Vargyas Gorge & Almas Community Project - Romania
1st - 11th August 2011
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This year we return to Romania with a holiday with two sides to it: the first half experiencing traditional rural life, living and working with the local community in the village of Homorodalmas, then on to the beauty, romance and adventure of nature - camping and working in the meadows above the stunning Vargyas Gorge.
This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in real Transylvanian life.
Who we're working with
Agora, a non-profit environmental NGO, was founded in April 2001 by specialists in biology, ecology, geography, sociology and others, who wanted to do something for nature and the environment.
Their motto: “With light steps on the Earth”, expresses the wish to live in harmony with nature, leading a creative life that does not endanger the existence of others and combining traditional values with the positive aspects of development.
Their mission: to improve the quality of the environment through the formation of an ecologically conscious society in the Odorhei region.
Their goal: environmental protection and the maintenance of natural values through promotion of sustainable development principles, ecological education and concrete action - and that's where we come in…
Where we're working
Harghita county is the heart of Szekelyfold (Szekler land). The Szekely are a Hungarian minority in Romania (approximately 8% of the population) and were settled here by the Austro-Hungarian empire when Transylvania was still part of Hungary to help guard the border against Turkish invasions. The Szekely have a long and proud tradition of strong education (most schools date back well over 600 years) and independence. This area is the homeland of Unitarianism and it was here that the Edict of Torda (Europe's first declaration of universal religious freedom) was issued. Szeklers are generally quite prosperous and known for their work ethic, cultural pride, hospitality, architecture and excellent food. Szekelyfold is dominated by the Harghita mountains, part of the Carpathian chain, which rise to over 2,000 meters in the area. It is a land of karst topography and mineral water of the highest quality. Picturesque agricultural areas, forests, mountains, clear streams and secluded hamlets make this off-the-beaten-track region a truly special place to visit.
The village of Homorodalmas (Almas) is situated in southern Harghita county in the lush foothills of Romania’s south-eastern Carpathian mountains. An area known for its mineral water, Almas sits at approximately 500 meters and enjoys long, warm summers. The population of Almas is approximately 1,500 Szekely. The village is known for its orchards and remarkably well preserved traditional limestone homes. The centre of town is dominated by a 300 year old church, and more than 95% of buildings date back at least 100 years. Though old, most houses have been upgraded to include indoor plumbing, an uncommon facet in many of the area’s villages. In the warmer months (April – October) the yearly work cycle focuses on traditional haymaking in the surrounding meadows. In winter people occupy themselves with village meetings, improvements and palinka brewing.
Perhaps the village's most important asset is its position at the end of the Vargyas Gorge. The micro-region’s most important natural area, the Gorge is a wonder of karst topography and was recently an approved as a Natura 2000 site by the Romanian government (international approval pending). At more than 900 hectares, the gorge is dominated by 200 metre white limestone cliffs which, beyond their beauty, are an increasingly popular climbing area. Beneath the cliffs lies a 7.5 kilometer cave system, home to 17 species of bats, and a haven for cave explorers. The rugged terrain has kept the gorge free of commercial activity, un-polluted and relatively untouched, leaving it a prime habitat for bears, wolves, lynx, numerous bird and insect species, and an incredible flora. The gorge has several micro-environments including the caves, cliffs, forests and meadows. The meadows, at the mouth of the gorge had been grazed by shepherds for generations but, with a changing local economy, have begun growing over. This process has led to a decline in important bird habitat. Recently initiated preservation efforts aim to re-invigorate traditional grazing and mowing.
What we'll be doing
Over the holiday, we'll work in both the gorge and village, seeing two important aspects of this fascinating area.
We'll spend the first happy days based in Homorodalmas village, munching on fruit as we join in with a variety of important community projects such as orchard maintenance, communal dairy improvements and (if desired) get stuck into some farm work with our host families.
Moving a couple of miles to the gorge, we'll get to know another side of the area through helping with landscape management and improvements for managing the increasing flow of tourists. This will include activities such as clearing brush from the meadows using traditional haying techniques in an effort to preserve habitat and trail and structural improvements such as building a bridge and improving access for visitors.
Benefits of our work
Short term benefits of the work are the immediate infrastructure improvements in the Vargyas Gorge and the direct help with Almas community projects. Longer-term benefits for the gorge include better managed natural area usage through improved trails and campsites. This raises the overall quality of experience for gorge visitors, increases the protection for the gorge and increases income locally from sustainable tourism measures. Long-term impacts for the village have both psychological and physical aspects. The psychological benefit of seeing volunteers in action is indisputable and leads to both a greater understanding about the value of volunteer work and an increased interest in the villager's own environment. Physically, healthier orchards generate higher crop yields and increase the potential for local products, vitamin intake through dried fruits and jam. Improved facilities for the communal dairy co-operative mean a higher income for dairy farmers and an increased quality of life for all.
Where we'll be staying
For the first week we take up residence with local families - recently trained in hosting visitors to help make the area more accessible. We'll each have our own room in a family house, modern plumbing, hot water and delicious food provided by the host family or local caterers. There is an internet cafe, several small terrace bars, great hikes through the hills and several small shops for basic needs.
Following this, we'll start the adventure of camping in the really great outdoors! Tents are available, bring your own if you'd prefer, or even sleep on hay in the barn! The site is located in the meadows at the mouth of the gorge, next to the river and is surrounded by high, forested ridges. The view into the gorge reveals stunning cliffs and a welcoming path. This is not an official campsite, but our own fantastic location nearby to the worksite. Cooking will be done over campfires or stoves, there's a glorious covered latrine created by BTCV a couple of years ago and the bathing in the river is a joy!
What else is there
This holiday takes place in a rural area, so the nightlife is what you make it - this is one for those who really want to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. However, as well as some fantastic bird and wildlife watching, several other optional activities are included on this holiday including hiking, swimming, guided cave and bat tours, shepherd visits and traditional cheese making, guided mushrooming and medicinal plant gathering, and opportunities to learn about the fantastic flora and fauna of the area.
A number of other activities are possible in your spare time, although not specifically included. All are priced at approximately 5-10 Euro: cooking and traditional crafts classes, bird-watching at the Saint Paul Ornithological Refuge, a trip to UNESCO World Heritage site in Dersz (where they still cure their famous bacon in the church walls), visits to mineral water spas.
