About Us
Dedicated to studying, preserving, and celebrating Romania's extraordinary ecological heritage.
Our History
EcoRomania was founded in 2003 by Dr. Adrian Popescu and Dr. Mihaela Constantin, two passionate ecologists who recognized the urgent need for dedicated research and conservation efforts focused on Romania's diverse ecosystems. What began as a small research initiative with just five team members has grown into Romania's leading ecological research organization.
In our early years, we concentrated on documenting biodiversity patterns in the Carpathian Mountains, establishing our first field research station in the Retezat National Park in 2005. This pioneering work led to several groundbreaking discoveries, including identifying previously undocumented plant species and mapping critical wildlife corridors.
By 2010, we expanded our research to include the Danube Delta's wetland ecosystems, opening a second research facility in Tulcea. This marked the beginning of our comprehensive approach to studying Romania's varied ecological landscapes, from alpine environments to riparian systems.
In 2015, we launched our community-based conservation programs, recognizing that sustainable environmental protection requires active participation from local stakeholders. These initiatives have since become a cornerstone of our approach, combining scientific expertise with traditional ecological knowledge.
Today, with over 35 full-time researchers and hundreds of volunteers, EcoRomania continues to lead innovative conservation projects and ecological studies throughout Romania, while advocating for science-based environmental policies at national and European levels.
Our Mission & Values
Guiding principles that shape our work in Romanian ecology and conservation.
Our Mission
EcoRomania is committed to advancing scientific understanding of Romania's natural environments and implementing effective conservation strategies that ensure the long-term resilience of these ecosystems. We work to create a future where Romania's biodiversity thrives alongside sustainable human development, preserving the country's natural heritage for generations to come.
Our Vision
We envision a Romania where ecological integrity is recognized as fundamental to societal wellbeing, where policy decisions are informed by sound environmental science, and where citizens are engaged stewards of their natural surroundings. Through our work, we aim to position Romania as a European leader in innovative conservation approaches that balance human needs with ecological health.
Core Values
Scientific Integrity
We uphold the highest standards of scientific practice, ensuring our research is rigorous, transparent, and independent from external influences.
Collaborative Approach
We believe meaningful conservation requires cooperation across disciplines and sectors, fostering partnerships with communities, government agencies, and academic institutions.
Innovation
We embrace novel methodologies and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges, constantly evolving our approach based on emerging scientific understanding.
Local Empowerment
We recognize that lasting conservation success depends on empowering local communities as primary stakeholders in environmental stewardship.
Knowledge Sharing
We are committed to making ecological knowledge accessible to all, from policymakers to the general public, through education initiatives and open-access research.
Adaptive Management
We continually evaluate and refine our conservation approaches based on monitoring outcomes, ensuring our efforts achieve meaningful ecological impact.
Our Expert Team
Meet the dedicated scientists and conservationists behind EcoRomania's work.
Dr. Adrian Popescu
Founder & Scientific Director
With over 25 years of experience in ecological research, Adrian leads our scientific initiatives and maintains partnerships with international conservation organizations. His groundbreaking work on Carpathian forest dynamics has been published in numerous peer-reviewed journals.
Dr. Mihaela Constantin
Co-Founder & Wetland Ecology Director
Mihaela specializes in wetland conservation, leading our Danube Delta research programs. Her innovative approaches to ecological restoration have transformed conservation practices throughout Romania's riparian zones and influenced EU wetland protection policies.
Dr. Gabriel Ionescu
Wildlife Conservation Director
Gabriel leads our large carnivore conservation initiatives, focusing on sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife. His pioneering work on non-invasive monitoring techniques has revolutionized how we track and study lynx, wolves, and bears throughout the Carpathians.
Elena Dragomir
Community Engagement Director
With a background in environmental sociology, Elena bridges scientific research with community action. She designs and implements our citizen science programs and educational initiatives, ensuring local communities are empowered partners in conservation efforts throughout Romania.
Our Achievements
Two decades of impact in Romanian ecological research and conservation.
Scientific Research
- Published over 250 peer-reviewed scientific papers
- Documented 35 previously unrecorded species
- Developed 12 innovative ecological monitoring methods
- Created comprehensive biodiversity databases for 28 protected areas
Conservation Impact
- Helped establish 7 new protected areas totaling 120,000 hectares
- Created and implemented 18 species recovery plans
- Restored over 5,000 hectares of degraded habitat
- Established 42 wildlife corridors connecting fragmented habitats
Community Engagement
- Trained over 12,000 students through environmental education programs
- Engaged 85 rural communities in sustainable development initiatives
- Created 8 citizen science programs with over 3,500 active participants
- Developed 23 sustainable livelihood models integrating conservation
What People Say
Testimonials from our partners, supporters, and community members.
"EcoRomania's research on Carpathian forest dynamics has fundamentally changed how we understand ecosystem resilience. Their methodologies have become standard practice in my department, and their commitment to scientific excellence is unmatched in Romanian ecology."
Professor Vasile Munteanu
University of Bucharest, Department of Ecology
"Working with EcoRomania has transformed our community's relationship with the surrounding forests. Their approach balances conservation with local needs, creating economic opportunities while protecting our natural heritage. They listen to us as partners, not just subjects of study."
Maria Dumitrescu
Community Leader, Măgura Village
"As a funding partner for multiple EcoRomania projects, we've been consistently impressed by their scientific rigor, fiscal responsibility, and measurable conservation outcomes. Their innovative community-based approach serves as a model for effective conservation throughout Eastern Europe."
Thomas Bergmann
European Conservation Foundation
Our Work in Pictures
A visual journey through our research and conservation efforts.
Join Our Conservation Journey
Whether you're a researcher, volunteer, donor, or simply passionate about Romanian ecology, there are many ways to get involved with our work.