Regaining a sense of belonging
Bonțitur. Paths with stories
Bonțitur. Paths with stories
Bonțitur: Paths with Stories is a community-driven initiative that highlights Bonțida’s cultural, natural and historical heritage through a thematic tourist trail. Featuring 14 landmarks, each with an authentic local story, the project engaged students, seniors, and local stakeholders to foster a sense of belonging and promote rural tourism. Visitors can explore these stories through audio narratives accessible via QR codes on-site or online.
Romania
Local
Bonțida
Mainly rural
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-10-31
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
As most villages in Romania, Bonțida faces challenges in making young people stay here, the main population is getting older, and the people that do remain here are facing economic challenges. In a more broad context, the younger generation is not familiar with the village’s history and many of them want to escape to the city in order for them to be making a living. Bonțitur: Paths with stories 's aim was to connect and mobilize the local community of different ages from Bonțida to share stories and to create together a touristic trail. Secondary school students, teachers, elderly people, local NGOs and the public administration of Bonțida were engaged. We discovered 14 stories about the village’s history that go back in time and tell a story of an eclectic and full of life place. One of the most important objectives of our project was raising awareness of the importance of the natural and cultural heritage of Bonțida and restoring the sense of local belonging among 40 children and 20 adults from the village. We did this by organizing 4 workshops for the target group of the project (students and seniors) in which the village’s stories and main objectives were brought to light. Their direct involvement in the process was one of the ways in which they became more curious about their village and its history. The second objective was to revitalize the bond between the villagers and their village. We thought that hearing the stories directly from a local would help strengthen this bond. Each of the 14 landmarks holds an audio story narrated by a local, which will immerse you in the authentic story of each place. The audio story can be accessed either via the QR code present on the panel but also online. The third objective was to empower the local community, with focus on students and seniors, in authentic rural tourism experiences through active participation in the creation and testing of a thematic trail in the commune of Bonțida and to stimulate rural tourism here.
Biodiversity protection
Heritage conservation
Ecotourism
Community development and empowerment
Belonging to rural areas
Bonțida village is part of the Blue Butterfly Region, a unique territory in Europe, where the existing pastures have been shaped in time by traditional agricultural activities, in this way creating favorable conditions to host nowadays all 4 living species of the protected Maculinea butterfly. The presence of the butterfly in this area is a guarantee of a clean, unpolluted and healthy environment for everyday living and producing local food.
An important pillar of the project is to display the stories of the natural heritage of the village and of the microregion such as the forest above, the local biodiversity and rich pastures, the butterflies.
The trail of the village' has been conceptualized in the way of living with no traces on the environment (no Carbon footprint emissions) except of the physical informative panels: the trail can be done by walking, running, cycling or the path can be accessible online, the stories are available in a digital audio format. Out of 3 paths of the trail one of them is dedicated to natural heritage "The hidden path of the forest'' in which information, stories and the immersion in nature are bringing awareness of the biodiversity, its history and its importance to preserve it in 4 specific points, also offering a very nice view of the microregion around the village.
Using natural materials: The panels have been built out of pine wood, since the village has a Pine Forest that was planted during communism. For their assembly in the ground it has been used recycled strong wood from the train rails.
Promoting local resources: two of the stories are presenting local recipes for ice-cream and gingerbread and they highlight the importance of respecting the tradition by using local resources. Moreover, for the launch event of the trail, we organized a celebration brunch for the participants with a local chef promoting local and Transylvanian recipes and the use of local food.
An important pillar of the project is to display the stories of the natural heritage of the village and of the microregion such as the forest above, the local biodiversity and rich pastures, the butterflies.
The trail of the village' has been conceptualized in the way of living with no traces on the environment (no Carbon footprint emissions) except of the physical informative panels: the trail can be done by walking, running, cycling or the path can be accessible online, the stories are available in a digital audio format. Out of 3 paths of the trail one of them is dedicated to natural heritage "The hidden path of the forest'' in which information, stories and the immersion in nature are bringing awareness of the biodiversity, its history and its importance to preserve it in 4 specific points, also offering a very nice view of the microregion around the village.
Using natural materials: The panels have been built out of pine wood, since the village has a Pine Forest that was planted during communism. For their assembly in the ground it has been used recycled strong wood from the train rails.
Promoting local resources: two of the stories are presenting local recipes for ice-cream and gingerbread and they highlight the importance of respecting the tradition by using local resources. Moreover, for the launch event of the trail, we organized a celebration brunch for the participants with a local chef promoting local and Transylvanian recipes and the use of local food.
Bonțida may appear like any other Romanian village, but a closer look reveals a rich history waiting to be rediscovered. Through research, interviews, and workshops, we uncovered stories that once defined village life, such as a nationally awarded pinball team and an iconic ice cream that attracted visitors from far and wide. Our goal was to bring these forgotten stories to life in an engaging and accessible way, combining modern technology with the village’s heritage to create a unique cultural experience.
At the core of the project is a well-designed map, which organizes these stories into three distinct trails as detailed in the section above. The map is easy to navigate and digitally accessible, allowing visitors to explore the trail from home or use it as a guide during their visit. This balance of digital and physical elements ensures the experience is inclusive and convenient for everyone.
The panels along the trail continue this blend of old and new. Made from pine wood, they connect the village’s natural landscape with its cultural heritage. Each panel provides brief information and features a QR code that lets visitors listen to local narrators telling the village’s stories. This immersive approach allows visitors to connect with the past in a personal and engaging way.
Some panels are supported by poles made from reclaimed railroad ties from the local train station, further intertwining the village’s history with the project. The panoramic panel, positioned to offer a scenic view, allows visitors to connect the stories they hear with the landscape before them. It also highlights Bonțida’s place within the Blue Butterfly Region, linking its history to the broader cultural heritage of the area.
This project is an exemplary model of how rural tourism can preserve cultural identity while offering an accessible, modern experience. It invites visitors to explore Bonțida’s past, connecting them to its stories, people, and landscape in meaningful ways
At the core of the project is a well-designed map, which organizes these stories into three distinct trails as detailed in the section above. The map is easy to navigate and digitally accessible, allowing visitors to explore the trail from home or use it as a guide during their visit. This balance of digital and physical elements ensures the experience is inclusive and convenient for everyone.
The panels along the trail continue this blend of old and new. Made from pine wood, they connect the village’s natural landscape with its cultural heritage. Each panel provides brief information and features a QR code that lets visitors listen to local narrators telling the village’s stories. This immersive approach allows visitors to connect with the past in a personal and engaging way.
Some panels are supported by poles made from reclaimed railroad ties from the local train station, further intertwining the village’s history with the project. The panoramic panel, positioned to offer a scenic view, allows visitors to connect the stories they hear with the landscape before them. It also highlights Bonțida’s place within the Blue Butterfly Region, linking its history to the broader cultural heritage of the area.
This project is an exemplary model of how rural tourism can preserve cultural identity while offering an accessible, modern experience. It invites visitors to explore Bonțida’s past, connecting them to its stories, people, and landscape in meaningful ways
The project was engaging local people from the first step of the documentation and research of local stories. Intergenerational exchange and diversity are at the core of all the phases of the project.
First step was to engage the school students by asking them to ask their families and grandparents stories of the past of Bontida heritage, afterwards we have been interviewing elderly people from the village, local producers and the 3 priests.
The trail has the objective to include all communities (local producers, educators, historians, locals, tourists, administration, NGOs), neighbourhoods (built and natural environment), ethnicities ( Romanian, Hungarian, Roma), religions (3 different churches) not only by the audio stories, but by walking through all these differences in the physical space of the village. The village is well known for its castle and a music festival happening every year, but we wanted to highlight there is also value except these two elements.
Accessibility and affordability: the trail can be done easily starting from the center of the village, following three different paths depending on the time and the physical capability of the visitors. From a very easy and short trail to a longer and more intense trail including a hike in nature. A smartphone and internet connection is required in order to access the full audio story, but there is also informative text on each panel. The texts have been translated from Romanian to Hungarian and English. Moreover, all the trail and stories are available online on the platform.
Giving a voice to the locals, especially retired elderly people and recording them for the audio stories was very empowering for their own value and sense of belonging and with the village.
Bringing the trail close to the Roma segregated neighbourhood and the forest where almost not even locals go anymore was very important for the integrity of the whole map of Bonțida village
First step was to engage the school students by asking them to ask their families and grandparents stories of the past of Bontida heritage, afterwards we have been interviewing elderly people from the village, local producers and the 3 priests.
The trail has the objective to include all communities (local producers, educators, historians, locals, tourists, administration, NGOs), neighbourhoods (built and natural environment), ethnicities ( Romanian, Hungarian, Roma), religions (3 different churches) not only by the audio stories, but by walking through all these differences in the physical space of the village. The village is well known for its castle and a music festival happening every year, but we wanted to highlight there is also value except these two elements.
Accessibility and affordability: the trail can be done easily starting from the center of the village, following three different paths depending on the time and the physical capability of the visitors. From a very easy and short trail to a longer and more intense trail including a hike in nature. A smartphone and internet connection is required in order to access the full audio story, but there is also informative text on each panel. The texts have been translated from Romanian to Hungarian and English. Moreover, all the trail and stories are available online on the platform.
Giving a voice to the locals, especially retired elderly people and recording them for the audio stories was very empowering for their own value and sense of belonging and with the village.
Bringing the trail close to the Roma segregated neighbourhood and the forest where almost not even locals go anymore was very important for the integrity of the whole map of Bonțida village
The project involved since the beginning: Locals (priests, retired elderly people, local producers) and in the end visitors from Cluj-Napoca.
School teachers and students: our documentation started with a school activity with the objective to find important stories and places to be known for the community, by asking students to have a dialogue with their families. Their implication was very important and stimulated an intergenerational dialogue in order to remember the history of the village. Students received an exploratory notebook and this was also a new educational method for local heritage awareness and how to research stories.
15 Locals have been engaged and interviewed regarding several places or personal stories in relation to the village and daily life. This was a great opportunity to bring up the authentic stories from them, without any interpretation, but also to find new stories or people that know more in depth about the village. People interviewed felt empowered, appreciated and had a highest sense of belonging by sharing their stories.
Visitors: in the launch event, over 40 people outside the village came for the tour and this was such an unexpected high number of people eager to learn about the local culture and nature and the confirmation of how much need for stories and walking there is,
Decembrie- tur SMART OM.
Through social media channels - both of the association’s page (Asociația Plaiuri Noi) and the region (Ținutul Fluturelui Albastru) over 7000 people were reached organically. The project has indirectly benefited the whole community of the Blue Butterfly Region (39.226 people), by developing a sense of belonging through involving representatives in the activities and at the same time by presenting the territory attractively and appealingly to the potential visitors, buyers, or investors.
School teachers and students: our documentation started with a school activity with the objective to find important stories and places to be known for the community, by asking students to have a dialogue with their families. Their implication was very important and stimulated an intergenerational dialogue in order to remember the history of the village. Students received an exploratory notebook and this was also a new educational method for local heritage awareness and how to research stories.
15 Locals have been engaged and interviewed regarding several places or personal stories in relation to the village and daily life. This was a great opportunity to bring up the authentic stories from them, without any interpretation, but also to find new stories or people that know more in depth about the village. People interviewed felt empowered, appreciated and had a highest sense of belonging by sharing their stories.
Visitors: in the launch event, over 40 people outside the village came for the tour and this was such an unexpected high number of people eager to learn about the local culture and nature and the confirmation of how much need for stories and walking there is,
Decembrie- tur SMART OM.
Through social media channels - both of the association’s page (Asociația Plaiuri Noi) and the region (Ținutul Fluturelui Albastru) over 7000 people were reached organically. The project has indirectly benefited the whole community of the Blue Butterfly Region (39.226 people), by developing a sense of belonging through involving representatives in the activities and at the same time by presenting the territory attractively and appealingly to the potential visitors, buyers, or investors.
All the stakeholders of the project were local and micro regional (Local Action Group), the focus.
The project involved since the beginning: Locals (priests, retired elderly people, local producers), Public Administration, School, Local NGOs and Local Action Group (LAG) and in the end visitors from Cluj-Napoca.
Each person and stakeholder involved has been very important and assumed their responsibility for a collective project taking place in their own village. We, as an association, had the role to facilitate, gather all the people and information together, but the main activities have been done with the help of the community. In this project the project steps were decided together with the local NGO Fundatia Comunitara in a horizontal way, but the implication of other stakeholders was punctual based on their competences and needs.
Local Administration has been involved in the assembly of the panels in the village and they provided a great help logistically. Their positive reaction to the project and implication was very hopeful for future initiatives in the village.
Local Action Group and 2 NGOs: Community Foundation and Retired people NGO were engaged in promoting the project among the citizens, helping us find locals for the interviews and also promoting the launch event of the trail.
The project involved since the beginning: Locals (priests, retired elderly people, local producers), Public Administration, School, Local NGOs and Local Action Group (LAG) and in the end visitors from Cluj-Napoca.
Each person and stakeholder involved has been very important and assumed their responsibility for a collective project taking place in their own village. We, as an association, had the role to facilitate, gather all the people and information together, but the main activities have been done with the help of the community. In this project the project steps were decided together with the local NGO Fundatia Comunitara in a horizontal way, but the implication of other stakeholders was punctual based on their competences and needs.
Local Administration has been involved in the assembly of the panels in the village and they provided a great help logistically. Their positive reaction to the project and implication was very hopeful for future initiatives in the village.
Local Action Group and 2 NGOs: Community Foundation and Retired people NGO were engaged in promoting the project among the citizens, helping us find locals for the interviews and also promoting the launch event of the trail.
This project was a great way to see how different fields can interact together and create a touristic trail based on local knowledge and history.
Creating a touristic trail based on local history and documentation of the own stories as told by locals meant, from the very beginning, a use of interdisciplinary methods and knowledge fields. The implementation team used storytelling techniques, marketing and promotion strategies together with local know-how. We were guided by the locals in discovering the places that meant a big part of their recent history - as the former place known as „Popicăria” (Bowling place) or the Pine Forest that gave us the place for the panoramic board. We also were careful to integrate the biodiversity topic onto the trail. Bonțida village is part of the Blue Butterfly Land, which is known for its great biodiversity, the name reflecting the fact that only here can we find all 4 species of Maculinea butterflies in the European Union.
As part of documentation we used ethnographic and anthropological methods, through interviews. Last but not least, our team used modern design to implement the trail, by creating the wooden panels, maps and the design on the panels to integrate the information that was collected and make it accessible to the public - be them either tourists or locals.
One of the most important objectives was to create an engaged community, who takes pride in the place that they live in. We managed to achieve that by holding the workshop and involving different types of generations - from young to old and thus creating a room for dialogue between them.
The project's success stemmed from this integrated approach, where each discipline complemented the others, creating an innovative platform for preserving and sharing local heritage while fostering community engagement.
Creating a touristic trail based on local history and documentation of the own stories as told by locals meant, from the very beginning, a use of interdisciplinary methods and knowledge fields. The implementation team used storytelling techniques, marketing and promotion strategies together with local know-how. We were guided by the locals in discovering the places that meant a big part of their recent history - as the former place known as „Popicăria” (Bowling place) or the Pine Forest that gave us the place for the panoramic board. We also were careful to integrate the biodiversity topic onto the trail. Bonțida village is part of the Blue Butterfly Land, which is known for its great biodiversity, the name reflecting the fact that only here can we find all 4 species of Maculinea butterflies in the European Union.
As part of documentation we used ethnographic and anthropological methods, through interviews. Last but not least, our team used modern design to implement the trail, by creating the wooden panels, maps and the design on the panels to integrate the information that was collected and make it accessible to the public - be them either tourists or locals.
One of the most important objectives was to create an engaged community, who takes pride in the place that they live in. We managed to achieve that by holding the workshop and involving different types of generations - from young to old and thus creating a room for dialogue between them.
The project's success stemmed from this integrated approach, where each discipline complemented the others, creating an innovative platform for preserving and sharing local heritage while fostering community engagement.
While mainstream tourism trails typically rely on official historical records and professional curators, our approach centered on direct community participation and lived experiences, such us:
Community-Led Content Creation: Unlike traditional approaches where experts determine points of interest, our project empowered local community members to identify and select significant locations. This resulted in the inclusion of sites like "Popicăria" that might have been overlooked in conventional tourism development but hold deep meaning for the community. Authentic Storytelling: We innovated by making local voices the primary narrative force. Rather than presenting sanitized, official histories, we recorded and preserved authentic stories from community members. These firsthand accounts serve as the trail's guide, offering visitors an intimate perspective of Bonțida's heritage that traditional tourism materials rarely capture. Intergenerational Knowledge Exchange: The project broke new ground by creating structured opportunities for different generations to interact and share knowledge. This approach not only preserved historical information but also strengthened community bonds and ensured the sustainability of local heritage preservation. Integrated Biodiversity Focus: We uniquely combined cultural heritage with natural heritage by incorporating the area's significant butterfly population into the narrative. This integration of environmental and cultural elements creates a more holistic visitor experience than typical heritage trails.Design Innovation: The project introduced a novel approach to presenting information through carefully designed wooden panels that blend with the natural environment while incorporating modern design principles. This bridges traditional storytelling with contemporary presentation methods. The methodology has created a model for sustainable cultural tourism that enhances community pride while offering authentic experiences to visitors.
Community-Led Content Creation: Unlike traditional approaches where experts determine points of interest, our project empowered local community members to identify and select significant locations. This resulted in the inclusion of sites like "Popicăria" that might have been overlooked in conventional tourism development but hold deep meaning for the community. Authentic Storytelling: We innovated by making local voices the primary narrative force. Rather than presenting sanitized, official histories, we recorded and preserved authentic stories from community members. These firsthand accounts serve as the trail's guide, offering visitors an intimate perspective of Bonțida's heritage that traditional tourism materials rarely capture. Intergenerational Knowledge Exchange: The project broke new ground by creating structured opportunities for different generations to interact and share knowledge. This approach not only preserved historical information but also strengthened community bonds and ensured the sustainability of local heritage preservation. Integrated Biodiversity Focus: We uniquely combined cultural heritage with natural heritage by incorporating the area's significant butterfly population into the narrative. This integration of environmental and cultural elements creates a more holistic visitor experience than typical heritage trails.Design Innovation: The project introduced a novel approach to presenting information through carefully designed wooden panels that blend with the natural environment while incorporating modern design principles. This bridges traditional storytelling with contemporary presentation methods. The methodology has created a model for sustainable cultural tourism that enhances community pride while offering authentic experiences to visitors.
The methodology of our association to sustainable development of local brands or
rural micro-regions is research, promotion, and activation of local experiences.
In this project the focus was on reconnecting the local community with its history, thus creating a strong sense of belonging, as well as community development through the help of direct interaction between generations.
Also, a participatory approach is emphasised in all the activities, from design to
implementation and evaluation in order to empower the locals to take action and
become an active and autonomous community. Another important approach is to
build everything for a long-term impact, meaning that all the small steps done in this
project, can connect further on and get valuable in time true concrete actions.
Storytelling is another cornerstone approach, as people involve emotionally more if
they are part of the story, either the community, either the public.
The children and young people, but also the adults from the territory need a reason to be proud to
belong to a micro-region that knows its resources and benefits from them. We were able to create an appropriate context with the help of the workshops, fieldwork and research within the community, enabling them by learning these methods and encouraging them to see the village through different perspectives.
rural micro-regions is research, promotion, and activation of local experiences.
In this project the focus was on reconnecting the local community with its history, thus creating a strong sense of belonging, as well as community development through the help of direct interaction between generations.
Also, a participatory approach is emphasised in all the activities, from design to
implementation and evaluation in order to empower the locals to take action and
become an active and autonomous community. Another important approach is to
build everything for a long-term impact, meaning that all the small steps done in this
project, can connect further on and get valuable in time true concrete actions.
Storytelling is another cornerstone approach, as people involve emotionally more if
they are part of the story, either the community, either the public.
The children and young people, but also the adults from the territory need a reason to be proud to
belong to a micro-region that knows its resources and benefits from them. We were able to create an appropriate context with the help of the workshops, fieldwork and research within the community, enabling them by learning these methods and encouraging them to see the village through different perspectives.
This project has been already applied for funding in a new village from the Blue Butterfly Region: Alunis, because we believe it has a great potential for any rural community and tourist revitalization through the involvement of local people in the conception, planning and management of a thematic trail. Visitors can discover for free and in their own peace relevant stories and places of the village. The project is designed to leave behind visible results: a more united and active local group, a cultural heritage that is better known and protected and a better-preserved natural environment. The typology of the project reflects the grassroots approach, through which we integrate into communities, discovering authentic people and hidden or forgotten stories.
The project can be replicated to any rural area with or without an existing collective rural community, this will come organically by the end of the project.
Any village, any person has a story to be told and to be remembered for the memory of the village, thus this project can be implemented where there is a community that want to develop its tourism, but also the relationship between locals, stakeholders, visitors and the rural heritage.
The project can be replicated to any rural area with or without an existing collective rural community, this will come organically by the end of the project.
Any village, any person has a story to be told and to be remembered for the memory of the village, thus this project can be implemented where there is a community that want to develop its tourism, but also the relationship between locals, stakeholders, visitors and the rural heritage.
Biodiversity loss
One path of the thematic trail is built around the local biodiversity and the Maculinea Blue Butterfly from the microregion. 5 points and stories are talking about the importance of the pastures and the human relationship to flora and fauna since hundreds of years, the pine forest, the complex life cycle of the Maculinea butterfly and the importance of preserving them. We believe that biodiversity awareness should start locally, since it is tangible to see the impact in case of disappearing.
Aging population in villages and migration of youth towards big cities
An intergenerational approach has been applied, in order to valorize, give voice and foster participation of elderly people from the village, since they were the main storytellers from the path trail. Students from the school were our first target audience to collect stories and to engage in a first tour from the village with the purpose to bring more awareness on the diversity
Lack of economic opportunities in rural areas.
The trail has the long term objective to foster economic growth for locals who want to become tourist guides or storytellers of their village, to foster workshops on rural crafts for the visitors and also to promote local food and participation in the village fair they organize each first Sunday of the month. The trail is an opportunity for all the above mentioned we want to test in the second year of the project that can increase prosperity and well being of the locals involved and the community in general.
One path of the thematic trail is built around the local biodiversity and the Maculinea Blue Butterfly from the microregion. 5 points and stories are talking about the importance of the pastures and the human relationship to flora and fauna since hundreds of years, the pine forest, the complex life cycle of the Maculinea butterfly and the importance of preserving them. We believe that biodiversity awareness should start locally, since it is tangible to see the impact in case of disappearing.
Aging population in villages and migration of youth towards big cities
An intergenerational approach has been applied, in order to valorize, give voice and foster participation of elderly people from the village, since they were the main storytellers from the path trail. Students from the school were our first target audience to collect stories and to engage in a first tour from the village with the purpose to bring more awareness on the diversity
Lack of economic opportunities in rural areas.
The trail has the long term objective to foster economic growth for locals who want to become tourist guides or storytellers of their village, to foster workshops on rural crafts for the visitors and also to promote local food and participation in the village fair they organize each first Sunday of the month. The trail is an opportunity for all the above mentioned we want to test in the second year of the project that can increase prosperity and well being of the locals involved and the community in general.
Results: Over 70 people contributed to the creation and research of the trail an intergenerational work of 7 months.
13 panels and 14 audio stories are exhibited in Bonțida about the sights selected as the most representative for the local community, the route is also accessible online on the platform ținutulflutureluialabstru.ro.
11 short tours in the pre-testing phase at the Electric Castle and 2 tours at the inauguration reached about 90 people who learned that Bonțida has many hidden treasures, outside the Banffy Castle.
Outcomes: the project received another funding from Lidl for 2025 in order to continue researching other local stories, to build a group of local guides for the thematic trail among the people engaged last year and to built an audio system and a board game that can be used during local festivals (the famous music festival, lavanda festival, other yearly events, school events) in order to bring awareness of the village for the participants.
Impact: our association had decided to replicate the project in another village and on long-term to develop these grassroot initiatives, where there is already an existing engaged community, Aluniș village, also from the Blue Butterfly Region. These types of project, not only that empower and strengthen rural communities, but they also bring a new wave of people for the volunteering opportunities in creating of the thematic trail. This participative approach is bridging generations, rural-urban and is promoting awareness of the cultural and natural heritage through something visible, sustainable, accessible and creative.
13 panels and 14 audio stories are exhibited in Bonțida about the sights selected as the most representative for the local community, the route is also accessible online on the platform ținutulflutureluialabstru.ro.
11 short tours in the pre-testing phase at the Electric Castle and 2 tours at the inauguration reached about 90 people who learned that Bonțida has many hidden treasures, outside the Banffy Castle.
Outcomes: the project received another funding from Lidl for 2025 in order to continue researching other local stories, to build a group of local guides for the thematic trail among the people engaged last year and to built an audio system and a board game that can be used during local festivals (the famous music festival, lavanda festival, other yearly events, school events) in order to bring awareness of the village for the participants.
Impact: our association had decided to replicate the project in another village and on long-term to develop these grassroot initiatives, where there is already an existing engaged community, Aluniș village, also from the Blue Butterfly Region. These types of project, not only that empower and strengthen rural communities, but they also bring a new wave of people for the volunteering opportunities in creating of the thematic trail. This participative approach is bridging generations, rural-urban and is promoting awareness of the cultural and natural heritage through something visible, sustainable, accessible and creative.
