Bucharest’s Băneasa Forest takes first official step toward becoming protected natural park

Bucharest’s Băneasa Forest has taken a first official step toward being designated a protected natural park, following the launch of a scientific study supporting its conservation status. The announcement was made on March 21, International Day of Forests, by the Bucharest Natural Park Association and the Ministry of Environment.

The study, covering an area of 1,221.5 hectares, has been submitted to the Romanian Academy, a key step before the government can grant the forest national protected status. It was authored by biologists George Bouroș and Vlad Cioflec, with contributions from experts from environmental organizations and public authorities that provided essential data, including the Bucharest City Hall, District 1 City Hall, and the municipalities of Voluntari and Tunari.