Bucharest - In late July, the Romanian government issued an emergency ordinance to modify the legal framework of protected areas, removing rangers, biologists, ecologists and foresters from the management of protected areas. Non-Governmental organizations, which currently serve as stewards for many of the country’s protected areas, were also removed from the list. In taking the decision, the Romanian government did not consult experts or current custodians of protected areas, gave no explanation of an alternative arrangement, nor justify the nature of the emergency. WWF warns this decision will weaken conservation efforts and protection for many of Europe’s most outstanding natural values.
