Developing the first touristic cave network in Romania – a model for a sustainable valorisation of the karst patrimony

We have developed management plans for the active protection and conservation of 10 tourist caves in the Padurea Craiului area, and we have created visiting regulations for these caves, both of which are based on scientifically sound speleological studies. The caves have been set up for speleological tourism by enhancing the safety of visitors and the efficiency of emergency interventions. During a training session, 25 people acquired information about the legal forms and the ethics of caving tourism, as well as about the visiting regulations of the caves.
In order to promote the newly equipped caves and the ecotourism destination, we have developed 3 tourism packages, in which the caving offerings were accompanied by other local tourism services. The 3 packages are promoted in a brochure, and the network of caves is also promoted through video clips and a photo album.
We have also been involved in the process of developing a public policy that regulates the access to tourist caves. As the result of this process, the Ministry of Environment issued an ordinance regarding the establishment and functioning of the Speleological Patrimony Commission, which contains provisions regarding the authorization of specialized speleological tourism activities.

Executive AgencyCenter for Protected Areas and Sustainable Development BihorPartnersN/AContract NumberCSM 21ComponentEnvironmentCountyBihorImplementation areaRegionalThematic areaSustainable rural developmentImplementation period15.02.2016-15.08.2017Budget of the project (CHF)84,387Swiss Contribution (CHF)74,900Project websiteN/AExecutive Agency websitewww.capdd-bihor.org