MANAGEMENT OF MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS IN PIATRA CRAIULUI NATIONAL PARK

The sustainable management of medicinal and aromatic plant species (MAPs) is an important issue for Piatra Craiului National Park (PCNP). To guarantee sustainable use of MAPs, a consistent management and monitoring system was developed in close correspondence with the protected area's management plan. An ethnobotanical survey conducted in six settlements placed in the PCNP's area, provided important data for the sustainable management of MAPs helping as well the evaluation of the conservational, economic and cultural importance of natural habitats. Among the 1,199 plant taxa on the park's territory, 300 plant species have proved medicinal or nutritive properties. The ethnobotanical survey registered 63 MAPs frequently used in the local communities. The knowledge and use of wild plants species among local villagers is still a major part of their life and culture. The MAPs harvesting in the park's area is designated mainly to improve the house hold nutrition of the local communities instead employment and income necessities. The PCNP Management Plan, a basis for the PCNP Administration's activity, contains specific management actions focused on MAPs conservation and sustainable use. According the management plan the MAPs harvestig is allowed only to the local communities. The effectiveness of MAPs management is assessed by monitoring activities included in the "Biodiversity Monitoring Plan" of PCNP. Based on the provided data, the management actions will be adapted as necessary.