Nature conservation: 20 years of impact in Romania

Romania is one of Europe's richest countries for nature, with forests, rivers, wetlands and traditional landscapes that sustain remarkable wildlife and support people's lives and livelihoods.

Over the past two decades, this natural wealth has faced growing pressure from habitat loss, illegal logging, pollution, damaging infrastructure, climate change and weak integration of biodiversity into development decisions.

In response, WWF-Romania has worked to connect science, policy and practical action, helping protect species and habitats while supporting communities to build a more resilient future alongside nature.

Read our synthesis of achievements across forests, freshwater, wildlife, climate, energy, food and communities

Areas of work

Continue scrolling to learn more about our achievements in each area

Forests

Over 84,000 hectares of primary and old-growth forest are now under strict protection, while more than 5,000 stakeholders have been empowered to engage in forest governance.

Wildlife

From around 250 free-roaming European bison in the Southern Carpathians to over 60,000 young sturgeons released into the Danube, WWF has helped drive species recovery and coexistence.

Freshwater

In the Danube Delta, about 924 hectares were restored into functional wetland, while Gârla Mare-Vrata reconnected over 400 hectares and created capacity to retain around 5 million cubic metres of floodwater.

Climate & Energy

We have supported a just and nature-friendly energy transition by engaging hundreds of young people, developing the first local action plan on energy poverty, and carrying out advocacy efforts that have saved valuable rivers from unregulated hydropower development.

Communities & Food

We have helped make sustainability a tangible part of everyday life, from healthier food in schools for over 1.9 million children annually and eco-education, to the protection of pollinators and nature-based local economies.

why this matters

Nature is not separate from people's lives; it underpins water and food availability, safety, identity, climate resilience and local opportunity. Protecting forests, rivers, species and rural landscapes means protecting the foundations that communities, livelihoods and future generations depend on.

The past 20 years also show that conservation only lasts when it is fair, practical and trusted. Strong governance, community benefits, transparent data, public participation and education are non-negotiable; they are what make long-term change possible.

FORESTS

Forests are essential to our survival. They provide clean air, shelter millions of species, protect water sources, and fight climate change. Yet they continue to disappear. Healthy forests sustain the Carpathian communities whose traditions and culture depend on them. Protecting forests means preserving ecosystems, combating climate change, and ensuring biodiversity for future generations.

WILDLIFE

Romania's iconic species—brown bears, lynx, wolves, sturgeon, and European bison—play crucial roles in healthy ecosystems. Our wellbeing depends directly on theirs. WWF works to protect these endangered species through conservation projects and advocacy. By safeguarding wildlife and their natural habitats, we preserve the balance that supports all life and ensures these species survive for generations to come.

FRESHWATER

Only 2.5% of Earth's water is fresh, and billions depend on it daily. Rivers, lakes, and wetlands support countless species and human communities. Yet intensive agriculture, pollution, and climate change threaten these vital resources. Romania's freshwater ecosystems face severe pressure. WWF protects and restores these ecosystems because healthy water systems are essential for a healthy environment and intrinsically, our wellbeing.

FOOD AND COMMUNITIES

Pollinators are in decline, as are small farms and the connection between producers and consumers; opportunities for learning and civic engagement in communities are scarce. WWF is responding with initiatives for active citizenship and the transformation of the agri-food system: policy, advocacy, reviving local markets, education, and capacity building. Notable examples: two eco-destinations, green public food procurement, the WeWilder campus, and programs for youth and teachers.

CLIMATE ADAPTATION AND EQUITABLE ENERGY TRANSITION

The climate crisis demands urgent action: renewable energy, zero-carbon emissions, and nature protection must go hand in hand. Energy transition without environmental safeguards risks irreparable biodiversity damage, especially harming vulnerable communities. WWF promotes sustainable energy practices and climate resilient solutions that protect nature while creating just, healthier futures.

How we act

We work by linking field experience with policy change, combining on the-ground restoration and species recovery with advocacy, research and long-term planning. We also bring together authorities, experts, communities, civil society, businesses and educators to build solutions that are credible, inclusive and lasting.

Across all themes, our approach is to turn evidence into action: restore ecosystems, improve governance, strengthen responsible markets, support local leadership and help people take part in shaping the future of nature in Romania.

Ecosystem Restoration

We implement projects that help restore wetlands, forests, and plateaus

Species Reintroduction

We reintroduce threatened species such as the sturgeon or locally extinct species such as the European bison

Conservation and Coexistence

We develop and implement solutions that protect both wildlife and people's livelihoods

policy & Governance

We contribute to improving legislation, management plans for protected areas, and local governance systems

community engagement

We have introduced sustainability into young people's vocabulary, contributed to the protection of pollinators, and supported the local economy based on nature and traditions

just transition

We collaborate with rural areas and cities to provide support for a just energy transition and climate adaptation, and to reconnect food producers with consumers