The TusnadEcoBear concept, initiated in 2022 in Băile Tușnad, Romania, promotes human-bear coexistence through communication, education, engagement and cooperation. These pillars include the Watch app for bear sightings, the Cave visitor center, the Fest educational festival, and the Conf scientific conference. With proven success, the goal is to expand the project to surrounding communities and establish Bear Smart communities through ongoing collaboration.
Rural stakeholders in the town of Băile Tușnad and surrounding ecotourism destinations are not fully engaged in human-bear coexistence practices, which are crucial for species conservation and conflict reduction. This project, supported by Bears in Mind since 2025, seeks to raise awareness and broaden its impact by addressing specific challenges that current methods or laws overlook, creating collaboration opportunities, and enhancing bear conservation education in local schools.