Natura 2000 Network - How management plans save nature

Bistrița-Năsăud County is among the few counties in Romania that has managed to ensure, almost entirely, the coverage of the Natura 2000 network in the county with approved management plans. The result was achieved through a comprehensive project, financed from European funds, carried out by the Environmental Protection Agency of Bistrița-Năsăud, an institution recently reorganized as the County Directorate for Environment.

In an interview with journalist Ion Lucian Petraș, the director of the County Directorate for Environment, Sever Ioan Roman, explained the importance of the project, the difficulties encountered during implementation, and how these plans will influence the future development of the county.

„We are among the few counties in Romania that have almost the entire Natura 2000 network covered by management plans. Currently, 99.58% of this network is covered,”

declared Sever Ioan Roman.

Project financed through POIM: contract signed in 2019, completed in 2026

The project “Development of management plans for Natura 2000 sites in Bistrița-Năsăud County” was financed through the Large Infrastructure Operational Program (POIM) 2014–2020, Priority Axis 4 – “Environmental protection through biodiversity conservation measures”.

The funding contract was signed on December 16, 2019. The project had a duration of 36 months, with a total value of approximately 8 million (7,867,705.46) lei.

Of this amount, 85% was provided from European funds FEDR, and 15% was co-financed nationally through the Ministry of Environment.

The agency partner of the Environmental Protection Agency of Bistrița-Năsăud in implementing the project was the National Agency for Protected Natural Areas (ANANP / ANMAP), as the administrator of the targeted protected natural areas.

Although the contractual duration was three years, the project was only finalized in January 2026, due to complex procedures and institutional reorganization at the national level.

„We signed the contract in December 2019 and managed to close the project on January 22, 2026. It was a very difficult project, with thousands and tens of thousands of documents, public procurement procedures, and appeals,”

explained the director of the Environment Department.

At the project closing conference, environmental expert Ana Maria Corpade, involved in conducting specialized studies, emphasized the importance of using these plans in local development strategies:

„Management plans do not hinder development, but make it clearer, more predictable, and more compatible with biodiversity conservation. They can become a solid basis for activities such as tourism and ecotourism, responsibly harnessing an exceptional natural potential.”

Dialogue and compensation for communities

During the project closing conference, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Environment, ANMAP, the county prefect Teofil Cioarbă, county and local authorities, the need for dialogue regarding strict protection zones was highlighted. The president of ANMAP, Raluca Giorgiana Dumitrescu, reiterated that:

„No area will be included in strict protection zones without the owner’s or administrator’s consent, and compensation will be provided for these areas.”

Reorganization of environmental institutions and impact on the project

During the implementation of the project, the institutional environmental system underwent major reorganization. The Environmental Protection Agency merged with the National Agency for Protected Natural Areas, resulting in the National Environmental Agency and Protected Areas.

Following the reorganization, county structures lost legal personality and the status of budgetary units, with financial responsibilities taken over centrally.

„At the national level, from 2,372 positions before reorganization, the number was reduced to 2,001. Practically, 371 positions were lost, and at the county level, leadership positions were also reduced,” specified Sever Ioan Roman.

Nevertheless, the institution’s activity continued without interruption, and the project regarding the Natura 2000 network in the county was successfully completed.

Seven Natura 2000 sites and two protected areas of national interest

Within the project, seven management plans for Natura 2000 sites were developed and approved:

• ROSCI0393 Someșul Mare,
• ROSCI0232 Someșul Mare Superior,
• ROSCI0400 Șieu–Budac,
• ROSCI0437 Someșul Mare between Mica and Beclean,
• ROSCI0095 La Sărătură,
• ROSCI0396 Dealul Pădurea Murei – Sângeorzul Nou
• ROSCI0441 Tecii Vineyards.

Additionally, the project included two natural protected areas of national interest: the salt massif at Sărățel and the La Sărătură area in Șintereag commune.

The areas extend over 24 administrative-territorial units in Bistrița-Năsăud County and two others in Cluj County, directly influencing local administrations and communities.

Scientific studies, public consultations, and informed decisions

For developing the management plans, complex scientific studies were conducted over multiple seasons to identify habitats and species of community interest, assess pressures, and establish conservation measures.

„Now we have a solid scientific basis. We know exactly what to protect, the conservation status, and what measures need to be taken. We no longer work on assumptions,”

highlighted the director of the Environment Department.

Besides the technical component, the project included public consultations with local authorities, landowners, and other interested parties.

Management plans, the key to accessing European funds

An essential aspect highlighted in the interview is the role of management plans as strategic documents for accessing European funds.

„Management plans are the cornerstone of any European project. Without them, funding cannot be obtained,”

explained Sever Ioan Roman.

These documents are comparable to general urban planning schemes, establishing clear rules regarding land use and the compatibility of economic activities with environmental protection.

Old conflicts between investors and environmental protection, resolved through clear data

In the past, environmental authorities were often caught between investors and challengers, unable to counter the studies presented by project holders.

„We didn’t have the budget to conduct our own studies to prove the contrary. Now, with these scientific studies, we know where we stand and can make correct decisions,” Roman stated.

Management plans allow delimiting areas where economic activities are possible and those where protection must be a priority.

Dialogue with communities: the example of La Sărătură site

A concrete example presented in the interview is the La Sărătură site, where a rare species, Armeria maritima, was affected by human activities.

„Through dialogue with local authorities in Șintereag commune, we managed to remove a sheepfold that was affecting the habitat, without conflicts with the community,” the director explained.

Armeria Maritima Wild (Sea Thrift) is present at ”La Sărătura” in Blăjenii de Jos, Șintereag commune, Bistrița-Năsăud County. The delicate pink flowers cover part of the pasture at Blăjenii de Jos, from which about 5 hectares form the Natura 2000 Site and the natural reserve ”La Sărătură”.

Ecological education and public awareness

The project had an important component of information and awareness. Seventeen field trips were organized, involving over 2,000 students and teachers, as well as local community representatives.

„Children are very receptive. The ecological message must be transmitted through them, to their families,” said Sever Ioan Roman.

Administrative experience gained with great effort

At the end of the interview, Sever Ioan Roman emphasized that

accessing European funds involves a considerable administrative effort, often insufficiently rewarded financially.

The director thanked everyone involved in the project activities for the effort made over five years of intense activity.

„The financial motivation was very small, but the experience gained is extremely important. Only this way can we build better future projects,”

concluded the director of the County Directorate for Environment.