The purpose of the study to evaluate the socio-economic impact of the LIFE 13 NAT/RO/001488 project actions is to investigate certain particular indicators that the specialized literature has launched as possible predictors (socio-contextual, cultural, etc.) of environmental attitudes and behaviors in order to outline attitudinal and behavioral configurations of the inhabitants of the project area, in general, and the attitude of the local population towards the project actions, in particular.

Based on qualitative pre-survey studies, mainly represented by unstructured interviews and participatory observation, questionnaires were carried out aimed at capturing environmental attitudes and behaviors in general and biodiversity in particular among the inhabitants of the eight targeted administrative-territorial units (Anina, Bozovici, Lăpuşnicu Mare, Şopotu Nou, Cărbunari, Sasca Română, Ciclova Română and Oraviţa).

To conduct the study, a confidence level of 95% and a confidence interval of 5 were chosen, conducted on a sample of 250 residents.

The study was carried out in two stages: initial assessment carried out in 2016 and final assessment carried out in 2024.

The study contains four main subcomponents, namely:

Characterization of the general socio-economic environment of the localities targeted by the project;
Analysis of the local population’s perception of the issue of protected natural areas
Analysis of the perception of tourists on protected natural areas and tourism in protected natural areas
Socio-economic impact of the project

Effects on the environment and the community

The project had a clear positive effect on the environment in the Cheile Nerei – Beușnița National Park and the adjacent communities.

The 110 rehabilitated cavities contributed significantly to:

improving the condition of habitat 8310,
protecting cave fauna,
reducing risks for domestic animals,
improving the quality of mountain waters.

Social impact

The LIFE project has significantly increased the social capital of communities.

The level of information and ecological awareness has increased, respondents state that they feel better informed
The project has generated educational events, workshops involving young people, teachers and local leaders.
The perception of protected areas has changed: from a restrictive image (“we are not allowed to use the forest”) to a participatory one (“we preserve nature for ourselves and for tourists”).
Cooperation between authorities, park administration and citizens has improved, indicating a culture of dialogue and civic involvement.

Economic impact

From an economic point of view, the project has stimulated ecotourism and rural entrepreneurship.

85% of respondents believe that the project has contributed to the development of local tourism, and 81% have observed an increase in the number of visitors.
In the localities of Sasca Montană, Oravița, Bozovici and Lăpușnicu Mare, there were visible increases in income from tourist services, accommodation and local gastronomy.
New temporary and seasonal jobs were created (rehabilitation, decontamination, installation of protective grids, monitoring), as well as business opportunities for young people.
Nature-based tourism has become a viable alternative to traditional economic activities (mining, forestry), marking a transition to a green economy.

Long-term contributions

The project results go beyond the implementation period. Communities in the Cheile Nerei – Beușnița area now benefit from:

permanent educational programs, carried out by schools with trained teachers;
Continuous scientific research in collaboration with universities;
Thematic routes and ecotourism events, which capitalize on the natural heritage;
a local culture of conservation, which transforms nature into an identity and economic resource.

The project generated sustainable effects:

maintaining local biodiversity (94% positive perception),
increasing interest in ecotourism, visiting the karst relief,
strengthening regional identity as a European model of participatory management of karst habitats.

Interpretive synthesis

The LIFE 13 NAT/RO/001488 project created the premises for an integrated sustainable development around ecological education, scientific research and ecological tourism.
The long-term effects are reflected in:
increasing the educational and scientific capital of the area,
developing an ecotourism model based on biodiversity,
strengthening a local culture of nature conservation.

In conclusion, the project is perceived as an example of good practice in the management of protected areas, with potential for national and international replication.