Danube Woods Route Second Project Partners Meeting took place in Maramureș County, Romania

The Danube Woods Route Project Partners Meeting was held from October 2-4, 2024, in Sighetul Marmației, Maramureș County, Romania, bringing together over 25 participants in person and an additional dozen online. The event began on Wednesday evening with the arrival of consortium partners at a local hotel, followed by a joint dinner that provided an opportunity for informal networking and setting the stage for the days ahead.

On Thursday, participants set out early for a full-day field trip exploring the region's rich natural and cultural heritage. The first stop was the Pristine Forest Thematic Trail, located within the UNESCO site "Codrii seculari Str“mbu-Băiuț." Here, the group spent several hours immersed in the ancient forest, experiencing its unique biodiversity and learning about sustainable forest management practices. The journey continued with a visit to the Rogoz wooden church, a remarkable example of local wooden architecture, and the village of Breb, where participants walked through the traditional settlement, interacted with local craftsmen, and sampled authentic regional cuisine. The tour showcased the "wooden civilization" of Maramureș, highlighting the cultural significance of wood in local heritage.

The final day, Friday, was dedicated to project discussions, focusing on strategic planning and updates on ongoing activities. Key topics included the inventory of natural and cultural assets, joint development of a sustainable use strategy for Danube forests, and the formulation of regional action plans. Participants reviewed progress on these initiatives, shared insights, and outlined next steps to ensure the project's continued success.

A special thanks goes to WWF Romania for organizing this productive meeting, which facilitated valuable exchanges and strengthened partnerships for future collaboration.