Transylvanian Wetland Centre – Bazinul Fizesului
Region
Europe
Country
Romania
Flyway
East Atlantic flyway
Initiative
WLI Europe
About
Ecotransilvania Association and Ecochoice Association
Funding support: n/a
Number of staff: 12
Number of visitors per year: n/a
Overall aims of the centre
1. Research and monitoring to develop up-to-date, detailed GIS database of the distribution, population fluctuations, threats and conservation status of priority species and habitats
2. Concrete conservation measures targeting priority species and habitats (ex. habitat restoration for Purple Heron, nesting boxes for Red-Footed Falcon etc.)
3. Community engagement, education and development programme with different target groups (children & schools, local farmers, fishermen, craftsmen, local authorities)
4. Development of wetland centre, visitor services and repair of existing infrastructure (with a special focus on bird watching).
Description of the centre
Bazinul Fizesului is one of Eastern Europe’s most important inland wetlands, with over 28% of the entire continent’s breeding avifauna (146 species) present here, as well as 670 species of plants representing over 20% of Romania’s flora. The area is also home to many species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Some highly protected bird species include the Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), the Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus), the Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca), the Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), the Corncrake (Crex crex) and the Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina).
The 37km long valley of the Fizes retains the last vestiges of the old Pannonic salt steppes and salt marshes (priority European habitat 1530*) in the Transylvanian Plains. It also contains the second largest compact reed area in Romania after the Danube Delta (around 260 ha), and the largest mixed colony of night and grey herons in Transylvania (over 270 breeding pairs).
Because of its importance for biodiversity, Bazinul Fizesului was designated a Natura 2000 Special Protection Area under the EU’s Birds Directive and a Site of Community Interest under the Habitats Directive.
Work Areas
Main CEPA work areas
Our most important communication campaigns targets the destructive practice of reed burning, which affects more than 100ha of reeds in Bazinul Fizesului. To prevent further fires, we alerted the local mass-media and will install information and warning signs, publish an information leaflet and organise meetings with key stakeholders.
In the near future we are also planning to launch an education programme aimed at local schools (primary and secondary) and at graduate and post-graduate students from the nearby university city of Cluj-Napoca.
Depending on available funds, we plan to expand our learning and participation programme.
Top three successes
This is a newly-established project. EcoTransilvania and its partner Ecochoice took over the management of Bazinul Fizesului at the end of March 2011. We are in the process of developing a long-term programme of conservation and community engagement measures.
Expertise
Interpretation techniques
Creating signage; site information; Producing written materials
Visitor centres
Managing / creating habitat;
Participation
Engaging young people; Engaging the local community; Working with volunteers
Education and communication
Working with primary schools; Lobbying / running campaigns; Working with secondary schools; Developing resources / materials
General
Auditing / assessing effectiveness; Running effective administration; Fund-raising;
Contact
Cosmin Ioan Moga
Str. Garii nr. 5A,
bloc FII 4,
ap. 81, Sighisoara 545400,
Romania
40745018279