Law no. 197 of July 20, 2018 — The Mountain Law.

This Law establishes a specific legal status for the mountain zone of Romania, defining it as a territory of special national interest. It identifies these regions as naturally disadvantaged due to high altitude, steep slopes, and harsh climatic conditions. Its primary objective is to stabilize the local population and improve living standards while ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.
The institutional structure is centered around the National Agency of the Mountain Zone, which coordinates development policies. At the local level, the Law organizes mountain territory into nine distinct geographic groups, managed through specialized committees and a National Mountain Council. These bodies provide a formal link between local communities and central government administration to address the specific needs of high-altitude settlements.
Economic support is prioritized through incentives for livestock farming and the protection of traditional agricultural practices. A significant feature is the creation of the "Mountain Product" label, which regulates the certification and marketing of food produced and processed in these areas. The Law also mandates the development of infrastructure, including mountain roads and water collection systems, to support both small-scale farming and sustainable tourism.
The Law requires that all economic activities maintain an ecological balance and protect the integrity of mountain soil and water sources. Specific provisions ensure that wildlife and livestock have priority access to water streams over industrial energy projects, such as micro-hydropower plants.
The Law encourages the introduction of specialized academic fields, such as montanology, and supports vocational training for farmers. Research institutions are granted access to experimental land plots to study climate-resistant crops and animal breeds, ensuring that rural development remains grounded in scientific and traditional knowledge.