He brings over 20 years of experience in geodiversity and biodiversity conservation to the table. A geologist by profession, he excels in the management of protected natural areas and the preservation of natural resources. Additionally, he serves as the president of both the Kogayon and Văcărești Natural Park associations, which were instrumental in establishing the Buila-Vânturarița National Park and the Văcărești Natural Park respectively. Florin has played a significant role in the management of these parks
She works in environmental management and nature conservation for over 15 years. She is a geographer, interested in exploring methods to bring nature closer to people to create harmony in cohabitation. Nicoleta is also program coordinator in the Văcărești Nature Park Association and the Kogayon Association.
She has over 15 years of experience in biodiversity conservation and protected natural areas management. As a biologist, she is responsible for the implementation of inventory, monitoring and mapping activities of flora, fauna and habitats within the Buila-Vânturarița National Park Administration and program coordinator in the Kogayon Association.
He comes with more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry. He has graduated from two tourism faculties and now provides consultancy in this field. For five years he has been publishing articles and tourism analyses in the main tourism magazines in Romania. You can find him on vinland.ro. Cristi is as a well the program coordinator in the Kogayon Association.
A pharmacist and vice-president of the Vâlcea College of Pharmacists, Laurențiu is not only well-versed in pharmaceutical matters but also serves as a ski instructor, mountain guide, and professional trainer with expertise in RBPF. Additionally, he plays a vital role as the program coordinator within the Kogayon Association.
She has over 15 years of experience in cartography, GIS and information systems. She has worked in various fields such as environmental protection, agriculture, natural resources management, renewable energy, with national and international exposure. She is currently a GIS mentor for several international organisations and volunteers using geospatial data in biodiversity conservation.
A communication specialist and the coordinator of the international project Bioregional Weaving Lab, Gabriela boasts over 5 years of expertise in communication within the non-governmental sector and environmental projects. Her academic background includes studies in ecology and visual anthropology, and she currently leverages her knowledge to document the vibrant narratives of local communities in the region.
A graduate of Intercultural and Interreligious Communication in the UNESCO Department-Chair, she has experience working in advertising agencies and in freelance scriptwriting and copywriting projects for various industries. She is passionate about landscape photography and has participated in an international nature park project in Lithuania.
With extensive experience in Business Consulting and Finance, both in non-governmental organizations and in the private sector, Nicoleta combines a passion for environmental protection with expertise in analyzing numbers. The multiple courses she has completed and certificates are further proof of her commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
A local and a graduate of the Faculty of History, Mihai Sandu brings valuable knowledge about the cultural heritage and the history of the places. In addition to hiking and camp activities, it outlines a program of local guided tours and an introductory school for future guides.
Marius is an old volunteer of the Kogayon Association and mountain guide. With extensive experience in biodiversity monitoring, also accumulated at the Conservation Carpathia Foundation, contributes to hiking and camps and in the development of a biodiversity monitoring program in Oltenia under the mountain.
ADI has been the financial pillar of the Kogayon Association, responsible for accounting and official documents, for almost 20 years. In the current configuration, Adrian supports us in the financial management of the Ranger Junior project.
Because we want to involve the local communities and the interested factors in the activities and projects of the Geopark, including at the decision-making level, we established in October 2023 the Board of Directors of the Oltenia Geopark de Sub Munte, in which we invited almost 100 local stakeholders.
Established on October 30, 2023, the Board of Directors is part of the Geopark’s management structure, it operates on a voluntary basis, meets annually or whenever needed.
The role of the Management Board is as follows:
1. Providing the framework for mutual information between stakeholders, communities and the Geopark’s management team, on Geopark’s activities and of common interest.
2. Ensuring a dialogue framework for cooperation, partnerships, projects and activities in partnership with the Geopark’s management team or between Council members and other partners.
3. Participation in the development and implementation of strategies, plans, programs and projects proposed/initiated by the Geopark Administration Team or by the members.
4. Involvement in decision-making regarding the development and implementation of strategies, plans, programs and projects proposed/initiated by the Geopark’s management team.
5. Collaboration to identify the social, economic, cultural, educational and environmental problems and needs of the communities and finding solutions for them.
Those who have followed up on the invitation are now part of the first Board of Directors, but we are also open to others who want to participate and contribute:
1. National Agency for Natural Protected Areas Vâlcea
2. Buila-Vânturarița National Park Administration
3. Vâlcea Environmental Protection Agency
4. Male General School
5. Vâlcea County Library
6. Băile Olănești City Hall
7. Archdiocese of Râmnic
8. Arnota Monastery
9. Pension Arnota (Costesti)
10. Vatra Inn (Costesti)
11. Maldăr’s mansion (Măldărești)
12. Normandy Transport (Horezu)
13. National Organization of Romanian Scouts – Local Center Mircea cel Bătrân Râmnicu Vâlcea
14. Sports Association Without Limits Rm. Vâlcea
15. StudioGovora Association (Băile Govora)
*sn a salti s.a. Salrom – (this representative withdrew from the Council on 11.07.2024)
We are glad that the Board of Directors represents all categories of interested factors, from authorities, administration, entrepreneurs, educational institutions and civil society.
We also have a Scientific Council, responsible for scientific supervision. The Council consists of researchers with significant results and experience, who also have a thorough understanding of the territory of the Geopark:
