BRIEF HISTORY OF TEACHERS AND NATURE LOVERS IN BLAJ AND CERTAIN LOCAL SPECIFICITIES OF NATURE PROTECTION

Valentina-Mariana Manoiu
Assoc. Prof. Dr., Faculty of Geography, University of Bucharest, ROMANIA, valentina.mariana.manoiu@gmail.com

Abstract

Blaj City, old cultural, historical and spiritual center of Romania, the hearth of unique and memorable events in the evolution of the Romanian people, conveys history and spirit every step of the way. The country’s first systematic higher education institutions that used Romanian as the main teaching language were opened in Blaj in 1754, and the first Romanian school books were printed here. This is where “the Sun of Romanians rose in the sky”, as noted by Ion Heliade Radulescu, the first president of the Romanian Academy. The national poet Mihai Eminescu, while passing through Blaj, called it “Little Rome”.

The purpose of this study is to present the most important teachers in Blaj who were active in nature protection, while also highlighting certain successes attained in this field. The paper is a qualitative-descriptive study based on the analysis of studies conducted on Blaj and its teachers, as well as on the investigation of local natural monuments and nature reservations. Of the 33 articles available on Web of Science that mention Blaj, only one tackles nature protection and outstanding individuals involved in the process, as the paper describes the city’s Botanical Garden. 22 papers address various historical, cultural and religious issues, 6 focus on viticulture, 2 on environmental pollution, one on agriculture and one on chemistry. Blaj teachers of the past were and still are moral, ethical, spiritual and professional role models for all Romanians. Most of them have studied in Blaj before moving on to renowned national and European universities. Nature-loving teacher-priests will remain bright lights in nature sciences, “green” pioneers in the field of nature protection (Alexandru Uilacan, Ambrosiu Chetianu and Alexandru Borza) and people who spark the love of young souls for all that is alive (Father-Teacher Ioan Ovidiu Suciu). Currently, by recognizing and approving the Botanical Nature Reserve of County Interest (Botanical Garden in Blaj) and the two natural monuments in Blaj City, a legal framework was established enabling an effective management, preservation and use, as well as preserving the local ecological balance. The Botanical Garden, the oldest in the world belonging to a high school, will need to be given the attention it deserves via an appropriate rehabilitation project, which can result in its being incorporated into ecotourism circuits and can ensure that it will continue to provide environmental education to young people.

Keywords: Blaj, teachers, nature protection, Greek Catholic Church Motto: „I know not what sweetness attracts us to our natal soil and keeps us from forgetting it” - Bishop Inocentiu Micu Klein (Romanian Greek Catholic Church website)