Opportunities to Capitalize on Transylvanian Wood Pastures through Nature-Based Tourism: A Case Study of Viscri Village, Brașov County, Romania

Abstract

European wood-pastures are complex socio-ecological systems, valuable from ecological and cultural perspectives. Over time, they have gone through a decline in area coverage due to overgrazing, abandonment of traditional agricultural practices or the development of intensive agriculture. In Transylvania (Romania), such landscapes are still preserved, but they are very vulnerable. Restoring them and including them in ecotourism circuits could benefit local communities and the environment. In this context, the purpose of the study was to analyze the possibilities for nature-based tourism using the wood-pasture located near Viscri and the respondents’ level of awareness of its economic, social, and environmental importance. The main research methods used were GIS and remote sensing techniques, as well as direct field observations and surveys among local farmers and tourists. The study’s results pointed out the existence of a community-managed wood-pasture, well preserved through traditional agricultural practices and marked by significant biodiversity. Even though the wood-pasture is not yet attracting strong tourist flows, respondents linked it with various and numerous benefits. The leisure activities that respondents participated in while visiting the wood-pasture generated a very high level of satisfaction, as they declared their intentions to revisit and/or recommend it. Although British King Charles III was the one who carried out the promotion of this wood-pasture due to his particular interest in the area, it was still not enough. Therefore, authorities should acknowledge its value for the development of the local community and be more present in supporting nature-based tourism activities.