Workshop - Sancrai 2003 Welcoming a group of tourists during an ecotourism program Unguru Mare - a potential new protected area in Apuseni Mountains

The mission of CAPDD is to contribute to the sustainable development of the Apuseni Mountains and the communities in their area, by:
- the management of natural protected areas
- the conservation of biodiversity and the natural patrimony
- ecotourism
- the conservation of the authentic cultural identity.

Our objectives for 2006-2007 are:

1. Regarding natural protected areas:
- we wish to contribute actively to the participatory management of the Apuseni Natural Park.
- we will initiate the procedure of declaring Padurea Craiului Mountains (part of the Apuseni) a nature park
- we will identify new natural areas which need protection in Bihor county.

2. Regarding local sustainable development:
- we want to initiate 2 sustainable development projects in 2 local communities in Bihor, in partnership with public authorities.
- we want to ellaborate a local development model and implement it in Rosia and Remetea communities of Padurea Craiului Mountains (pilor project).
- we will bring an active contribution to the preservation of the authentic cultural patrimony of Bihor county, by promoting and supporting the existence and development of rare traditional crafts.
- we want to promote ecotourism and use it effectively and responsibly as a sustainable alternative for the local development in Bihor county.

1. We are a grassroots organization, one of the few that works in the Apuseni Mountains’ area and assists the rural communities in this area in their sustainable development.

2. We are a young, passionate and enthusiastic team, made up of people who want to bring a positive change in Romania.

3. We offer innovatory and courageous approaches to the current problems that Romania is confronted with – especially in its rural environment – and in the meantime we strive to be professional.

The “APUSENI EXPERIENCE” Program

Initiated in 2002 – it is an ecotourism and adventure tourism program developed in the Apuseni Mountains, with the purpose of valorizing sustainably the natural and cultural resources of the area. The program is addressed to those who wish to visit the mountains and it offers: hikes, tourist and technical caving trips in over 40 caves in the Apuseni (both arranged and technical), white water rafting and canyoning, cycling trips, cross-country skiing and cultural trips. Apuseni Experience invests 10% of its revenues to local initiatives for the conservation and promotion of the Apuseni Mountains’ natural and cultural patrimony.

The PROTECTED AREAS Program

Initiated in 2003, it aims at contributing to the protection of special natural areas in Bihor, thus mobilizing specialized institutions, local public administrations, decision-makers and citizens.
With this program, CAPDD wishes to raise awareness of local communities and institutions of the need to protect these areas and the species that they shelter.
A natural area protected by law cannot be really protected without the involvement of those who live around it and take decisions about it.
At present, CAPDD supports the management of Meziad cave, Ungurul Mare cave, Apuseni Natural Park, as well as the implementation of Natura 2000 network in Bihor.

The LOCAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Program

Initiated in 2003, this program aims at supporting the development of rural communities in Bihor - especially in the mountain part of the county.
For this, CAPDD offers consultance and training to local communities regarding sustainable development based on local resources, it helps the initiation of sustainable economic development alternatives and encourages the conservation of crafts in Bihor.

The protection of the natural environment needs to be supported and facilitated by local communities that live around these areas, so our programs are very much interrelated.

We would like to invest these funds in the projects developed by the “Protected Areas” and “Local sustainable development” departments, especially smaller projects.

The donated money will be ued for:
- arrangements of and information of locals about the importance of Meziad cave and the bat colonies it shelters;
- setting up the Nature Park of Padurea Craiului Mountains;
- training of local people and volunteers about the management of natural protected areas, sustainable development, waste management, ecotourism;
- organizing a summer camp for learning traditional crafts addressed to youth from rural communities;
- setting-up thematic trails for visitors in several villages (Rosia, Remetea, Meziad, Suncuius, Vadu Crisului, Leheceni);
- implementing educational programs for children and youth in rural communities, about environmental issues;
- giving support to local craftspeople for opening workshops where children and youth could learn a craft.
- buying books and informational materials for libraries in rural communities in Bihor.

We would also like that part of these funds be used for the overall development of our NGO, especially for current expenses (office costs, transportation to villages) and for attracting new volunteers and training them. By investing in us you invest in the rural area of Bihor county!

Thank you for your help!

Our beneficiaries are rural communities in the mountain areas of Bihor county (with special focus on the following communes: Rosia, Remetea, Vadul Crisului, Suncuius, Pietroasa, Buntesti, Cristiorul de Jos), the administration of the Apuseni Natural Park, Bihor County Council, Bihor Local Government, folk artisans in the mountaineous area of Bihor (working with wood, pottery, weaving etc.), local associations, tourists and visitors of the Apuseni (from Romania and abroad).

In our 5 years of existence, we have received support from:

- The Dutch Embassy in Romania – 3601 Euro
- Oradea City Hall and The Carpathian Foundation – 5400 Euro
- Bihor County Council – 7800 Euro
- The Partnership Foundation – 4900 Euro
- Individual donations – 1000 Euro
- Self-financing – 18000 Euro