As we prepare to celebrate the 10th Annual Alianta Gala, we are thrilled to honor Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC) with the Alianta Sustainability Award. This esteemed recognition underscores FCC’s extraordinary efforts to protect and restore Romania’s natural environment, ensuring its beauty and biodiversity thrive for generations to come.

Founded in 2009, FCC has emerged as a beacon of hope for European conservation. Their ambitious mission is nothing short of transformative: to create a world-class wilderness reserve in the Southern Carpathians, safeguarding one of Europe’s last remaining temperate forests. With a focus on ecosystem restoration, wildlife protection, and sustainable development, FCC’s work is redefining conservation in Romania and beyond.

A Vision for Nature

The Carpathian Mountains, often referred to as the “lungs of Europe,” are home to a stunning array of wildlife, including brown bears, wolves, lynx, and the iconic European bison. However, decades of deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and unsustainable land use practices have threatened this pristine ecosystem.

FCC’s approach to conservation is holistic and groundbreaking. By purchasing and rewilding degraded land, they are not only reviving forests but also creating corridors that allow wildlife to roam freely and flourish. Their efforts extend beyond reforestation, encompassing anti-poaching measures, ecological education, and fostering a new understanding of human coexistence with nature.

Community-Centered Conservation

What sets FCC apart is their commitment to integrating local communities into their conservation model. FCC believes that the people who call the Carpathians home are essential allies in protecting it. They collaborate with local stakeholders to develop sustainable livelihoods that align with their ecological goals. From ecotourism to organic farming, these initiatives provide economic opportunities while fostering a shared sense of stewardship for the land.

Global Recognition and Impact

FCC’s work has garnered international acclaim, positioning Romania as a global leader in conservation. Their efforts have not only restored thousands of hectares of degraded forests but have also inspired similar initiatives across Europe. By demonstrating how ecological restoration can go hand in hand with sustainable development, FCC is charting a path toward a greener, more sustainable future.

Honoring FCC’s Legacy

As we mark 10 years of Alianta and 20 years since Romania’s NATO accession, it is fitting to celebrate an organization that embodies the values of resilience, collaboration, and progress. Foundation Conservation Carpathia is a reminder of Romania’s invaluable contribution to global environmental efforts.

The Alianta Conservation Award recognizes their unwavering dedication, innovative vision, and tangible impact in preserving Romania’s natural heritage. We are proud to spotlight their work at this year’s gala, inspiring others to follow their lead in protecting the planet we all share.

Join us in celebrating Foundation Conservation Carpathia and their extraordinary journey toward building a better, greener world.

Barbara Promberger is the Executive Director of Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC). Mrs. Promberger holds a MSc. in biology/zoology from Graz and Vienna University in Austria. Her expertise lies in large carnivore research and management, protected area development and management, and forest ecosystem conservation. Since 1995, Mrs. Promberger has initiated conservation programs in Romania, Armenia, and Belarus. Her work has included promoting biodiversity in organic farming initiatives, promoting ecotourism, community outreach, land conservation, research on species restoration, forest and carnivore management, and equestrian ecotourism. In 2003, Mrs. Promberger, in partnership with her husband, Christoph Promberger, established Equus Silvania, which has since become the leading Romanian equestrian eco-tourism operator. Mrs. Promberger’s experience includes significant research on the primary carnivores in the Carpathian Mountains, including wolves, bears, and lynx. She has studied predator-prey relationships and conflict management between carnivores and livestock, developed ecotourism in the region, and with her husband, has been involved in over 50 television documentaries and 250 international media reports.

Christoph Promberger is the Executive Director of Foundation Conservation Carpathia (FCC).Mr. Promberger holds a MSc. in forestry and wildlife biology from Munich University. Since 1993, Mr. Promberger has been involved in a variety of wildlife conservation programs. With co-partners, he has initiated conservation programs in Romania, Croatia, Turkey, and Belarus. His work has included promoting biodiversity in organic farming initiatives, promoting ecotourism, community outreach, land conservation, research on species restoration, forest and carnivore management, and equestrian ecotourism. In Romania, Mr. Promberger’s experience includes significant research on the primary carnivores in the Carpathian Mountains, including wolves, bears, and lynx. He has studied predator-prey relationships and conflict management between carnivores and livestock, developed ecotourism in the region, and have been involved in over 50 television documentaries and 250 international media reports. A few works cited include an article in Wolf Magazine in 1996; and, a publication published in 2006 entitled Wildlife Watching and Tourism: A Study on the Benefits and Risks of a Fast Growing Tourism Activity and its Impacts on Species.