President Nicusor Dan sent a message on Saturday on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Romanian Geographical Society, in which he emphasized that environmental degradation, climate change, accelerated urbanization, natural risks or geopolitical tensions are challenges that cannot be understood and addressed effectively without a solid knowledge of geographical space and its dynamics.

'The tragedy at the Praid Salt Mine painfully reminds us how vulnerable communities are to extreme natural phenomena, which affect not only the infrastructure or the local economy, but, above all, the people whose livelihoods are put at risk, sometimes from one day to the next. We have a clear responsibility: to protect the natural heritage and the lives of those who live in these areas. Concrete, rapid and efficient actions are needed from the authorities, in collaboration with experts. It is equally important to cultivate this responsibility among the younger generations, through education and the power of personal example,' the head of state said in the message, according to a press release from the Presidential Administration.

In this context, the president emphasizes, the role of the Romanian Geographical Society becomes all the more valuable.

'Through the expertise and commitment of its members, the Society can make a decisive contribution to the development of sustainable public policies and to the formation of citizens aware of the interdependence between people and the environment. Geography, as a school subject, teaches students about identity, belonging and responsibility towards the environment, and offers them essential landmarks to understand the world. In this context, teachers who teach this subject become trainers of civic awareness, guiding new generations towards an informed, balanced and solidary vision,' the head of state pointed out.

Nicusor Dan wishes 'Happy Birthday!' to the Romanian Geographical Society.

'Founded in 1875, under the patronage of King Carol I, the Society has always represented a benchmark of academic excellence, promoting a scientific perspective on the Romanian territory and the world in which we live. I thank all those who, with professionalism, passion and rigor, have carried forward the mission of developing geography as a science, of teaching it and of instilling in new generations respect for nature, space and community. I congratulate the management, members and partners of the Romanian Geographical Society for their consistent involvement in supporting the sustainable development of the country and I encourage you to participate in the future in the dialogue on educational policies, territorial planning, digitalization or community resilience', the president also said, in the message presented by Catalina Galer, state counselor at the Department of Administration, Public Policies and Society Civil, during the tribute session of the Anniversary Congress of the Romanian Geographical Society, organized in Parliament.AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Andreea Rotaru; EN - writing by: Catalin Cristian Trandafir)