The House of Volcanoes from the Hațeg County UNESCO International Geopark, administered by the University of Bucharest, marks its 10th anniversary

One of the most successful education and volunteering projects on the territory of Hațeg county UNESCO International Geopark, administered by the University of Bucharest, celebrates a decade of existence. Coordinated by the Association Drag de Hațeg, the House of Volcanoes has a significant contribution to the development of tourism and education in Hațeg County.

The visitors crossing the threshold of the House of Volcanoes are transported to a fascinating world that existed 70 million years ago. In that time, on a tropical island, surrounded by the waters of the Tethys ocean and populated by dwarf dinosaurs, volcanic eruptions spewed lava and volcanic bombs on the surface of the Earth.

The story of volcanoes is an important part of the unique geologic past of Hațeg County, and the young volunteers of the Geopark chose to tell the story in a way which would also attract attention to the present and to a sustainable future.

With the support of the Green Spaces Program, coordinated by the foundation for Partnership and MOL Romania, they raised an ecological edifice made out of cob – a mix of clay, straw and water. Over 300 volunteers contributed to building the House of Volcanoes, in their majority youths from Hațeg County, eager to contribute to the attractivity of the area they live in. In all, they needed 200 days to finish the construction, and used 20 cubic meters of yellow clay, 15 cubic meters of sand and 5.000 liters of water. To obtain the 30 meters of cob used to build the walls of the house, volunteers had to mix the clay, straw and water with their bare feet. The House of Volcanoes is attractive not just on the inside, but also on the outside, being creatively decorated with various symbols that tell the story of the Geopark and the Hațeg County.

The story of volcanoes from the times of dinosaurs, synthesized in three lessons

Alina Ciobanu, president of the Association Drag de Hațeg, underlined that during the 10 years of telling the story of the volcanoes dating from the time of dinosaurs at the visiting spot, she has learned three very important lessons:

Youths are real resources for the community. The House of Volcanoes was the project which helped create a team of enthusiastic young people  whose example was internalized by the subsequent generations that today take part in nearly all projects of the Geopark, national and international.

The geological and natural patrimony are resources for local development. Starting from scratch, with only this idea in mind, the House of Volcanoes was materialized into a catalyst for local development.

Science is accessible to everyone. The educational events and experiences which involved the communication of science in a manner accessible to all ages contributed to the development of durable tourism in the area.

The House of Volcanoes’ 10 years of existence are marked through a whole series of activities and educational workshops addressed to volunteers as well as pupils from partner schools, and the senior volunteers are invited to share from their experience to those just discovering the beauties of volunteering.

A photography exhibition themed the House of Volcanoes – 10 years celebrates key moments  from the construction and activity of this objective. On the same occasion, a new educational program, dedicated to teenagers and adults, will be launched, and in August, the sixth edition of the Day of Volcanoes will be organized, as a celebration of the geological findings in the Hațeg County.

Project The house of Volcanoes 10 years. 10 lessons offered by an environment project in the community is unreeled by the Association Drag de Hațeg and is financed by the Foundation for Partnership and MOL Romania through the Green Spaces Program. The partners of the project are the Hațeg county UNESCO International Geopark administered by UB, The Retezat Association of Tourism, and the secondary schools in Sîntămăria-Orlea and Densuș.