Wild Carpathia Future Development: From Illegal Deforestation to ORV Sustainable Recreation

Abstract

Romanian Wild Carpathia constitutes the ultimate pristine wilderness of the old European continent. Carpathian Mountains landscape experiences and outdoor recreation represents quite unique cultural ecosystem services. The new annotations to the Forest Law are restricting any public access in the woods without authorities' pre-approval for organised sport, leisure and tourism activities. However, off road vehicle (ORV) recreation is a popular activity and a growing transparency concern of National Forest Administration Authorities that is not managed accordingly. Here we show that our ORV recreation frame model can securely allow public access and protect all Romanian mountains. Our results demonstrate how growing ORV recreation popularity can be used in an honest and open way if it is well organized and controlled. We anticipate our assay to be a starting point for a regional and national forest administration sustainable development plan. Furthermore, stopping illegal forest activities is a major target of the anti-logging movement. A well-defined assay for the ORV recreation frame model will be relevant for such developments.

Geomedia Role for Mountain Routes Development. Mesehe and Pisoiu Waterfall Comparative Study

“…Pohsanten Village is a farming area where cacao is the main produce and Bistra area is mainly orientated on foresting activities. Mountain routes tourism development is expected to provide an additional source of income for the local inhabitants, to influence the local socio-culture in a positive way, to increase people's awareness and to promote forest conservation actions (Voda, Torpan & Moldovan, 2017).…”

“…The results of the study could be used as a reference to assist communities in developing tourism in the analyzed villages of Pohsanten and Bistra that could provide social and economic benefits, promote conservation, and prevent the misuse of the mountain wild areas as described by Voda, Torpan & Moldovan (2017), Voda, Moldovan, Torpan & Henning (2014).…”

Geomedia`s Role in the Geosystem Development: Dracula`s Spatial Imaginaries in Romania

“…Dracula tourism growth is supposed to produce supplementary earnings for the community members, leading to the best administration of all Bistra Muresului and Piatra Fantanele resources (Lu & Nepal, 2009;Voda & Negru, 2017). Geomedia technology application should positively affect the local history and culture, enhancing people's geographical awareness and ancestor`s pride (Voda, Torpan & Moldovan, 2017).…”

Mountain Tracks Development Methodology for Adventure Recreation Activities in Gurghiu Mountains, Romania

“…Importantly, it outlines the environmental factors which need to be monitored in future studies and argues that forest exploitation tracks represent the best network for mountain biking expansion. However, recent research suggests that landowners, hunters and the National Forest Administration Authorities are wishing to restrict tourism development in the natural woodlands (Voda et al, 2017;Forest Law 133, 2005;Pröbstl-Haider et al, 2018).…”