Ecoforum - promotion of public participation in the decision making process and the free access to environmental information in Romania

Green Agenda - promotion of local sustainable development plans

As a resolution of the United Nations Conference for Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 the Agenda 21 was proposed as an environmental activity plan for the entire world. The 28^th Chapter of the resolution recommends for all local communities to create their own local Agenda 21, which will implement and adapt the more general proposals of Agenda 21 to concrete development plans for a certain locality. Although Romania, as a signing part of Rio Convention, has engaged to make the necessary steps towards the implementation of Agenda 21, both on national and local level, until the proposed deadline our country did not mange to accomplish and transpose in concrete plans the objectives stated in the Rio Convention..

The essence of the local Agenda 21 is represented by the promotion of a consultative process and thus of a consensus among local authorities, citizens and local organizations (public, non-governmental, business organizations and bodies).

Our efforts are intended to meet local authorities attempts in the elaboration of programs and strategies for local development in accordance with the desire of the inhabitants of our city. Green Agenda represents the first step and also an useful instrument for the implementation of Agenda 21 recommendations. Green Agenda will also set the main purposes of an environmental approach in local development plans.

Assistance on environmental topics for the public, for local public administration, political parties, nongovernmental institutions and associations

- specialized service

- intervention between citizens and decision making factors as well as between public and private institutions and local administration concerning mutual information and the support of the initiatives concerning environmental protection

- meetings, public discussions, seminars, conferences, interactive TV and radio programs

Development of democratic practices concerning the decision making process > courses

Support of legislative projects and proposals on environmental protection > lobby actions

Padis - nature conservation in Apuseni Mountains

Expeditions and summer camps

Publications with ecological and eco-tourism topics

Studies for the development and management of the protected areas - National Park of Apuseni Mountains

Ecological rehabilitation of micro-areas of great ecological and tourism interest

Promotion of Rural Tourism and of Sustainable Development in Apuseni Mountain

Carpathian Foundation Phare Project

The designated area for the implementation of the Carpathian Foundation Phare Project includes the following localities: Huedin (small town) as a regional local center and the communes Belis, Margau, Sacuieu, Calatele, Sancraiu, Poieni and Ciucea. The basis for an association of localities from the "Huedin Depression" (the project area) with its center in Huedin have already been set. The association will act as a tool for the future establishment of a local development agency, which will be the progress engine for the entire area. The agency could also represent an efficient instrument in attracting potential investors in the region (on local, national and international level). Furthermore, the agency could help for the implementation of national and EU programmes available for local development plans.

In this context the establishment of a National Park in Apuseni Mountains (a primary objective of our organization) is the next step towards the sustainable development of the region. Once established the Park will represent a natural catalyst and will have an important contribution in changing mentalities and attitudes regarding the environment.  

Publishing agro-tourism guides of Apuseni Carpathians

Training courses on rural tourism

Setting up and organizing of centers for sustainable development

Direct assistance to elaborate local strategies of sustainable development

Ecological Education

’’Friends of the Botanical Garden’’ Club -courses for volunteer guides

Supporting the activities of school groups based on ecological and eco- tourism principles.

Eco - Festivals

Earth Day 22 of April

Environmental Day 5 of June

Manifestations with an educational character, offering opportunities for the citizens to get involved in the ecological life of the city

Collaboration

ECoT is a member of "Apuseni Mountains" Regional Center for Ecological Survey, participating and supporting its actions

ECoT is also member in the following networks and working groups:

*Romanian working group for sustainable traffic,

*Working Group for the promotion of public participation in the decision making process and of free access to environmental information in Romania

*Romanian working group for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity

*SACIM network for the surveillance of international environmental protection conventions implementation in Romania

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT US

• participating in the actions organized by us
• adopting and promoting ECoT principals in your everyday activities
• by becoming ECoT member or supporter

ECoT SUPPORTERS

- participate in preparation, implementation and evaluation of ECoT activities

- pay a symbolic membership fee; receive a supporter membership card and all the publications issued by the ECoT

- have access to the ECoT database and equipment

- participate in the instruction courses organized by the ECoT

- participate in the General Assembly reunions and other festive occasions

ECoT SCOUTS

are persons up to 18 years old, which are active in the school groups co-ordinated by the ECoT or participate in the programmes developed by us; they also have access to the ECoT database and are in the possession of scout membership card

ECoT Members of Honour

are persons or institutions which support through their activities the principles promoted by the ECoT and also contribute in the achievement of our organization objectives; members of honor can also be part of the Consultative Committee of ECoT

HOW CAN YOU BECOME AN ECoT MEMBER

By becoming member of ECoT you benefit from all the advantages offered by the organization; you can also take part in the decision making process concerning internal organization and ECoT programs. Contact ECoT secretary in order to obtain an ECoT adherence application. If you are not from Cluj and you want to become a supporter of our Club you can fill in a adherence form in the "contact" section.

You become a member by:

-filling in an adherence form

-supporting ECoT activities

-receiving the agreement of the General Assembly members