Rainwater collected from the roof of Bucharest’s Sun Plaza mall will be used to restore natural habitats in Văcărești Natural Park. The Horizon Europe-funded pilot project is intended to reduce the effects of prolonged drought on the park’s wetlands and wildlife.
Instead of being discharged into the sewage system, the water will be pumped, filtered, and released in a controlled manner into temporary ponds. The pumping and biofiltration system is ready to be implemented, according to the Bucharest Natural Park Association.
“What does the great crested newt in Văcărești Natural Park have to do with the Sun Plaza roof?” the association wrote on Facebook. “Instead of being discharged into the sewer, the rainwater falling on the mall’s roof will be filtered and directed to restore the park’s temporary ponds.”
The project is expected to restore more than 500 sqm of land affected by approximately a decade of drought. The ponds provide habitats for rare amphibians and reptiles, including the great crested newt.
Bucharest mayor Ciprian Ciucu visited the site alongside representatives of the park administration, Sun Plaza, and organizations participating in the EU-funded NATALIE project.
“There are times, especially during dry summers, when life in the park suffers. The water evaporates, plants dry out, and wildlife suffers,” Ciucu wrote on Facebook. “In short, what needs to be done is to bring in more water.”
The mayor cautioned that the pilot would address the water shortage only in one part of the park. Further plans include deepening and clearing ponds under the supervision of biodiversity specialists.
Ciucu said the City Hall had also asked water utility Apa Nova to identify a way to collect and treat rainwater from the flood-prone area of Carol Park and potentially use it to supply Văcărești.
The municipality is also considering new low-impact visitor infrastructure and discussions on implementing the park’s management plan, which Ciprian Ciucu said had not yet been put into practice.
The NATALIE project runs for five years and tests nature-based responses to climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Its two Romanian case studies are located in Văcărești Natural Park and the Lumea Copiilor section of Tineretului Park.
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