Băneasa Forest cleanup highlights need for protected status

Volunteers from the Bucharest Natural Park Association conducted a cleanup operation in the Băneasa Forest, located near Voluntari in Ilfov County. During the two-hour effort, participants collected various types of waste, including plastic containers, clothing, medicine packaging, tires, furniture, and construction debris found off the main paths.

Dan Bărbulescu, director of the association, stated that the organization has been working since 2025 to secure protected status for the forest. Such a designation would provide a dedicated administration and a management plan to ensure consistent conservation measures. Currently, the forest has a mixed ownership regime involving both public and private entities.