Beyond the Bison: How a Community in Romania is Crafting a Blueprint for Nature-Positive Culture, Starting with Tourism

MOYO Training
Sep 5
4 min read

What if tourism wasn’t just about seeing a place, but about healing it? What if your travel choices could help restore ecosystems, empower local communities, and bring hope back to the frontlines of conservation?

In the foothills of Romania’s Țarcu Mountains, a quiet revolution is underway. It’s called WeWilder, an initiative showing the world that a truly nature-positive economy isn't a dream—it's a reality being built from the ground up. We spoke with Oana Mondoc, Communities Development & Innovation Lead for WWF Romania, to understand how they are creating a new reality for both people and nature.

More than a poster child: The return of the wild

WeWilder is a community led partnership between locals and conservationists founded by WWF Romania to bring to life the “eco” in economy. In Armenis, at the foothills of the Țarcu Mountains, a major bison rewilding initiative was launched 11 years ago. The project continues to be nurtured by WWF Romania, Rewilding Europe, Rewilding Romania, and the local community. Today over 200 individuals are roaming freely across the landscape, with the majority being born in the wild.

But as Oana explains, the project’s vision goes far beyond a single species. The bison is a keystone species, an ecological engineer whose grazing habits restore biodiversity and health to the entire ecosystem. It’s also a powerful symbol.

“Whilst the project aims to establish a viable, free-living bison population, the bison are simply the ‘poster child’ for the transition to a nature-based economy. By fostering community engagement and encouraging tourism, we can teach people about the connections in nature—co-creating the solution with locals and visitors alike.”

The reintroduction answers the question of how to rewild, but WeWilder’s work tackles the crucial next step: “The Bison are here now, what happens next? What are the many, many steps to make nature-based development a reality?”

The human element: Weaving trust and tradition

The answer lies not in grand strategies, but in patient, human-centred work. In its first years, WeWilder’s primary role was building trust—hanging out with locals, understanding their challenges, and listening to their desires. It’s a delicate balance, she notes, between the aspirations of young people and the sorrow of an older generation that has witnessed decline.

WeWilder acts as a bridge. International visitors drawn to ecotourism are often seeking authentic, nostalgic experiences. Meanwhile, talented local farmers and artisans practice traditional methods but often lack the digital skills or time for the administrative and promotional work required to connect with this market.

This is where Oana and her team step in, providing crucial support with paperwork, processes, and promotion. They act as the "glue," a neutral and trusted coordinator holding the cooperative together.

“We’re still holding hands at the moment to take forward opportunities that arise, until ecotourism and ‘farm-to-table’ become the reality.”

The biggest challenge is overcoming a deep-seated mistrust—of officials, of outsiders, and of new technologies. But by investing time and demonstrating a genuine commitment with no hidden agendas, WeWilder is slowly fostering the entrepreneurial spirit needed for a nature-based economy to flourish.

From engine starter to a new reality

For WeWilder, ecotourism is not the end goal; it’s the “engine starter.” The return of the bison creates an opportunity to educate visitors on a critical lesson: these species weren’t lost to a natural phenomenon, but to centuries of extractive human behaviour.

This newfound awareness is creating a powerful shift. It demonstrates that nature can be a driver for economic development and social cohesion. But this new economy depends on growing demand from conscious consumers, restaurants, and food partners who value local, sustainable products.

“It’s like starting up a new system from scratch, creating a new reality—shaping the economy and the culture, and bringing the benefits of Nature Positive to life. That’s very exciting!”

How to travel with positive impact

So, how can we, as travellers, support this vital work? Oana believes international tourists play a crucial role in validating this new model.

Choose Authenticity. Your decision to seek out simple, local experiences sends a powerful message. "People need reassurance that there is a demand for local, authentic, simple experiences that are priceless," Oana says. You are confirming that the 'eco' in ecotourism is the way forward.
Connect and Exchange. If you truly want to build trust and support the community, start with a simple transaction. A purchase of whatever local produce is on hand. It's an exchange—by demonstrating that you value what they have to offer, you are more likely to gain their trust. Oana shared that her WeWilder counterpart, Alina Floroi, is working on a book entitled ‘Buy Eggs’ to explain this concept!
Embrace the Wild. Remember that Romania is still a wild country where traditional life persists. Services may not always be perfect, and modern amenities aren't a given. Be prepared to live more simply. Using a good local tour operator can help you navigate this and ensure you have the best, most impactful experience possible.

A blueprint for hope

Ultimately, WeWilder is working towards a stronger, more symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. It’s a living laboratory, proving that a local economy can operate within the earth's limits and actively help restore the wild.

The community in the Carpathians is more than just a destination; it's a canvas for ideas and a blueprint for a nature-positive future that can be scaled elsewhere. It reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference, right where we are.

As Oana beautifully concludes:

“If you’re looking to gain some hope during these turbulent times, doing place-based work in your local community or neighbourhood is possible exactly where you are right now. Giving back, even in a seemingly small way, helps us to restore our relationships with nature, and with each other."

MOYO is excited to be working with WeWilder on a special Winter Rewilding Journey in Romania in January 2026. Sign up to our newsletter to be first in the know, so you can secure your spot!