Ghimeș-Făget hosted a local stakeholder meeting on February 18, 2026, organized within the framework of the CIBioGo – Citizen Participation in Biodiversity Governance (Interreg Europe) project.
The event was of particular importance, as the project has reached the final stage of the learning and interregional exchange process. Based on the international professional consultations and the transfer of good practices carried out in recent months, policy and development proposals have been outlined, which are intended to be integrated into the Master Plan for the Hășmaș Mountains area, developed by the Intercommunity Development Association of the Hășmaș Mountains area.
The aim of the meeting was, on the one hand, to present the amendment proposals grounded in the learning process, and on the other hand, to jointly discuss practical implementation possibilities, with particular regard to biodiversity conservation and strengthening community participation. At the same time, additional development ideas regarding the future of the area have emerged in recent months, which were also reviewed and discussed during the event.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that the area’s greatest value is not only its spectacular mountainous landscape, but the entire living environment and ecosystem that constitute it. Its protection, sustainable use, and promotion can provide a stable foundation for long-term development. Experts highlighted that the Master Plan must be prepared for the impacts of climate change, with particular attention to increasing the resilience of forest stands, supporting natural forest development processes, and strengthening the framework for sustainable tourism.
During the stakeholder consultation, development proposals formulated for different sub-areas were presented, focusing on the expansion of tourism infrastructure, the creation of educational trails and viewpoints, the development of ecotourism routes, as well as the establishment of community and educational facilities. Special attention was given to the development of cycling and hiking routes, the construction of springs and rest areas, and the renovation and sustainable use of attractions related to cultural and natural heritage.
During the consultation, it was also raised that, in addition to modifying the content of the strategic document, it may be necessary to review the related legal and management frameworks in order to ensure that the planned measures can be implemented in practice.
The event contributed to strengthening the long-term, sustainable development directions of the Hășmaș Mountains area, as well as to the active involvement of local communities and stakeholders in the preservation and promotion of biodiversity values.
In the implementation of the CIBioGo project, Harghita County Council participates together with partner institutions representing six European Union regions, coordinated by an Italian lead partner. The project consists of a 36-month main phase, complemented by a 12-month follow-up period. The cooperation, running until February 2026, aims to develop regional policy instruments through the introduction of structured participatory methods, involving citizens and stakeholders in the fields of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Within the project, Harghita County Council targets as a local policy instrument the Master Plan developed by the Intercommunity Development Association of the Hășmaș Mountains area, into which both the professional lessons learned from international exchange and the results of local consultations are incorporated.
Miercurea Ciuc, February 20, 2026.
