On September 30, 2026, the Harghita County Council organised a workshop in Gheorgheni within the framework of the CIBioGo – Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance project. The main objective of the meeting was to assess how satisfied local and regional stakeholders are with the amendments to the master plan for the Hășmaș Mountains area and to what extent they consider them appropriate for local needs.

Emőke Kopacz, CIBioGo project manager, presented the work carried out within the project and the new aspects incorporated into the master plan following international exchanges of experience. The amendments focus, among other things, on coexistence with large wild animals, water retention and nature-based solutions, as well as the adaptation of forests to climate change. The document also places greater emphasis on the conservation of biodiversity and on strengthening the relationship between natural and cultural values and local communities.

Following the presentation, participants were able to evaluate the amendments to the master plan for the Hășmaș Mountains area using a questionnaire. The feedback collection focused on satisfaction with the changes: how useful and justified the new approaches are considered to be, and to what extent they address the needs of the area. The questionnaire also provided an opportunity to indicate priority topics and the willingness to become involved in implementation.

The assessment provided by local stakeholders offers important feedback on the policy change achieved within the CIBioGo project. Analysing the responses will help establish how the amendments have been received and identify areas where further consultation or cooperation is needed.

The CIBioGo project is implemented with the support of the Interreg Europe programme and helps improve policies aimed at biodiversity conservation by involving local and regional stakeholders.