The MaiMultVerde Association is developing the “Via Danubiana” project, a sustainable tourism route of over 1,000 kilometers along the Danube, designed to be traveled on foot, by bicycle, or by kayak. In an exclusive interview for CARIERE Magazine, project manager Paula Tudor-Cămîrzan detailed the mapping stages of the route, the progress made so far, and the logistical and financial challenges associated with expanding the initiative into the riparian counties.
Initiated by the environmental NGO MaiMultVerde, established in 2008, the project promotes the concept of “slow tourism” to support local communities and conserve biodiversity in protected areas. The route configuration process began in Giurgiu County, continued in 2025 in Teleorman County, and for 2026, the main objective is mapping Călărași County. Efforts to expand toward Olt County have been temporarily postponed due to its large area, desertified zones, and the low number of identified points of interest.
The route configuration involves a four-stage methodology: preliminary desk research and establishing local partnerships, field research conducted by specialist Alex Tomescu to identify points of interest and local accommodation capacities, gathering local stories by an editorial team to develop the “Traveler’s Guide,” and finally, bicycle scouting to determine the difficulty level, record GPS coordinates, and install physical milestones.
Expanding the route beyond the counties bordering the Capital generates rising logistical and promotional costs. For this reason, the association’s representatives are looking for financial partners to support the project, including through the “milestone adoption” model for specific segments of the route, such as the one toward Galați. Although the initiative enjoys the support of some local communities and government officials, the heavy waste pollution along the riverbanks remains a major challenge requiring integrated solutions at the national level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Via Danubiana?
Via Danubiana is a sustainable tourism route of over 1,000 kilometers along the Danube River, designed to be traveled on foot, by bicycle, or by kayak.
Who is developing this ecotourism project?
The project is developed by the environmental NGO MaiMultVerde, promoting “slow tourism” to support local communities and protect biodiversity.
What are the main challenges facing the project?
The main challenges include rising logistical and promotional costs for expanding the route, as well as significant waste pollution along the Danube’s banks.