25.06.2025 / News
The Făgăraș Research Institute is pleased to announce the publication of the study “The Impact of the Ambulance for Monuments Program on the Activation of Local Communities in Romania”, an in-depth research project that explores how the Monumentum Association initiative not only protects endangered historical buildings, but also contributes to the revitalization of civic and community life across the country, in the areas where it operates.
The Ambulance for Monuments (ApM) program is a pioneering initiative that secures deteriorated monuments through a collaborative model involving local authorities, sponsors, volunteers, and, most importantly, local communities.
Lasting local involvement
The study reveals that ApM interventions inspire local actors to mobilize around shared goals: organizing events, fundraising, offering in-kind support, or hosting volunteers. These efforts foster trust and long-term collaboration between locals, professionals, and external partners, often leading to sustained community activities long after the physical intervention is completed.
Numbers and narratives
So far, over 90 interventions have taken place in 9 regions of Romania. The study combined quantitative, qualitative, and social network analysis methods, gathering data from:
- 202 survey responses from local residents and contributors,
- 118 responses from volunteers,
- 66 responses from intervention coordinators,
- Over 190 participants in interviews and focus groups.
A model for community activation
The Ambulance for Monuments provides a valuable model of community development in a post-communist Romania. In a landscape where civic engagement remains low—particularly in rural areas and small towns—ApM has demonstrated how heritage preservation can serve as a catalyst for civic action, social cohesion, and cross-sector collaboration.
The report is available here.
This study was funded by the Romanian-American Foundation. The opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Romanian-American Foundation.
Departments: Research Department; Educational Programs Department; Făgăraș Research Institute Publishing House.
Regions: Romania.
Themes: Architecture and Urbanism; Arts and Culture; Civic Engagement; Civil Society; Education; Heritage; History; Interdisciplinarity; Philanthropy and Community Development.