The National Commission of Romania for UNESCO organized, on Friday, 3 July 2026, at the “Dimitrie Brândză” Botanical Garden of the University of Bucharest, the event “Science and Natural Heritage for a Healthy Environment.” The event brought to the forefront the importance of environmental protection through an integrated approach, in the spirit of UNESCO’s values and programmes, bringing together specialists from geoparks and biosphere reserves, researchers, practitioners, representatives of relevant institutions, as well as national representatives of UNESCO science programmes.

The event included three main components. The first session, entitled “Romania’s Natural Heritage: UNESCO Inscriptions and Nominations. Models of Good Practice,” was dedicated to presenting relevant examples from Romania’s biosphere reserves and UNESCO Global Geoparks. The second component was the round table “UNESCO and Environmental Challenges – Romanian Contributions,” which facilitated dialogue among specialists, decision-makers, representatives of public institutions and practitioners on current environmental challenges and on the role of scientific knowledge in shaping evidence-based public policies. The third component was the meeting of the National MAB Committee, dedicated to deepening cooperation within UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.

The importance of the event lies in promoting an integrated understanding of environmental protection, one that connects natural heritage, scientific research, education, public policies and the sustainable development of communities. In the context of the challenges generated by climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and the responsible management of natural resources, dialogue among institutions, universities, non-governmental organizations, experts and local communities is essential for identifying sustainable solutions and strengthening partnerships with real impact.

The event was held as part of the anniversary calendar “Romania 70 UNESCO. Celebrating the Past, Building the Future Together,” through which the National Commission of Romania for UNESCO marks 70 years since Romania joined UNESCO.