Romanian Valea Jiului Society spearheads sustainable transition in a former mining region

Jiu Valley is home to around 100.000 inhabitants spread across six towns. The Valea Jiului Development Society Association together with its partners initiated in 2019 a civil society coalition project: the ‘Engaged Jiu Valley’. The Coalition’s central ambitions are to redefine the area’s post-mining identity, improve quality of life for all residents and advance an innovative future in a sustainable environment. Examples of the Coalition’s work include: a signed protocol with the mayors of the six towns of the Jiu Valley, the local University, private sector stakeholders, the mining company, local NGOs, launching local stakeholders’ working together for the strategic development documents of the region, promoting the Valley as an investment destination, the reconversion of the Petrila Mine into an administrative, economic and cultural centre, where community events for all ages take place. This good practice engages a wide range of beneficiaries and stakeholders, from public authorities, private sector representatives, universities, NGOs and civil society. The main beneficiaries are Jiu Valley residents, who could benefit from new jobs, improved infrastructure, an improved quality of life and new economic opportunities. The project also benefits workers in mining and other declining traditional industries, local companies and SMEs. In this context, tourists and investors are indirect beneficiaries of the project.