The ecological reconstruction camps are designed to promote the scientific and practical basis for the ecological reconstruction of rivers among young people in Romania who are pursuing a career in nature conservation, water management, resource management or landscape design. By organizing two camps within the FISH for LIFE project, we want to contribute to the expansion of opportunities for continuous education of young people and to supplement the lack of specialization programs dedicated to ecological reconstruction in Romania.

What do we aim for?

The camps are not explanatory sessions or scientific conferences on the topic of ecological reconstruction, but practical work sessions. In the workshops held during the three days, we propose a logical and structured review of key themes in the field of ecological reconstruction, with the aim of providing participants with concrete opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Starting from the case studies of the FISH for LIFE project, participants will familiarize themselves with the techniques and concepts of ecological reconstruction, the assessment of the ecological conditions of rivers and the monitoring of ecological reconstruction works. The presentation of concrete examples of ecological reconstruction of rivers will allow the participants both to explore the evolution of ecological reconstruction practices and to know the impediments encountered in ecological reconstruction projects in the current context in Romania.

Whom are the ecological reconstruction camps for?

The ecological reconstruction camps are dedicated to people active in the following fields: hydrology, hydrotechnics, nature conservation, ecology, biology, management of fish stocks, custody of Natura 2000 sites, water management, landscape design.

Location

The camps will take place in the Fish for Life project area, the Gilort River Natura 2000 site (the exact location will be communicated to participants immediately after the registration period ends).

The Organizer

The camps are organized by Invisible Nature with the support of partners from the FISH for LIFE project, the University of Bucharest and the Gorj Environmental Protection Agency.

How do you sign up?

Registration for ecological reconstruction camps is done by July 25, 2023 using the application form available here. Selection may involve an additional interview where we discuss your motivation for attending the camp.

The costs of accommodation and meals are covered by the organizer. Local transport for field activities carried out during the camp is provided by the organizer. Transportation to the project area must be provided by each participant. Transportul până în zona proiectului trebuie asigurat de fiecare participant.

Opening period and daily schedule

Two camps will be organized, each with a maximum number of 12 participants, as follows:

• Camp 1 between the 28 and 30 of August 2023
• Camp 2 between the 1 and 3 of September 2023

The daily schedule is from 9:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m. The detailed schedule of daily activities for each ecological reconstruction camp will be sent to participants immediately after the registration period ends. The program presented below may undergo changes depending on the profile of the camp participants.

Day 1

• Introduction. Presentation of the workshops.
• FISH for LIFE – presentation of project activities.
• Some success stories about the ecological reconstruction of rivers.

Day 2

• Module 1: Scientific foundations of ecological reconstruction. Evolution of current concepts.
• Module 2: Evaluation of ecological conditions of rivers.
• Workshop 1: Analyzes for the definition of ecological reconstruction objectives.
• Field Application 1: Identifying Needs for Ecological Reconstruction.

Day 3

• Workshop 2: Evaluation of the ecological reconstruction solutions proposed on the Gilort and Galbenul rivers.
• Module 3: The challenges of ecological reconstruction: cultural barriers, regulations, interests.
• Workshop 3: Collaboration for conservation, reconstruction and integrated management.
• Module 4: The benefits of keeping running waters in good ecological condition.
• Field application 2: Monitoring activities for ecological reconstruction.
• Final workshop.