INFOTRIP, FERM 2025 | Best practices in the sustainable use of natural resources and tourism development in Bucovina, at FERM 2025

At this year’s edition of the Moldova Regional Economic Forum (FERM), held between July 9 and 13, 2025 in Vatra Dornei, participants not only discussed regional development strategies in conference rooms but also had the opportunity to discover on-site concrete examples of intelligent use of natural resources.

 

During a special infotrip, delegations visited some of the most representative destinations in the Dorna Basin, an emblematic area for spa, mountain, and rural tourism in Romania.

 

Participants:

Ion Barbu – PhD in Forestry

Dorin Văideanu – Founder of ”Doralnic”

Vasile Chiruță – Founder of ”Dorna Eco House”

Andrei Lemnaru – Founder of ”La Poalele Călimanului”

Tinovul Mare in Poiana Stampei – Siberian tundra of Bucovina

The first stop was Tinovul Mare, the largest peat bog reserve in Romania, located just 18 kilometers from Vatra Dornei. The unusual landscape, reminiscent of the Siberian tundra, is complemented by rare and protected flora. Here grows the sky dew, a carnivorous plant declared a natural monument, as well as vast forests of Scots pine and downy birch.

“There are very few such areas in Europe, and Bucovina and the Carpathians, in general, represent an attraction for nature enthusiasts and those wishing to promote close-to-nature forestry,” explained Ion Barbu, PhD in Forestry.

Besides its ecological value, Tinovul Mare also has a therapeutic role, with its mud being used in spa treatments.

Wood industry – tradition and innovation

Bucovina is, essentially, the “land of forests,” and the forestry industry is one of the most developed local economic sectors. In recent years, investments and modern technologies have transformed this sector into an example of sustainable development.

In the commune of Coșna, Dorin Văideanu, founder of the company Doralnic, produces spruce log houses, ecological and environmentally friendly.

“From pre-order to final assembly, it takes about 24 months. We implement a project with European funds, using machinery brought from Germany, to maintain the same quality in execution.”

Also in Vatra Dornei, the company Dorna Eco House, led by Vasile Chiruță, produces wooden houses with sustainable design, using modern production lines and 3D design planning.

“We have several workshops where we create not only the house structures but also stairs, balconies, and other finishing elements.”

Resource valorization through tourism and gastronomy

The infotrip also included a stop at the trout farm “La Poalele Călimanelor” in the village of Gura Haitii. Opened in 2015 with the support of European funds, the farm combines modern technology with the area’s pristine natural resources.

“We reproduce trout in a controlled environment with clean groundwater. The process is closely monitored, from egg harvesting to fry rearing,” explained Andrei Lemnaru, founder of the business.

A lesson of inspiration for the Republic of Moldova

These examples demonstrate that economic development can go hand in hand with environmental protection and the preservation of local identity. Bucovina provides a concrete model of how natural resources can be transformed into competitive tourist and economic products, benefiting the entire community.

“Bucovina is remarkable not only for its nature but also for its enterprising people who know how to value their resources and develop successful businesses for everyone’s benefit,” emphasized the core message of the presentation at FERM 2025.

Conclusion

The infotrip organized within FERM 2025 offered participants not only an excursion through the spectacular landscapes of the Dorna Basin but also a practical lesson on how a region’s potential can be intelligently utilized. Visits to Tinovul Mare in Poiana Stampei, local companies specialized in sustainable wooden construction, and the trout farm at the foot of the Călimani Mountains highlighted a common strategy: integrating natural heritage with entrepreneurial initiative and modern technology.

This development model relies on protecting natural resources and transforming them into sustainable tourist attractions, innovating traditional industries such as woodworking with modern technologies and sustainable design, creating authentic tourist experiences that capitalize on local uniqueness and involve the community directly, as well as accessing European funds for modernization and expansion.

The Dorna Basin demonstrates that tourism and local economy can develop in harmony with the environment, generating long-term benefits for residents and providing visitors with memorable experiences. For the Republic of Moldova, these examples represent a valuable set of best practices applicable in developing their own tourist destinations and enhancing regional competitiveness.