1

2

3

4

5

6

1. Mapping the waste areas

• We developed a mapping application with the use of which 741 waste points were marked on the map in the 3 pilot destinations and in Făgăraș Mountains area.
• More than 200 volunteers were involved in this activity, using their phones and their observational skills, showing that rubbish still exists in ecotourism destinations.
• Volunteers involved in the activity received T-shirts with the message “Natura fără plastic, e fantastic!” (Nature without plastic, is fantastic!)

2. Interviews to identify the causes of plastic pollution

• We asked 85 locals and 12 mayors from the partner destinations about their opinion on waste management;
• We found out that most communities have separate waste collection systems and that garbage is collected often enough;
• Composting becomes a common practice in some households;
• Șaru Dornei is the village where the system pay as you throw was implemented;
• Talking to locals, more suggestions for solving the waste problem arose, such as:

🗸 informing and educating local people
🗸 increasing the number of garbage bins
🗸 installing surveillance cameras
🗸 fines imposed by authorities
🗸 setting up collection centers for construction and hazardous waste

• Locals are aware of the harmful effects of plastic pollution on our health, as well as the well-being of nature, but they don’t have enough information to fully realize the gravity of the situation.

3. Local awareness-raising campaign

• Local awareness campaigns have aimed to highlight the acts of eco-heroism that each of us can do. Through online postings, we tried to provide practical information on how to recycle properly, and what other actions we can aim to reduce our contribution to the environment, and showcased examples of best practices in the community. Furthermore, we have tried to bring to people’s attention statistics and scientific findings that prove the extremely high amounts of waste that remain uncollected, as well as the fact that microplastic has been found in people’s blood and lungs.
• As part of the local campaigns, 63 social media posts and 39 stories were launched between July and August, on the pages of the partner associations.
• For our message to have a local footprint, we enlisted the support of three communication vectors in each destination, people from local communities who were open to talking to us about their experience with waste management through videos.

4. Clean-up campaign through local involvement

• We went out for the autumn clean-up through the destinations Zărnești – Piatra Craiului and Țara Hațegului – Retezat; we were joined by over 90 enthusiastic volunteers, who dedicated some of their time to make the place where they live more welcoming and healthier. The clean-up campaign will be extended to Țara Dornelor destination in the coming period;
• To fund the clean-up activities, we ran a fundraising campaign in each pilot destination of the project.

5. Information and communication

• Since the beginning of the project we have been posting articles talking about both waste and AER activity and what else is happening in ecotourism destinations. The full list of articles can be found in the News section;
• We bought inscribed clothing that we wear every time we have the opportunity to promote our activity and Discover Eco-Romania brand;
• The association’s websites are constantly updated. Take a look! (https://asociatiaaer.ro/en/, https://www.eco-romania.ro/en/ )
• We made project presentation roll-ups that we don’t hesitate to take with us when we have related activities.

6. Organizational development

• Office equipment that improves the project teamwork was purchased;
• 76 items of clothing were bought, personalized with the association’s logo, and shared with the association members;