Boosting urban biodiversity and climate resilience: Bucharest’s Vacaresti Natural Park and beyond

Romania's approach to biodiversity is shaped by a combination of national laws, EU regulations, and international commitments. The country recognizes the importance of conserving its rich biological diversity, which includes various ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.

Aspects of Romania's Biodiversity Policy

Key aspects of Romania's Biodiversity Policy are:

Legal Framework 

• Romania has implemented several laws aligned with the EU's Natura 2000 network, aimed at protecting habitats and species of European interest.  
• The National Biodiversity Strategy outlines objectives for conservation, sustainable use, and restoration of biodiversity.

Protected Areas

• Romania has established numerous protected areas, including national parks and nature reserves, to safeguard critical habitats and species.  
• Urban areas increasingly incorporate green spaces and biodiversity-friendly practices to enhance ecological resilience.

Urban Biodiversity Initiatives

• Efforts are being made to integrate biodiversity considerations into urban planning and development.
• Initiatives include creating green roofs, urban gardens, and wildlife corridors to support species in urban settings.

Public Awareness and Education

• Campaigns and educational programs aim to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, both in rural and urban contexts.

Research and Monitoring

• Ongoing research is conducted to monitor biodiversity trends and assess the effectiveness of conservation measures.  
• Collaboration with NGOs and academic institutions enhances data collection and public engagement.

International Commitments

• Romania is a signatory to various international agreements, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, committing to sustainable biodiversity management.  

Overall, Romania's biodiversity policy is increasingly recognizing the importance of urban environments as critical components of the broader ecological landscape, aiming to harmonize urban development with conservation efforts.

From landfill to aquatic ecosystem in 22 years

Urban green spaces play a vital role in providing ecosystem services to communities, including clean air, temperature regulation, and recreational opportunities. Vacaresti Natural Park (VNP), situated just 5 kilometers from Bucharest’s city center, stands out as a unique 183-hectare area: the largest green space in the city and Romania’s first urban natural park. Its inherent natural beauty and biodiversity create an ideal backdrop for scientific research as well educating citizens about the significance of nature in urban environments, transcending the limitations of historical authority-driven approaches and fostering individual engagement.
 
VNP emerged from an abandoned hydrotechnical project dating back to communist times. Due to social and economic turmoil, the area faced legal uncertainty after 1990, resulting in its neglect and transformation into an illegal landfill and a sanctuary for the homeless. The transformation over the past 22 years of the VNP into an aquatic ecosystem with over 300 species and subspecies is truly remarkable.  

Despite its troubled history and abandonment, nature has reclaimed the area with extraordinary intensity. The marshes, water holes, reedbeds, willow groves, and poplar nests now form a thriving habitat for various species. Notably, marsh birds have found a nesting and breeding ground here, alongside reptiles, insects, frogs, and even mammals. The ecosystem sustains a complete feeding chain, demonstrating nature’s resilience and ability to recover without human intervention. It’s a testament to how even in densely populated regions, nature can reclaim its rights. VNP not only serves as a living laboratory for environmental education and scientific research but also as a recreational space for people to appreciate this remarkable transformation.

Dutch best practices in urban greenery support effective management

In 2020, the VNP Association Parc Natural Văcărești sought support to develop an effective management plan for the park following the changes in legislation that granted greater authority to the Ministry of Environment and local authorities (such as Bucharest City Hall) as well as stronger collaboration with the VNP Association. Therefore, the association initiated a stakeholder dialogue aiming to finalize regulations for park activities and establish a management plan for a natural protected area.
 
The goal was twofold: to conserve biodiversity and restore specific habitats while transforming the park into an educational and nature conservation hub and create a top tourist attraction. For the former, actions such as monitoring population trends for priority bird species on the site, maintaining the quality of the feeding habitat for bird species (protecting reed areas) or controlling the water level in puddles during the nesting period needed to be identified and included in the plan. For the latter, site management interventions were included, such as: the creation of thematic routes for hiking and biking and the construction of bird observatories or in-site recreation areas.

The initiative received support from the Netherlands Agricultural Network (LAN) team at the Dutch Embassy in Bucharest, in facilitating the exchange of Dutch best practices in urban greenery and climate adaptation. Key stakeholders, including park representatives, government authorities, and the LAN team participated in on-site meetings at the park. These discussions highlighted the Dutch approach to inter-institutional dialogue, emphasizing the importance of park maintenance and shared responsibilities for its long-term sustainability.

Urban Landscapes Romania unites experts from Romania and the Netherlands

Continuing the momentum, Urban Landscapes Romania – a Partners for International Business (PIB) initiative – organized additional stakeholder dialogues in 2021. Practitioners, including architects, biologists, and landscaping experts from Romania and the Netherlands, collaborated to identify viable solutions for VNP's challenges. These efforts culminated in the completion of the park’s management plan, incorporating insights inspired by Dutch practices.

Moreover, the VNP representatives and researchers from Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM) actively participated in knowledge-sharing activities under the PIB initiative, in collaboration with HAS University of Applied Sciences in 's-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands. Landscape architects provided expert input, enhancing the team’s capacity for hands-on biodiversity enhancement. The vision for VNP includes well-maintained green spaces, diverse plantings, and habitat restoration to attract local pollinators, birds, and other wildlife; thus, the restored biodiversity serves as climate adaptation action by improving air quality and mitigating urban heat.

EU-support for nature-based solutions

In 2022, the Business Development Group and the VNP Association seized a significant opportunity to participate in the NATALIE project, an EU-funded research initiative focused on ‘ecosystem-based adaptation’ across Europe. The project aims to develop climate-resilient pathways using impact-driven nature-based solutions tailored to local contexts. In this context, VNP serves as a case study, demonstrating nature-based solutions for mitigating urban drought and restoring freshwater habitats within the urban ecosystem.

The research project, approved in September 2023, involves collaboration between 43 partners from 9 countries in the European Union. KWR Water Research Institute and Dutch company FieldFactors (the creators of BlueBloq rainwater treatment technology), are contributing to the development of the nature-based solution in VNP. Currently in the research and development stage, the project targets on-site implementation by 2025, with a significant positive impact on VNP’s viability. Future plans include upscaling to other areas in the city, creating a green-blue corridor along the Dambovita River.

Projects in other Romanian cities

Other projects are also aimed at increasing the biodiversity of Romanian cities. In 2022 and 2023, the Children Love Nature-campaign, supported by the Dutch Embassy and implemented by the AgriEDU Center of Excellence, mobilized over 450 students (aged between 6 and 18) from 15 schools and high schools in Bucharest, Ilfov, Ialomita and Buzau counties to plant and monitor plant development in school gardens.
 
In addition, the Erasmus+ project European Platform for Urban Greening, led by the Dutch provider of green secondary and vocational education YUVERTA, includes a case study in Romania which contributes to increasing the knowledge and skills required to address climate adaptation, biodiversity and well-being in the urban, green living environment, as well as broaden the expertise among professionals in Europe.

Inspiration for change

With ample EU funding available, Romania aims to elevate its commitment to greener cities. Providing inspiration for change and promoting bilateral cooperation for impactful greening projects remain important steps, which contribute to sustainable climate action within the European context.

More information

Would you like to know more about urban biodiversity in Romania? Please go to the country page of Romania at the website Agroberichtenbuitenland.nl of the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature. You can also send an email to the LAN team at the Dutch Embassy in Bucharest: BKR-lvvn@minbuza.nl.