BIODIVERSITY

Transylvania is a european biodiversity hotspot.

Transylvania is a biodiversity hotspot of international importance. Thousands of different species live in, on and around the farmlands of Transylvania (ex. 225 bird and 26 bat species, big carnivores like the European brown bear, wolves, Lynx), some extremely rare and under threat of extinction. All these species have essential roles in the ecosystems on which also we, humans, depend for our health, wellbeing and life. Therefore we need adequate land management in order to protect the habitats we all depend on.

ALPA stewards land in a nature inclusive manner by directing its purpose to agroecological farming and biodiversity conservation projects. ALPA takes great care for the health of our shared environment, healthy soil, clean water and air.

Through these actions, ALPA works towards a sustainable food system within vibrant ecosystems, for those who are alive today and those who will be our future generations.

Agroecology

Agroecological farmers work with nature and not against nature, meaning that the greatest care is taken about what impact the production of food has on our natural environment and the climate. For instance, no toxic chemicals are used that are harmful to life in the soil, water and air systems. This means that the environment is kept clean and that the food which is grown is not contaminated either, resulting in healthy people on a healthy planet.

Conservation

All of the thousands of species of insects, birds, amphibians and mammals in our bioregion depend on healthy habitats. Many of them thrive on hay meadows and diversified farmlands, others need also ‘un-touched’ parcels where wild plants, larger bushes and trees can provide plenty of food and shelter. A mosaic landscape of alternating ecological managed farmlands and ecological corridors provide the best of the two worlds combined: healthy food production with care for all life.

ALPA focuses on three actions:

Land towards Nature

All land which is stewarded by ALPA is either farmed agroecologicaly or is part of nature conservation projects.

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Environmental assessment

Transylvanian farm lands, both arable and grasslands, are vital for socio-ecological sustainability because of their large landscape surface and interrelation of food production, climate impact and biodiversity conservation. The knowledge resulting from scientific research is essential in developing appropriate regenerative management strategies.

Read our first local environmental survey

Awareness raising

By sharing information about the exceptionally high biodiversity, the unique Transylvanian ecosystems and the importance of agroecological farming practices as a habitat conservation method, we raise the awareness among citizens, local authorities and policy makers about the importance of protecting the environment and preservation of natural resources for future generations.