Amazing AoE
Basic information
Project Title
Amazing AoE
Full project title
Responsible Green Destination Amazon of Europe
Category
Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Project Description
Amazing Amazon of Europe project created a responsible green destination within the first world UNESCO 5-country Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube. The unique destination was developed fully in line with NEB principles. Joint strategy and 3 bookable tourism products were elaborated with participation of 350 multi-sector organisations and 150 SMEs. Valorisation of the heritage via tourism opportunities has resulted in sustainable development of the area for better quality of life of citizens.
Geographical Scope
Cross-border/international
Project Region
CROSS-BORDER/INTERNATIONAL: Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Slovenia
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
ERDF through the Interreg Danube Transnational Programme 2014-2020 + IPA (Serbia)
Description of the project
Summary
The Amazing Amazon of Europe project established a Responsible Green Destination within the 1st UNESCO 5-Country Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube. This initiative engaged over 150 public organizations, 150 SMEs, and 50 NGOs, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
Outcomes integrating NEB Values:
Beautiful:
- Achieved through development of joint bookable flagship tourism products like AoE Bike Trail and Amazing Moments, enhancing aesthetic appeal of the region
- Utilized NEB value of beauty to connect people with nature, promoting well-being
Sustainable:
- Implemented a Green Destination Tourism Impact Model in 24 locations, aligning with NEB's focus on sustainability
- Developed Strategy for longterm management, ensuring lasting environmental and economic impact
Together:
- Facilitated multilevel engagement by collaborating with various stakeholders, including ministries, local authorities, SMEs and NGOs
- Fostered inclusivity and accessibility, aligning with NEB's principles of equality and collaboration
NEB Working Principles:
Participatory Process:
- Engaged 70 communities in design, decision-making, and implementation, empowering them to manage key processes and outcomes
- Promoted equal relations, ensuring local community's active involvement
Multi-level Engagement:
- Established effective horizontal and vertical collaborations, connecting local and global dimensions
- Encouraged a place-based approach, addressing global issues' impact on the local environment
Transdisciplinary Approach:
- Integrated knowledge from diverse fields to develop solutions affecting social, economic, cultural, ecological aspects
- Promoted collaboration between experts and public, fostering a holistic understanding of the project's impact
By enhancing area’s heritage, promoting responsible tourism, and fostering collaboration, project contributes to long-term improvements in people's lives, creating a sustainable and vibrant community.
Outcomes integrating NEB Values:
Beautiful:
- Achieved through development of joint bookable flagship tourism products like AoE Bike Trail and Amazing Moments, enhancing aesthetic appeal of the region
- Utilized NEB value of beauty to connect people with nature, promoting well-being
Sustainable:
- Implemented a Green Destination Tourism Impact Model in 24 locations, aligning with NEB's focus on sustainability
- Developed Strategy for longterm management, ensuring lasting environmental and economic impact
Together:
- Facilitated multilevel engagement by collaborating with various stakeholders, including ministries, local authorities, SMEs and NGOs
- Fostered inclusivity and accessibility, aligning with NEB's principles of equality and collaboration
NEB Working Principles:
Participatory Process:
- Engaged 70 communities in design, decision-making, and implementation, empowering them to manage key processes and outcomes
- Promoted equal relations, ensuring local community's active involvement
Multi-level Engagement:
- Established effective horizontal and vertical collaborations, connecting local and global dimensions
- Encouraged a place-based approach, addressing global issues' impact on the local environment
Transdisciplinary Approach:
- Integrated knowledge from diverse fields to develop solutions affecting social, economic, cultural, ecological aspects
- Promoted collaboration between experts and public, fostering a holistic understanding of the project's impact
By enhancing area’s heritage, promoting responsible tourism, and fostering collaboration, project contributes to long-term improvements in people's lives, creating a sustainable and vibrant community.
Key objectives for sustainability
The sensitive ecosystems along Mura, Drava and Danube with rich flora and fauna were the basis for developing the responsible green destination and tourism products, for which only sustainable solutions are appropriate. Thus, sustainable development has been a horizontal principle embedded in all project activities.
The Amazing AoE project is dedicated to fostering sustainable development in remote rural border areas by preserving the biodiversity of the UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube and ensuring a sustainable economy. It aims to enhance environmentally friendly behaviour among locals and visitors, steering away from mass tourism and promoting nature-friendly practices. Targeting key stakeholders like ministries of environment, protected area managers, NGOs (WWF Austria and Adria), and tourism sector, the project undertakes capacity-building initiatives on environmental consciousness.
Strategic actions include developing the Responsible Green Destination Tourism Impact Model (RGD TIM), measuring and encouraging eco-friendly practices. Achievements are marked by an ecological sustainability pillar, envisioning a climate-neutral destination by 2030, with principles promoting environmentally friendly behaviour integrated into destination's website.
The project effectively promotes economic activities aligned with preservation, creating three tourism products (AoE Bike Trail, River Journey, Amazing Moments) that valorise UNESCO natural heritage, connecting and reusing local experiences and accommodations. This holistic approach results in reduced environmental footprints across 12 regions and 5 countries, especially in 12 protected areas. The project influences heightened knowledge and improved behaviour among locals and visitors, fostering a sustainable business landscape.
The Amazing AoE demonstrates how sustainable tourism can not only protect environment and heritage but also drive economic growth in underdeveloped regions.
The Amazing AoE project is dedicated to fostering sustainable development in remote rural border areas by preserving the biodiversity of the UNESCO Transboundary Biosphere Reserve Mura-Drava-Danube and ensuring a sustainable economy. It aims to enhance environmentally friendly behaviour among locals and visitors, steering away from mass tourism and promoting nature-friendly practices. Targeting key stakeholders like ministries of environment, protected area managers, NGOs (WWF Austria and Adria), and tourism sector, the project undertakes capacity-building initiatives on environmental consciousness.
Strategic actions include developing the Responsible Green Destination Tourism Impact Model (RGD TIM), measuring and encouraging eco-friendly practices. Achievements are marked by an ecological sustainability pillar, envisioning a climate-neutral destination by 2030, with principles promoting environmentally friendly behaviour integrated into destination's website.
The project effectively promotes economic activities aligned with preservation, creating three tourism products (AoE Bike Trail, River Journey, Amazing Moments) that valorise UNESCO natural heritage, connecting and reusing local experiences and accommodations. This holistic approach results in reduced environmental footprints across 12 regions and 5 countries, especially in 12 protected areas. The project influences heightened knowledge and improved behaviour among locals and visitors, fostering a sustainable business landscape.
The Amazing AoE demonstrates how sustainable tourism can not only protect environment and heritage but also drive economic growth in underdeveloped regions.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The Amazing Amazon of Europe project's key objectives in terms of aesthetics and the quality of experience for people are focused on connecting to the qualities of a place, fostering a sense of belonging through meaningful experiences and integrating new enduring cultural and social values.
The project recognizes the cultural diversity of the Amazon of Europe region and seeks to celebrate it through integrated storytelling and cultural valorisation. By activating and engaging local communities and embracing their traditions, the project ensures that visitors have culturally immersive experiences and at the same time increases awareness of the locals about the beauties and value of protected areas and pristine nature.
The development of joint flagship tourism products, such as Amazing Moments, places emphasis to both design and authenticity. This carefully crafted experience places a strong emphasis on aesthetics, offering visitors beautiful and well-designed encounters. When developing 15 unique Amazing Moments, we followed strict quality criteria, ensuring that each visitor enjoys a personalized journey immersed in cultural heritage activities. From trying their hand at painting in a naive art style to traditional pottery-making, cooking a traditional fish stew, and weaving useful objects from corn husk, every moment is designed to actively engage participants in an authentic and enriching experience.
By fostering collaboration and ensuring that the local context is at the heart of the experience, the project enhances the quality of experience for both residents and visitors.
The Amazing Amazon of Europe project sets an exemplary standard for aesthetics and quality of experience. It proves that tourism, sustainability and cultural enrichment can go hand in hand. By integrating cultural traditions, embracing diversity, and designing experiences that are not only functional but also beautiful, the project creates a unique and enriching environment.
The project recognizes the cultural diversity of the Amazon of Europe region and seeks to celebrate it through integrated storytelling and cultural valorisation. By activating and engaging local communities and embracing their traditions, the project ensures that visitors have culturally immersive experiences and at the same time increases awareness of the locals about the beauties and value of protected areas and pristine nature.
The development of joint flagship tourism products, such as Amazing Moments, places emphasis to both design and authenticity. This carefully crafted experience places a strong emphasis on aesthetics, offering visitors beautiful and well-designed encounters. When developing 15 unique Amazing Moments, we followed strict quality criteria, ensuring that each visitor enjoys a personalized journey immersed in cultural heritage activities. From trying their hand at painting in a naive art style to traditional pottery-making, cooking a traditional fish stew, and weaving useful objects from corn husk, every moment is designed to actively engage participants in an authentic and enriching experience.
By fostering collaboration and ensuring that the local context is at the heart of the experience, the project enhances the quality of experience for both residents and visitors.
The Amazing Amazon of Europe project sets an exemplary standard for aesthetics and quality of experience. It proves that tourism, sustainability and cultural enrichment can go hand in hand. By integrating cultural traditions, embracing diversity, and designing experiences that are not only functional but also beautiful, the project creates a unique and enriching environment.
Key objectives for inclusion
The key objectives of the Amazing AoE project in terms of inclusion are multi-layered, reflecting a commitment to accessibility, affordability, and inclusive governing systems for sustainable tourism in protected areas. The project's overarching goal is to develop a joint solution for sustainable tourism, emphasizing responsible practices. The strategy involves enhancing capacities for community-led and owned tourism through a comprehensive educational program covering various topics, resulting in improved skills across stakeholders.
In terms of accessibility and affordability, the project has made significant strides. Through a participatory process involving citizens and organizations in over 70 educational events, the destination ensures inclusivity. The AoE website provides detailed descriptions of tourism products, allowing self-organized visitors access. Additionally, there's a bookability option tailored for those requiring such an approach, making the destination accessible to all.
The project fosters inclusive governing systems through the joint development of a 5-country strategy and products. This collaborative approach brings together multi-level and trans-disciplinary stakeholders, ensuring a diversity of perspectives. Achievements include a detailed participatory process plan, a joint strategy for AoE destination development, and the collaborative creation of three flagship tourism products involving over 150 SMEs. These products are not only unique but also promoted at the EU market, showcasing the project's commitment to inclusivity and economic development.
With 102 events and over 350 organizations participating, the project has created a platform for collaboration. The impact is far-reaching, leading to increased ecologically conscious visitors, a better economy, the creation of new green jobs, reduced emigration, improved cohesion, and strengthened cooperation nationally and internationally.
In terms of accessibility and affordability, the project has made significant strides. Through a participatory process involving citizens and organizations in over 70 educational events, the destination ensures inclusivity. The AoE website provides detailed descriptions of tourism products, allowing self-organized visitors access. Additionally, there's a bookability option tailored for those requiring such an approach, making the destination accessible to all.
The project fosters inclusive governing systems through the joint development of a 5-country strategy and products. This collaborative approach brings together multi-level and trans-disciplinary stakeholders, ensuring a diversity of perspectives. Achievements include a detailed participatory process plan, a joint strategy for AoE destination development, and the collaborative creation of three flagship tourism products involving over 150 SMEs. These products are not only unique but also promoted at the EU market, showcasing the project's commitment to inclusivity and economic development.
With 102 events and over 350 organizations participating, the project has created a platform for collaboration. The impact is far-reaching, leading to increased ecologically conscious visitors, a better economy, the creation of new green jobs, reduced emigration, improved cohesion, and strengthened cooperation nationally and internationally.
Results in relation to category
The Amazing AoE project, under the category of "Prioritizing the places and people that need it the most," has generated significant results, outcomes, and impacts. Through the development of the Green Destination Tourism Impact Model and its application in pilot areas across 24 micro locations, the project has effectively addressed the unique needs and challenges of the regions.
The establishment of a joint strategy and management model ensures long-term sustainable development, prioritizing areas that are often overlooked. Creation of three flagship tourism products, including the AoE Bike Trail, River Journey, and Amazing Moments, has not only enhanced visitor experiences but also stimulated economic growth in areas that may have been marginalized.
By focusing on underdeveloped border regions with high unemployment and depopulation rates, project has revitalized local economies. It has created green jobs and generated economic opportunities for local residents, directly benefiting those in need of employment and income.
The proactive collaboration with over 150 public organizations, 150 SMEs, and 50 NGOs demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and broad community engagement. Educational events for key stakeholders and promotional activities have further amplified the project's impact, reaching both professional and general audiences.
The project has established a lasting legacy with creation of a Service & Booking Centre for the AoE Bike Trail. This platform allows clients to book comprehensive cycling holidays, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience. Through "Cycle for Nature" program, participants also contribute to nature conservation projects in the region, further enhancing project's commitment to sustainable tourism development.
Ultimately, the Amazing AoE project has brought tangible benefits to direct and indirect beneficiaries, fostering sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation in regions that need it the most.
The establishment of a joint strategy and management model ensures long-term sustainable development, prioritizing areas that are often overlooked. Creation of three flagship tourism products, including the AoE Bike Trail, River Journey, and Amazing Moments, has not only enhanced visitor experiences but also stimulated economic growth in areas that may have been marginalized.
By focusing on underdeveloped border regions with high unemployment and depopulation rates, project has revitalized local economies. It has created green jobs and generated economic opportunities for local residents, directly benefiting those in need of employment and income.
The proactive collaboration with over 150 public organizations, 150 SMEs, and 50 NGOs demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and broad community engagement. Educational events for key stakeholders and promotional activities have further amplified the project's impact, reaching both professional and general audiences.
The project has established a lasting legacy with creation of a Service & Booking Centre for the AoE Bike Trail. This platform allows clients to book comprehensive cycling holidays, ensuring a comfortable and seamless experience. Through "Cycle for Nature" program, participants also contribute to nature conservation projects in the region, further enhancing project's commitment to sustainable tourism development.
Ultimately, the Amazing AoE project has brought tangible benefits to direct and indirect beneficiaries, fostering sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation in regions that need it the most.
How Citizens benefit
Citizens and civil society have been crucial contributors to the success of the Amazing AoE project, actively shaping its outcomes.
The project has empowered local and regional public authorities, interest groups, SMEs and civil society to take an active role in the management of key processes and outcomes, enabling them to self-govern future actions in the longer term. Local communities and citizens participated in:
- 25 stakeholder workshops for strategy and product development
- 2 conferences
- 2 networking events
- 14 International AoE Festivals
- 7 Explorer / Media Tours
What is more, over 300 participants actively engaged by participating in cycling events along the designated AoE Bike Trail route, where they had the opportunity to explore and experience the unique and significant features of protected areas and cultural heritage sites.
Furthermore, our proactive engagement encompassed active participation in 10 prominent tourism/travel fairs, strategically showcasing and promoting the AoE Destination not only to the general public but also to crucial stakeholders such as travel agencies, tourism boards, guides, and national parks to gain potential visitors and business partners. We were also teaming up with projects and initiatives similar to ours to make a bigger impact and create a supportive community.
The impact of this involvement is significant, fostering enhanced cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and active participation in capacity-building activities. This inclusive approach contributed to the establishment of the Responsible Green Destination AoE, generating new jobs and stimulating green growth for regional economic development. Citizens and civil society, through their multi-layered involvement, have been pivotal in making the project not only sustainable and responsible but also a true reflection of local values and needs.
The project has empowered local and regional public authorities, interest groups, SMEs and civil society to take an active role in the management of key processes and outcomes, enabling them to self-govern future actions in the longer term. Local communities and citizens participated in:
- 25 stakeholder workshops for strategy and product development
- 2 conferences
- 2 networking events
- 14 International AoE Festivals
- 7 Explorer / Media Tours
What is more, over 300 participants actively engaged by participating in cycling events along the designated AoE Bike Trail route, where they had the opportunity to explore and experience the unique and significant features of protected areas and cultural heritage sites.
Furthermore, our proactive engagement encompassed active participation in 10 prominent tourism/travel fairs, strategically showcasing and promoting the AoE Destination not only to the general public but also to crucial stakeholders such as travel agencies, tourism boards, guides, and national parks to gain potential visitors and business partners. We were also teaming up with projects and initiatives similar to ours to make a bigger impact and create a supportive community.
The impact of this involvement is significant, fostering enhanced cooperation, stakeholder engagement, and active participation in capacity-building activities. This inclusive approach contributed to the establishment of the Responsible Green Destination AoE, generating new jobs and stimulating green growth for regional economic development. Citizens and civil society, through their multi-layered involvement, have been pivotal in making the project not only sustainable and responsible but also a true reflection of local values and needs.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
The Amazing Amazon of Europe project is innovative in several ways compared to mainstream actions in the field of sustainable tourism and regional development. Unlike mainstream actions that often focus solely on economic development, this project pioneers an integrated green destination model. It combines sustainability, cultural and natural enrichment, and economic growth in a way that promotes the responsible and sustainable use of natural and cultural resources.
The project's innovative nature lies in its transboundary collaboration. Project spans five countries and connects 12 regions, creating a unique, truly international approach to sustainable tourism. The development of the Responsible Green Destination Tourism Impact Model sets this project apart. It offers a comprehensive framework for measuring the impact of tourism on the environment, inspiring environmentally friendly behaviour among both visitors and locals. The project's transdisciplinary approach, involving experts from various fields, encourages innovation and fresh thinking. It goes beyond standard practices by integrating knowledge from environmental sciences, cultural heritage, technology, and economics. Depth of community involvement in Amazing AoE fosters a sense of ownership, trust, and shared responsibility among stakeholders.
In sum, the Amazing Amazon of Europe project's innovation lies in its holistic, collaborative, and inclusive approach, as well as its commitment to preserving natural and cultural heritage while driving economic growth and responsible tourism in a transboundary context. This project offers a model that can inspire similar groundbreaking initiatives in other regions.
The project's innovative nature lies in its transboundary collaboration. Project spans five countries and connects 12 regions, creating a unique, truly international approach to sustainable tourism. The development of the Responsible Green Destination Tourism Impact Model sets this project apart. It offers a comprehensive framework for measuring the impact of tourism on the environment, inspiring environmentally friendly behaviour among both visitors and locals. The project's transdisciplinary approach, involving experts from various fields, encourages innovation and fresh thinking. It goes beyond standard practices by integrating knowledge from environmental sciences, cultural heritage, technology, and economics. Depth of community involvement in Amazing AoE fosters a sense of ownership, trust, and shared responsibility among stakeholders.
In sum, the Amazing Amazon of Europe project's innovation lies in its holistic, collaborative, and inclusive approach, as well as its commitment to preserving natural and cultural heritage while driving economic growth and responsible tourism in a transboundary context. This project offers a model that can inspire similar groundbreaking initiatives in other regions.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The design and implementation of the Amazing AoE project embraced a transdisciplinary approach, involving a wide range of disciplines and knowledge fields.
Professionals from the tourism sector provided essential expertise in creating tourism products, ensuring quality visitor experiences, and developing marketing strategies.
Experts in technology and IT contributed to the development of IT solutions, making the destination more accessible and efficient for visitors.
Also, experts in environmental sciences were critical for assessing the ecological impact of tourism. They worked closely with other stakeholders to ensure that the project's tourism activities were environmentally responsible and preserved sensitive ecosystems.
Specialists in cultural and natural heritage helped in preserving and celebrating the region's diverse cultural traditions and nature. Their insights enriched the storytelling, cultural and natural experiences offered to visitors.
For the business model to be durable, business experts played a role in crafting sustainable economic models and ensuring the project's longevity.
Representatives from the mobility sector played a crucial role by contributing expertise in designing efficient and sustainable mobility solutions, while minimizing environmental impact.
Spatial planning experts were vital for preserving a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment. By participating in workshops, they helped align the project with regional planning goals.
Representatives from various fields participated in 25 stakeholder workshops to develop the joint Strategy and 3 tourism products. They were also involved in 44 capacity-building activities and 18 promotional events. This integrated approach not only enhanced the project's quality but also fostered innovation, promoting the responsible and sustainable development of the AoE region.
Professionals from the tourism sector provided essential expertise in creating tourism products, ensuring quality visitor experiences, and developing marketing strategies.
Experts in technology and IT contributed to the development of IT solutions, making the destination more accessible and efficient for visitors.
Also, experts in environmental sciences were critical for assessing the ecological impact of tourism. They worked closely with other stakeholders to ensure that the project's tourism activities were environmentally responsible and preserved sensitive ecosystems.
Specialists in cultural and natural heritage helped in preserving and celebrating the region's diverse cultural traditions and nature. Their insights enriched the storytelling, cultural and natural experiences offered to visitors.
For the business model to be durable, business experts played a role in crafting sustainable economic models and ensuring the project's longevity.
Representatives from the mobility sector played a crucial role by contributing expertise in designing efficient and sustainable mobility solutions, while minimizing environmental impact.
Spatial planning experts were vital for preserving a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing environment. By participating in workshops, they helped align the project with regional planning goals.
Representatives from various fields participated in 25 stakeholder workshops to develop the joint Strategy and 3 tourism products. They were also involved in 44 capacity-building activities and 18 promotional events. This integrated approach not only enhanced the project's quality but also fostered innovation, promoting the responsible and sustainable development of the AoE region.
Methodology used
The Amazing Amazon of Europe project employed a systematic and innovative methodology to achieve its goals.
The project began with the development of the RGD TIM. This model provided a comprehensive framework for measuring the impact of tourism on the environment and stimulated environmentally friendly behaviour. It was applied internationally for the first time, promoting harmonized monitoring of sustainable tourism.
A collaborative and participatory process was initiated to develop a joint strategy for destination development. It involved bottom-up contributions, ensuring that local perspectives and interests were considered. The strategy was complemented with innovative tourism products, ensuring it aligned with the needs of both residents and visitors.
To enhance capacities and skills in tourism and related sectors, an educational program was implemented. It focused on training public and private organizations, covering topics such as hospitality, IT, and digitalization of heritage.
The project involved validation transnational pilot areas, where tourism products were tested and refined. To ensure the long-term impact and transferability of the model to other sectors and areas project detailed a sustainability and transferability plan. Presented methodology combined scientific expertise, community involvement, innovation, and an inclusive approach, resulting in a comprehensive strategy for responsible tourism in the Amazon of Europe.
By developing 3 new flagship tourism products, digitalizing heritage in 6 locations, introducing RGD TIM in 24 locations in the AoE, and creating a functional collaboration network of key stakeholders, we strengthened sustainable use of heritage and smart consumption of resources, and contributed to creation of new jobs in underdeveloped border areas.
Project methodology has potential to serve as a valuable model for similar projects seeking to achieve sustainability, community engagement, and economic growth.
The project began with the development of the RGD TIM. This model provided a comprehensive framework for measuring the impact of tourism on the environment and stimulated environmentally friendly behaviour. It was applied internationally for the first time, promoting harmonized monitoring of sustainable tourism.
A collaborative and participatory process was initiated to develop a joint strategy for destination development. It involved bottom-up contributions, ensuring that local perspectives and interests were considered. The strategy was complemented with innovative tourism products, ensuring it aligned with the needs of both residents and visitors.
To enhance capacities and skills in tourism and related sectors, an educational program was implemented. It focused on training public and private organizations, covering topics such as hospitality, IT, and digitalization of heritage.
The project involved validation transnational pilot areas, where tourism products were tested and refined. To ensure the long-term impact and transferability of the model to other sectors and areas project detailed a sustainability and transferability plan. Presented methodology combined scientific expertise, community involvement, innovation, and an inclusive approach, resulting in a comprehensive strategy for responsible tourism in the Amazon of Europe.
By developing 3 new flagship tourism products, digitalizing heritage in 6 locations, introducing RGD TIM in 24 locations in the AoE, and creating a functional collaboration network of key stakeholders, we strengthened sustainable use of heritage and smart consumption of resources, and contributed to creation of new jobs in underdeveloped border areas.
Project methodology has potential to serve as a valuable model for similar projects seeking to achieve sustainability, community engagement, and economic growth.
How stakeholders are engaged
The Amazing AoE project has engaged stakeholders at various levels.
52 local public authorities from 5 countries played a pivotal role. They participated in testing of RGD TIM. Additionally, they contributed to workshops and provided valuable insights for joint vision, strategy, and tourism product development. Their involvement ensured that project remained focused in local perspectives and addressed specific community needs. Local authorities also act as a link to citizens, helping promote sustainable tourism development and gather community support.
7 regional public authorities were engaged in development and testing of the solutions. They participated in workshops and offered significant input for the joint vision, strategy, and tourism product development. Their role was essential in bridging gap between local and national levels, ensuring that regional interests and challenges were addressed.
11 national public authorities from 5 countries, encompassing ministries responsible for tourism, regional development, environment, mobility, and energy, actively contributed to the development and testing of the project outputs. They also played a crucial role in shaping the joint vision and strategy. Their involvement established links to EU and national policies, as well as funding schemes. This added value by aligning the project with broader policy objectives and facilitating access to resources and support at both national and European levels.
In summary, multi-level engagement of stakeholders enriched project by ensuring its alignment with local, regional, and national needs, policies, and resources, making it an effective transboundary initiative.
Local Public Authority: 52
Regional Public Authority: 7
Sectoral Agency: 85 (5 national & 30 regional and local tourism boards)
Interest Groups including NGOs: 53
SMEs: 152 (implementation of tourism products)
Infrastructure and Service Provider: 43
National Public Authority: 11
15 journalists
52 local public authorities from 5 countries played a pivotal role. They participated in testing of RGD TIM. Additionally, they contributed to workshops and provided valuable insights for joint vision, strategy, and tourism product development. Their involvement ensured that project remained focused in local perspectives and addressed specific community needs. Local authorities also act as a link to citizens, helping promote sustainable tourism development and gather community support.
7 regional public authorities were engaged in development and testing of the solutions. They participated in workshops and offered significant input for the joint vision, strategy, and tourism product development. Their role was essential in bridging gap between local and national levels, ensuring that regional interests and challenges were addressed.
11 national public authorities from 5 countries, encompassing ministries responsible for tourism, regional development, environment, mobility, and energy, actively contributed to the development and testing of the project outputs. They also played a crucial role in shaping the joint vision and strategy. Their involvement established links to EU and national policies, as well as funding schemes. This added value by aligning the project with broader policy objectives and facilitating access to resources and support at both national and European levels.
In summary, multi-level engagement of stakeholders enriched project by ensuring its alignment with local, regional, and national needs, policies, and resources, making it an effective transboundary initiative.
Local Public Authority: 52
Regional Public Authority: 7
Sectoral Agency: 85 (5 national & 30 regional and local tourism boards)
Interest Groups including NGOs: 53
SMEs: 152 (implementation of tourism products)
Infrastructure and Service Provider: 43
National Public Authority: 11
15 journalists
Global challenges
The Amazing Amazon of Europe project addresses several global challenges by providing local solutions. The project focuses on the conservation of pristine natural beauty and endangered habitats in the Amazon of Europe region.
By promoting responsible tourism, it sets an example of how local actions can contribute to global efforts to conserve biodiversity and protect sensitive ecosystems. The Amazing AoE tackles high unemployment rates, depopulation, and lack of skills in underdeveloped border regions. By promoting responsible tourism, it offers a local solution to address economic disparities, which is a challenge faced in many regions globally. Celebrating diverse cultural traditions and involving local communities in the project's development helps preserve cultural heritage.
This approach can be a model for other regions struggling with the globalization of culture and the need to protect local traditions. Moreover, the project aligns with various Sustainable Development Goals, and as such demonstrates how local initiatives can contribute to achieving these global goals. In essence, the Amazing Amazon of Europe project illustrates how local, community-led initiatives can offer practical solutions to global challenges, demonstrating the transformative power of responsible and sustainable tourism in preserving the environment, culture, and enhancing economic and social well-being.
By promoting responsible tourism, it sets an example of how local actions can contribute to global efforts to conserve biodiversity and protect sensitive ecosystems. The Amazing AoE tackles high unemployment rates, depopulation, and lack of skills in underdeveloped border regions. By promoting responsible tourism, it offers a local solution to address economic disparities, which is a challenge faced in many regions globally. Celebrating diverse cultural traditions and involving local communities in the project's development helps preserve cultural heritage.
This approach can be a model for other regions struggling with the globalization of culture and the need to protect local traditions. Moreover, the project aligns with various Sustainable Development Goals, and as such demonstrates how local initiatives can contribute to achieving these global goals. In essence, the Amazing Amazon of Europe project illustrates how local, community-led initiatives can offer practical solutions to global challenges, demonstrating the transformative power of responsible and sustainable tourism in preserving the environment, culture, and enhancing economic and social well-being.
Learning transferred to other parties
Several elements of the Amazing Amazon of Europe project can be replicated or transferred to other places, groups of beneficiaries, and contexts.
Responsible Green Destination Tourism Impact Model, with its focus on measuring and promoting environmentally friendly behaviour in tourism, can be applied to various regions and destinations seeking to balance tourism with environmental preservation. This model can foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders and ensure that strategies are inclusive and community-driven.
The educational program designed to enhance the skills of tourism and related sector workers can serve as a plan for other areas aiming to build a skilled workforce capable of developing and managing responsible tourism.
The jointly developed Sustainability and Transferability plan within the Amazing Amazon of Europe project already serves as a strategic guide for the following ongoing projects and initiatives:
- The Smarter AoE project (COSME Programme), focused on digital innovation for SMEs and sustainable tourism, actively applies this plan in three new biosphere reserves across Montenegro, Romania, and Bulgaria.
- The ICTr-CE project (Interreg Central Europe) further extends the model to the Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13), a 3000 km cycling trail rich in cultural heritage along the Iron Curtain and the Green Belt of Europe.
- The Inclusive Border Cycling (IBC) (Interreg Danube Region) project employs the model, involving vulnerable groups in trail management for five cycling trails and adapting tourism products to cater to seniors.
This widespread application underscores the adaptability and effectiveness of the Sustainability and Transferability plan across diverse projects and geographical contexts.
Responsible Green Destination Tourism Impact Model, with its focus on measuring and promoting environmentally friendly behaviour in tourism, can be applied to various regions and destinations seeking to balance tourism with environmental preservation. This model can foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders and ensure that strategies are inclusive and community-driven.
The educational program designed to enhance the skills of tourism and related sector workers can serve as a plan for other areas aiming to build a skilled workforce capable of developing and managing responsible tourism.
The jointly developed Sustainability and Transferability plan within the Amazing Amazon of Europe project already serves as a strategic guide for the following ongoing projects and initiatives:
- The Smarter AoE project (COSME Programme), focused on digital innovation for SMEs and sustainable tourism, actively applies this plan in three new biosphere reserves across Montenegro, Romania, and Bulgaria.
- The ICTr-CE project (Interreg Central Europe) further extends the model to the Iron Curtain Trail (EuroVelo 13), a 3000 km cycling trail rich in cultural heritage along the Iron Curtain and the Green Belt of Europe.
- The Inclusive Border Cycling (IBC) (Interreg Danube Region) project employs the model, involving vulnerable groups in trail management for five cycling trails and adapting tourism products to cater to seniors.
This widespread application underscores the adaptability and effectiveness of the Sustainability and Transferability plan across diverse projects and geographical contexts.
Keywords
Sustainable Tourism
Biodiversity Conservation
Cross-border Collaboration
Cultural & Natural Heritage
Economic Development
