means, that the often illegal logging is even taking place in EU protected areas. Despite legal action and EU complaints, Europe's last primeval forests are in danger of being lost.

Conscious tourism can be a decisive solution. 

In contrast to short-term income from corruption, sustainable, community-based tourism development represents a long-term economic pillar for local people and brings with it new job opportunities.  

The Făgăraș Mountains and Domogled National Park are not only home to some of the largest primeval forest areas in Europe, they also offer authentic encounters with locals, old, abandoned castles/spas in Băile Herculane and the opportunity to experience impressive, secluded forest explorations. 

Our guests:  
MATTHIAS SCHICKHOFER, photographer and activist: He is committed to the protection of Romanian primeval forests and advocates stricter regulations and conscious tourism. 

CIPRIAN COSTA, Chairman of Naturefriends Romania 

ALEXANDRU TELEAGA – in his spare time he fights for the protection of the primeval forests in Romania and supports the population in the mountain villages in the Domogled Valea Cernei National Park.

We shed light on current developments surrounding illegal logging in Romania, take a look at tourism development in the Făgăraș Mountains and Domogled National Park and discuss how both the local population and the forests can benefit from tourism. We also gain in-depth insights and background information from a Romanian perspective.

13 May 2025, 19:30-20:30 
On Zoom; Language: English 
Registration: emma.kluger@nf-int.org 
(You will receive the Zoom link after registration.)