In developing the study SUBLIME ODD – Local Mapping: Stakeholders, Challenges & Opportunities – Tulcea, Border Town, Romania, we conducted desk research along with the collection of quantitative data (statistics, figures, etc.) and qualitative insights (structured and in-depth interviews). A public opinion survey and a series of interviews with key local representatives were carried out.
The data collection was performed using the following research and analysis tools:
- An interview guide applied to 10 individuals
- A questionnaire answered by 54 respondents (local authorities, community leaders, business representatives, NGOs, and residents).
The research identified several major challenges that Tulcea County faces in achieving sustainable development goals. The most significant ones include:
– Climate change
– Poverty
– Access to education, social services, and healthcare
– Lack of economic opportunities for young people
– Low levels of youth and community engagement in development initiatives
– Demographic decline and migration – people leaving in search of better opportunities in other regions or countries, which reduces the local workforce and impacts social dynamics.
Tulcea has been described as a region rich in natural beauty, with a strong cultural heritage and a diverse, tolerant environment, while also facing unique challenges and opportunities in its efforts to achieve sustainable development.
Local actors (e.g. Tulcea County School Inspectorate, LEADER Action Groups, Tulcea Municipality, other local authorities, NGOs, sports and youth clubs, the local community center, and the church) have developed various initiatives, including: workshops and seminars on civic rights and responsibilities, discrimination, gender equality, inclusive education, and local governance, cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and heritage tours celebrating traditions and diversity while fostering intercultural dialogue, sports competitions and recreational activities, events recognizing outstanding achievements and contributions, tree planting campaigns, cleanup actions, and wildlife protection efforts, among others.
Additionally, the research highlighted the following challenges, obstacles, and difficulties:
– Citizens’ distrust in government institutions
– Lack of civic representation in society
– Civic disengagement
– Limited access to financial resources and sustainability challenges for projects once funding ends
– Bureaucratic barriers and unfavorable legislation
– Insufficient public awareness regarding rights, responsibilities, and the benefits of participation in decision-making processes.
Most respondents emphasized the region’s vulnerability to the effects of climate change, especially flooding. Given Tulcea County’s numerous protected areas, it is essential to implement adaptive strategies and efficient resource management to safeguard the environment.
The availability of essential services, such as quality education, healthcare, and social assistance, is another challenge in rural areas, particularly in isolated communities like the Danube Delta and villages far from main roads.
Furthermore, the project’s research was conducted at a European level, involving 11 territories from different European countries. All local mappings will be published in a transnational report as part of the SUBLIME – SDGs Unite Border communities as Leaders of Inclusiveness, Mobilisation and Empowerment project, NDICI CHALLENGE/2023/448-265.
Learn more about the findings and results from Romania by consulting the full report, available here!
Tulcea_Local Mapping_SUBLIME SDGs (3)