DOI: 10.11118/978-80-7701-025-2-0160

LANDSCAPE ECOLOGY AND PRESERVATION – ON THE VIA TRANSILVANICA TRAIL

Dorina-Ionela Tălpău¹, Ana-Maria Ciobotaru², Marian Marin³, Radu-Daniel Pintilii³

¹ Mark Twain International School, 89, Hero Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari Romania

² ,,Gheorghe Balș” Technical College, 107 Republicii Street, 625100, Adjud, Romania

³ University of Bucharest, Faculty of Geography, 1, Nicolae Bălcescu Bd., 010041, Bucharest, Romania

Via Transilvanica is a 1,400 km long-distance trail route which is also called the "the road that unites". It crosses the country from Putna to Drobeta-Turnu Severin through ten counties. It is designed for hiking, cycling and horse riding, all of which are eco-friendly with the environment and highlighting the idea that the environment needs to be protected.
The objective of this study is to examine the impact of tourism on the landscapes of Via Transilvanica, focusing on both its benefits and threats. The landscapes along the route face challenges such as deforestation in the mountain regions, the gradual transformation of traditional villages due to the influences of modern society, and uncontrolled waste disposal. While the trail stimulates local economies by encouraging rural tourism and promoting traditional crafts, it also brings risks such as those already mentioned. Responsible tourism practices, landscape preservation, and the active involvement of local communities are key to ensuring that the route remains a place of both ecological and cultural significance.

Klíčová slova: protection, environment, risks, ecotourism, responsibility

stránky: 160-163, Publikováno: 2025, online: 2025