Two cultures, two agents of knowledge, one dispute: the making of the Făgăraș mountains natural park

Abstract

The Fagaras Mountains have become high on the agenda of two agents of knowledge that define their perspectives on the controversial issue of transforming these mountains into a natural park. The foundation “Conservation Carpathia” promotes the Western-oriented restoration and conservation discourse, while the landowners and “Nostra Silva”, the Romanian association of forests and pastures owners highlight the Romanian-oriented property discourse. I propose a semiotic analysis of the way the two conflicting discourses intersect in a meeting between the representatives of the two organizations. Investigating some of the meanings behind knowledge formation around the Fagaras Mountains may raise awareness about the uncertainties of both sides and may favor more constructive dialogues between the two combative parties.