The first Regional Smart Village Forum opened in Buzau on Wednesday, presenting for the first time how traditions and modern technologies can be integrated to build smart villages from the ground up, a concept, although not easily implemented in the short term, offers a strategic vision for attracting EU funding and exchanging best practices in local development.
The event, held at the Buzau County Council, brought together local authorities, mayors, and experts to discuss public policies, green energy funding, digitalisation, and rural development initiatives. It also launched two intensive training courses led by certified trainers.
According to project manager Viorel Stoica, the Smart Village model involves creating new, self-sustaining rural communities with economic independence, particularly through agriculture, renewable energy, and other locally relevant sectors.
'We are talking about an integrated Smart Village concept, building Romanian villages from scratch that are energy-independent and self-financing. Buzau has the potential to become an energy hub for the South,' Stoica explained.
Plans may include the development of homes alongside agricultural facilities such as mushroom farms, fish farming units and renewable energy projects involving dams, solar panels, biomass, and wind energy. The villages would use high-tech solutions in traditional activities, with modern surveillance, heating and animal farming systems replacing outdated methods.
'Everyone talks about healthy, organic food, but unfortunately we have moved far from that. In Buzau, you still have access to natural seed genetics, a true goldmine. But people need to work together,' added Stoica.
The forum, running from 15-16 October, was welcomed by local officials, who see it as an opportunity to secure European funding and implement innovative solutions.
'We are pleased the first edition of the forum is being held in Buzau. It's an important event for our local communities because it gives us the chance to exchange ideas, share good practices, and explore new opportunities. (...) We won't have smart villages overnight, but this is an essential first step,' said Buzau County Council Vice President Costin Stanciu.
The Smart Village Forum continues on Thursday with further sessions involving local government representatives and development experts.
Comentează