Foundation Conservation Carpathia has received an important international recognition for its conservation work in the Făgăraș Mountains. The Foundation’s Executive Directors, Barbara and Christoph Promberger, have been awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, presented by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during the official ceremony held at Schloss Bellevue on 1st December.
The ceremony honoured 20 individuals whose initiatives have had a significant impact across Europe, ranging from community-focused projects to the advancement of intercultural dialogue and nature conservation. The event was broadcast on the official channel of the German Presidency:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsxtuFGcRiQ
Foundation Conservation Carpathia’s contributions recognised through the award
The Foundation’s effort to establish the Făgăraș Mountains National Park, one of the most ambitious initiatives for restoring and safeguarding mountain ecosystems in Europe, was central to receiving this distinction. The Order was conferred upon the Executive Directors of Foundation Conservation Carpathia, Barbara and Christoph Promberger, as a recognition of their contribution to developing and implementing conservation projects in Romania.
Official motivation emphasises the project’s impact:
“Barbara and Christoph Promberger stand out for their exceptional contribution to the conservation of Romania’s forests and the unique biodiversity of this region. Through Foundation Conservation Carpathia, they have acquired forests to protect them, work closely with local communities towards the creation of the Făgăraș Mountains National Park, and lay the groundwork for sustainable development at a regional level. More than 4.5 million seedlings have been planted thanks to the foundation’s activities, while its social projects dedicated to local residents demonstrate the economic potential of responsibly managed forests. The foundation plays an important role in monitoring and conserving the populations of bears, wolves and lynx in the Carpathians, and through the reintroduction of other species contributes to restoring the region’s fauna. At the same time, the couple fosters close cooperation between Romania and Germany, especially with the Bavarian Forest National Park, facilitating the exchange of expertise among specialists.”
At the end of the ceremony, Barbara and Christoph Promberger, Executive Directors of Foundation Conservation Carpathia, stated:
“We are deeply honoured by this recognition, which we proudly accept in our own name, in the name of Foundation Conservation Carpathia, and on behalf of all those who have contributed to preserving the Făgăraș Mountains as the continent’s most important natural area. The award granted by the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, confirms the outstanding value and recognition enjoyed by the Făgăraș Mountains at European level. As President Steinmeier pointed out, the distinction also aims to strengthen respect and understanding towards Germany worldwide, and in this sense, the Order of Merit was also awarded for the Foundation’s contribution to reinforcing German–Romanian cooperation internationally.”
The distinction reaffirms the relevance of the Făgăraș Mountains project for the conservation of Europe’s biodiversity and highlights the value of the cooperation between Romania and Germany in safeguarding nature.
The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany: context and significance
Established in 1951 by President Theodor Heuss, the Order of Merit is the only Federal decoration for civil achievements in Germany and represents the highest honour the German state can bestow upon an individual for services rendered to the nation. The distinction recognises personalities who have made remarkable contributions to society, culture, science, the environment, or European cooperation. Over time, it has been awarded both to German citizens and to foreign nationals who have positively influenced the political, economic, social or intellectual spheres, or who have offered significant services in social, charitable or philanthropic fields. Among the Romanian personalities who have received this distinction are Elie Wiesel, Andrei Pleșu, Mircea Eliade, George Emil Palade and Ana Blandiana — names that have shaped European culture, science and diplomacy. The Order of Merit is an honorary distinction and is not accompanied by financial rewards.
