Local Gastronomic Point Establishment Courses

In 2025, the Rewilding Romania Foundation carried out a series of activities to develop local economic opportunities associated with the return of the European bison to the Țarcu Mountains. These initiatives sought to strengthen local communities’ capacity to sustainably benefit from the growing tourism interest in the region and to diversify the income sources available to local residents. In partnership with the National Agency for Mountain Areas, Rewilding Romania organized two training courses accredited by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development on establishing and authorizing Local Gastronomic Points (LGP).

A total of 92 participants from the communities of Armeniș, Cornereva, and Teregova attended the two training sessions, including 43 participants in the first course and 49 in the second. The courses provided both practical and theoretical information on the relevant legislative framework, authorization requirements, veterinary and food safety regulations, and good practices for operating a Local Gastronomic Point. Participants received guidance on using products from their own households and transforming them into services and products with added economic value for visitors.

To support the authorization process and the development of local businesses, Rewilding Romania also organized thematic meetings with specialists in food safety and public health. During a dedicated workshop, representatives of the Caraș-Severin Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate presented the requirements for the authorization and operation of Local Gastronomic Points. Participants also received information about the mandatory certification required in hygiene and public health. By August 2025, 15 participants had already obtained the certification required to open a Local Gastronomic Point.

In addition to the courses dedicated to establishing Local Gastronomic Points, information and mentoring sessions were organized to support local entrepreneurship, promote traditional products, and enhance the value of the region’s gastronomic heritage. Through these activities, Rewilding Romania contributes to the development of a local network of services and products associated with nature-based tourism, supporting communities within the bison reintroduction area in benefiting from the opportunities created by nature conservation and the sustainable development of the region.

These activities played a complementary role to the objectives of the LIFE with Bison project, helping local communities benefit from the economic opportunities generated by the return of the European bison and supporting the development of mechanisms that promote long-term coexistence between people and nature.