rewilding europe, wwf romania, the armeniș municipality...
TRANSCRIPT
Bison in the wild in the southern Carpathians, the Biggest Bison release event in europeJune 12-13 2015, Armeniș Commune, Țarcu Mountains, Romania
Rewilding Europe, WWF Romania, the Armeniș Municipality and Armeniș Bison Hillock Association – AMZA, invite you to take part in the
One year ago, Europe’s largest living wild land mammal, the European bison was
reintroduced in the the Southern Carpathians. 17 bison were brought to the Țarcu
Mountains, from breeding centers and zoos all over Europe. Since then the herd adapted
to the area and is now ready for life in the wild. This June they will become the first bison
to roam free in the Southern Carpathians for over 200 years.
On June 12, a new herd of 18 European bison will arrive in the Țarcu Mountains near
Armeniș commune from six wildlife centers in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and
France. They too will undergo a soft release process before joining the first herd into the
wild this comming autumn.
We are excited to invite you to join us for this milestone event and to experience bison
rewilding in action. Țarcu Mountains will be home to the second herd of wild bison to
roam free in the Southern Carpathians for two centuries.
You will take part in a unique moment for conservation, on the frontline of a flagship
initiative which aims to bring back this charismatic species out of the danger zone, with a
stable population of 185 free roaming bison in the Southern Carpathians by 2019, 500 in
10 years. We envision that local communities wellbeing can be sustained though nature
friendly enterprises by valuing the largest wilderness stronghold in Europe.
Rewilding Europe and WWF Romania, together with local, national and international
partners are working to create a sustainable development model in the Southern
Carpathians and to revive the wild bison population across the Carpathian range.
The European bison, Bison bonasus, is a key species for preserving wilderness areas.
If successfully re-introduced and its habitat effectively preserved the bison will help
maintain ecological corridors on large scale, allowing natural processes to occur –
rewilding helps nature heal itself.
Staffan Widstrand / Rewilding Europe
FRIDAY, 12 JUNE
9:00 – 10:00 Presentation of the project and activities for kids in the bison rewilding area;10:00 – 14:00 Bison arrive in the rewilding area of the Țarcu Mountains, near Armeniș commune, Caraș - Severin county. Bison are released into the acclimatisation zone;16:00 – 19:00 Traditional Brunch prepared by the local community;
SATURDAY, 13 JUNE
10:00 Wildlife watching and guided walks to the rewilding area;12:00 Gates open and a first herd of 14 bison is released into the wild;14:00 Press conference, presentation and launch of the national bison action plan;
Media contact persons:
Oana Mondoc WWF-Romania [email protected] Mobile: +40 721 81 95 95
Mei Elderadzi Rewilding Europe [email protected] Mobile +38 591 93 23 724
Logistics and accommodation:
Mara Sirbu WWF-Romania [email protected] Mobile: +40-728 322 085
The bison reintroduction and rewilding work in this area is made possible by the financial support of the Dutch and Swedish Postcode Lotteries.
Rewilding Europe is a European initiative founded by WWF-Netherlands, ARK NATURE, Conservation Capital and Wild Wonders of Europe.
The bison reintroduction in the Southern Carpathians is made possible through the support of nature and zoological reserves throughout Europe, for which we are grateful.
If you would like to attend the event, please RSVP no later than June 1 – email [email protected] or call +40 721 81 95 95.
We can provide assistance with booking your room and board, in nearby B&Bs or local stays – do let us know if you need it.
For latest news please visit – wwf.ro/rewilding
EVENT SCHEDULE
Costas Dumitrescu Cornelia Doer / Wild Wonders of Europe Staffan Widstrand / Rewilding Europe Florian Möllers / Wild Wonders of Europe
www.grotte-de-han.be
Domaine desGrottes de