Iohannis: Educated Romania is country taking care of future of citizens by also cultivating love for nature

An educated Romania is a country that takes care of the future of its citizens including by cultivating love for nature and protecting the environment, President Klaus Iohannis said in a message sent on Monday for the 'Refind Romania" Gala, which was organized by the Natura 2000 Coalition Federation. 

"Over the last 15 years, the Natura 2000 Coalition Federation has constantly defended and promoted the unique natural heritage of our country, and the organization of the ?Refind Romania' Gala gives me the opportunity to congratulate you on your sustained effort," Iohannis said in the message presented by Nicoleta-Ioana, State Advisor - Cabinet of the President. 

"Romania is one of the few countries on the continent where there still are virgin forests, secular trees, landscapes of uncommon beauty, rare animal species and habitats disappeared from other regions of Europe. Preserving these invaluable inheritances must become a priority for the state, for the society and for the citizen alike," Iohannis said. 

"After Romania's accession to the European Union, through the determination and commitment of some people who have understood the importance of this unique natural heritage, we have now managed to make some 25pct of the country's area as natural protected areas. Today, the environment has become a constant concern for specialists, nature lovers, non-governmental organizations and common citizens. It is encouraging that young people are part of this consistent effort to save nature, and they all give us an added impetus to help them succeed," said Iohannis. 

"In all this process, the non-governmental sector has always played a very important role. Many civil society organizations have consistently and actively participated in declaring some areas as protected natural areas, providing support to entities that manage these areas, monitored and frequently criticised legislative discrepancies with devastating effects on biodiversity. The developments in the field, which did not lack in intensity or conflict, have shown us that open dialogue and cooperation between government bodies and the civil society are essential, and collaboration must be at the basis for the development and implementation of government policies," Iohannis said. 

"The too frequent changes at the leadership of institutions, the legislative changes often lacking in predictability, lack of transparency, the absence of a management strategy for protected natural areas, the lack of clear priorities and objectives, the need for coherence and continuity in the field, and insufficient funding are shortcomings that hinder or limit certain projects, directions or strategies," Iohannis said. 

"I want the respect for nature, the awareness of the need to preserve biodiversity and protect the environment to become fundamental concerns of our country's citizens. At the same time, education of the young generation and information are extremely important, as an educated Romania is a country which takes care of the future of its citizens, including by cultivating love for nature and protecting the environment. For the next generations, we have the responsibility not to deprive them of a rich, unique and healthy environment, which is why a long-term strategy offers the posterity the chance to enjoy all the unique beauties that Romania was endowed with," Iohannis said.