GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

The MYSTICAL DANUBE will address several challenges and needs in the Danube Region related to the valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage as tourism asset and their contribution to regional economic development and social inclusion. High unemployment rate and social exclusion is recognisable in the rural and less visited areas of the Danube region, especially among different disadvantaged groups (youth, elderly, minorities, women and people with disabilities). Disparity in unemployment is also seen between western and eastern European countries and between EU countries and non-EU countries of the Danube region. Tourism as an important economic branch that hosts many employments is not evenly distributed within each country yet alone, region. Project region is rich in natural and intangible cultural heritage. This richness is especially seen in the rural and less visited areas through local stories, legends and knowledge originating from this rich and amazing natural sites and they are at major risk of being left out and/or forgotten. People holding this knowledge are already old or have emigrated these areas. In this project, we would like to contribute to community development in rural and less visited areas on each participating country level through transnational valorisation of natural heritage and intangible cultural heritage that is deeply connected and intertwined with the local community. The main project objective is to develop a coordinated joint transnational approach in the valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage as a tourism asset in rural and less visited areas in the DRP area. Transnational approach will be reached through joint cooperation between different stakeholders on local, regional and national levels, from all participating countries and in experience and knowledge exchange. Local community is a great resource that can enhance economic development of a certain region, and at the same time feel included and as a contributing member of the community and society in general. We want to include local community, and especially the disadvantaged groups in creation of community-based tourism services that will be part of a new thematic route (the Green and Mystical Danube Storytelling Route) created within the project, as a social innovation. Also, we want to include the local community members (special focus on disadvantaged groups in each region) in capacity building activities for the provision of these services which will enhance their employment, social inclusion and economic development in the DRP area. The project’s main outputs will include 1 joint strategy for the valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage in rural and less visited areas of the Danube region, 10 Pilot site Action plans for the development of sustainable community tourism services and products, 23 partner organisations cooperating across borders and a jointly developed solution for transnational tourism development tested as a pilot action on 10 Pilot sites as a new thematic route, the Green and Mystical Danube Storytelling Route, with the mobile app showing the route and its features in terms of sites and available touristic services and set up contact points at Pilot sites. Contact points with the mobile app will be a place for local stories and myths to be narrated by newly trained local storytellers, but also to transpose and introduce people to other Pilot sites with their stories and legends. Our innovative approach combines natural and intangible cultural heritage as a new tourism asset within the transnational context that will enhance local community employment and community development.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, several key activities were carried out as part of the project implementation: The Subsidy Contract and Partnership Agreement were signed and distributed to all project partners. All PPs appointed project teams consisting of a Project Manager, Financial Manager, and Communication Manager, as outlined in the Application Form and Implementation Rules. Additionally, partners appointed a Quality Manager for their respective organizations. A Steering Committee was also established, with representatives from each partner organization. The first Steering Committee meeting was held, during which the structure, roles, and initial project objectives, as well as collaboration strategies, were discussed. Daily project management and coordination were established, liaising between the project and the MA/JS, the overall management and coordination of the project implementation, keeping close contact with the MA/JS and the project partners, permanent monitoring of all financial aspects, including internal management of funds, expenditure, spending rates and budget shifts, developing and implementing the internal project communication strategy, defining communication objectives, approaches, activities and key messages to be disseminated, preparation of promotional items (poster and roll-up). Project partnership attended: Pre-Kickoff Online meeting on February 19, 2024, organized by LP to discuss the start of project activities which all the PPs attended. A workshop in Zagreb on April 11, 2024, where the LP1 project team learned crucial details about project implementation and activities; Lead Partner Seminar in Belgrade on April 24-25, 2024, which the project manager attended, the seminar's agenda included discussions on project implementation with Managing Authority/Joint Secretariat (MA/JS) colleagues, featuring highly interactive sessions, the second day was dedicated to synergy building and capitalization activities; Kick-off conference in Zadar on May 15-16, 2024, organized by the LP1 and attended by all the PPs; 13th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, held on the 20th and 21st of June 2024 in Vienna which the project manmager attended, the forum's theme emphasized the importance of cross-border collaboration in fostering stability, sustainability, and prosperity, project manager engaged in various discussions and workshops, sharing insights and exploring opportunities for future collaboration and capitalization, the forum provided a platform for networking and exchanging best practices with other stakeholders, reinforcing the collective commitment to a unified and thriving Europe. A Gantt chart and detailed work plan with deadlines for all activities were created by the LP1. During the first reporting period, the following activities, outputs and deliverables were delivered in this reporting period: LP1 and PP8 finalized the Template for the Territorial Analysis with the assistance of the entire partnership. LP1 created the Communication Plan. As part of the Communication Plan, LP1 provided partners with a target group tracking table and a Signing list. LP1 adjusted all the templates that the Programme has made for the Mystical Danube project and distributed them accordingly. The Communication toolkit includes templates for project posters, roll-ups, digital documents, print documents, and presentations. A project poster was prominently displayed at all the partner organization’s premises. The First Steering Committee meeting was held on the second day of the conference. The project website has been established, and project information has been featured on all the partner organization’s websites. Social media account on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn were created and monitored by PP4. One Press Release was issued per partner LP1, PP5, PP9 and PP10 to introduce the Mystical Danube project. The PM and CM appeared on the HRT radio to introduce the Mystical Danube Project. The show successfully generated interest and support for the project. All planned tasks for Period 1 were implemented. Through the timely performance of activities 1.1 and 1.4, the achievement of Specific objective 1, Output 1.1 and Output 1.2 was contributed to. As per activity 1.1. contributed to A1.1, A1.2, and A1.3. As per activity 1.4. contributed to D1.4.1, D1.4.2, D1.4.3, D1.4.4, D1.4.5 and D1.4.6. During the first reporting period, key activities included signing the project agreements and setting up teams and a Steering Committee. Project coordination was established to ensure smooth communication with authorities. Important meetings took place, such as the Pre-Kickoff Online Meeting, workshops, the Kick-off Conference and 1st Steering Commitee meeting. A detailed work plan was created, and project templates, along with the Communication Plan, were finalized. The project website and social media accounts were launched, and press releases introduced the project. Template for the Territorial Analysis was finalized. In the second reporting period, the project continued with meetings, including the 2nd Partners Meeting and the Steering Committee meeting. Stakeholder workshops and events were held, and visibility activities continued. Key deliverables included Template for mapping and analysing of good practices and Strategy development. New tools, like the Rapid Tourism Assessment Tool, Guiding Papers for the Community Involvement Plan (CIP) and SWOT Analysis, were developed, and the Toolkit on the Inclusion of Target Groups was completed. Online platform for the Open-source database was developed. Communication continued through websites and social media. All planned tasks for both periods were successfully carried out. During the first reporting period, the project focused on foundational setup and planning activities. Project agreements were signed, and teams along with the Steering Committee were established. Coordination mechanisms were put in place to ensure smooth communication with relevant authorities. Key events included the Pre-Kickoff Online Meeting, workshops, the Kick-off Conference, and the first Steering Committee meeting. A detailed Work Plan was developed, and project templates were finalized. The Communication Plan was completed, and the project’s online presence was established through the launch of its website and social media accounts. Press releases were issued to introduce the project publicly. A significant deliverable during this period was the finalization of the template for the Territorial Analysis. In the second reporting period, the partnership held the second Partners Meeting and Steering Committee meeting. Several workshops and public events were organized to engage local stakeholders. Visibility activities remained active through the website and social media. Important deliverables produced during this time included the Template for mapping and analysing good practices, as well as Strategy development. Several key tools were introduced, including the Rapid Tourism Assessment Tool, Guiding papers for the Community Involvement Plan (CIP), the SWOT Analysis template, and the Toolkit on the Inclusion of Target Groups. Online platform for the Open source database was developed. Communication continued through websites and social media. During the third reporting period, all project partners successfully finalized the Territorial Analyses for their respective pilot sites. PP8 completed the development of the Database of Collected Data, into which all partners entered their Territorial Analysis findings. The Partners and Steering Committee meeting was held in Budapest on February 26–27, 2025. Most partners completed the SWOT Analysis template during this phase. Preparations began for the partnership’s participation in a networking and team-building event scheduled to take place in Čakovec, Croatia, in the next reporting period. PP6 delivered the Methodology Template and the Template for the Elaboration of Action Plans, with contributions from LP, PP3, and PP8. Additionally, LP successfully established a contact point in Kolan. Throughout the period, the project maintained its visibility and outreach through regular press releases, updates on partner and project websites, and active use of social media. Overall, all planned tasks and deliverables for the first three reporting periods were successfully completed.

Project outputs: Strategy for the valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage in rural and less visited areas of the Danube region(EN)
Organisations that have cooperated in the INTERREG DANUBE project MYSTICAL DANUBE(EN)
Pilot site Action plan for the development of sustainable community tourism services and products (EN)
Joint pilot action developed and implemented in the MYSTICAL DANUBE project(EN)
Jointly developed solution for transnational tourism development(EN)

Thematic information

Cultural heritage and arts Social inclusion and equal opportunities Knowledge and technology transfer

Priority: (VI-B_D_3) Priority 3 - A more social Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO4.6. Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO4 A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights

Type of intervention: 134 Measures to improve access to employment

Partners (10)

Lead Partner: Agencija za ruralni razvoj Zadarske županije

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR40310883418

Address: Ivana Mažuranića, 23000 Zadar, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.agrra.hr

Total budget: EUR 345 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 276 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 69 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Adriatic info d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 18445912889
Name: Pelikan Consult d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 86385325744
Name: Info Turist d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30165276059
Name: Andiva j.d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 31774002546
Name: Migeo, obrt za savj. i dr. usl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 90335506627
Name: DEVIGOLM
VAT registration or tax identification number: 25507202563
Name: Contra d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 13266762886

Агенция за регионално развитие с Бизнес център за подпомагане на малки и средни предприятия

Name: Агенция за регионално развитие с Бизнес център за подпомагане на малки и средни предприятия

Department: N/A

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 115021243

Address: 37 Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Department address: 37 Tsar Boris III Obedinitel Blvd, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.rda-bg.org

Total budget: EUR 142 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 113 920.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 480.00

Ministerul Economiei, Antreprenoriatului și Turismului

Name: Ministerul Economiei, Antreprenoriatului și Turismului

Department: Directorate General Tourism/Marketing and Development Department/Tourism Development Unit

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 45336915

Address: Calea Victoriei, 010096 Bucharest, Romania

Department address: Calea Victoriei, 010096 Bucharest, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: https://turism.gov.ro/web/

Total budget: EUR 153 810.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 123 048.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 762.00

CEEweb a Biológiai Sokféleségért

Name: CEEweb a Biológiai Sokféleségért

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU18413483

Address: Katona József , 1137 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://www.ceeweb.org/

Total budget: EUR 240 650.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 192 520.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 48 130.00

Agencija za upravljanje zaštićenim područjima Podgorice

Name: Agencija za upravljanje zaštićenim područjima Podgorice

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 30/31-23146-8

Address: Bulevar revolucije, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.auzp.me

Total budget: EUR 174 780.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 139 824.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 956.00

Contractors:

Name: Jelana Krivčević
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2108975275011
Name: Radna soba d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30/31-13685-6
Name: CUE Podgorica
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03106861
Name: Damir Dautović
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1912988272038

BROZ – Bratislavské regionálne ochranárske združenie

Name: BROZ – Bratislavské regionálne ochranárske združenie

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2021575028

Address: Na Riviére, 841 04 Bratislava, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.broz.sk

Total budget: EUR 214 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 171 520.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 880.00

Gradska razvojna agencija Banja Luka

Name: Gradska razvojna agencija Banja Luka

Department: Department for Implementation of International and National Projects

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4402112090008

Address: Josifa Pančića, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Josifa Pančića, 78000 Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://cidea.org

Total budget: EUR 150 615.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 120 492.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 123.00

Contractors:

Name: Aleksandra Drinić
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: ADORA Consulting Center
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: ALPHA Consulting
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: Zoran Sanković
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: Saša Mićić
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: Marko Ivanišević
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: Irena Medar Tanjga
VAT registration or tax identification number: n/a
Name: Hotel Vidović d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 402681540003

Privredno društvo za sport, rekreaciju, rehabilitaciju i biznis “Eko zona Ada Huja” d.o.o.

Name: Privredno društvo za sport, rekreaciju, rehabilitaciju i biznis “Eko zona Ada Huja” d.o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100246305 (tax no.)

Address: Ruzveltova, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.ekozonaadahuja.rs/pocetna.html

Total budget: EUR 136 530.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 109 224.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 306.00

Contractors:

Name: Miross Agency
VAT registration or tax identification number: 100048877
Name: Milan Radovic PR Geoplan
VAT registration or tax identification number: 112964233
Name: INVENTA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 104659926

Javna ustanova za razvoj Međimurske županije REDEA

Name: Javna ustanova za razvoj Međimurske županije REDEA

Department: Department of Strategic Planning and Development Programmes

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 6547803101

Address: Bana Josipa Jelačića, 40000 Čakovec, Croatia

Department address: Bana Josipa Jelačića, 40000 Čakovec, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.redea.hr/

Total budget: EUR 201 449.48

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 161 159.58

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 289.90

Contractors:

Name: Kavana i catering "Arka
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03665776633
Name: Malo selo d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 13486090993
Name: MIGEO STRATEGIJA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 32356299543
Name: City projekt d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 20984870449

BSC, Poslovno podporni center d.o.o. Kranj

Name: BSC, Poslovno podporni center d.o.o. Kranj

Department: Department of International projects

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI 32865597

Address: Cesta Staneta Žagarja, 40000 Kranj, Slovenia

Department address: Cesta Staneta Žagarja, 40000 Kranj, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.bsc-kranj.si

Total budget: EUR 214 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 171 520.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 880.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Regional Development Agency with Business Support Centre for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (MEAT)

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

CEEweb for Biodiversity

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

Agency for management of protected areas of Podgorica

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

BROZ – Regional association for nature conservation

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

City Development Agency Banja Luka

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

Business association for sport, recreation, rehabilitation and business Eco zone Ada Huja

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution for the Development of the Međimurje County REDEA

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

BSC, Business support centre L.t.d., Kranj

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Partners and Projects info

Zadar County Rural Development Agency

GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Project acronym: MYSTICAL DANUBE

Project ID: DRP0200231

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Save H2O - Save Water for an Horizon of opportunities - Erasmus (EN) | The objective of the SAVE H2O project is training for a new professional role - the role of the Water Press Manager. The Water Footprint Manager has the necessary knowledge and skills to evaluate the water footprint within European small and medium sized businesses, which enables it to design well-adapted strategies to reduce water footprints of a company without significantly affecting its competitiveness. Within the project, LP1 AGRRA gained experience and valuable knowledge on how to take on an effective leading role in a large, international project consortium. (EN), CUHaCHA - Interreg IPA CBC (EN) | The main objective of the CUHaCHA project is to strengthen and preserve the identity of the common culinary heritage of the Programme area (Cross-border area - Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro) and contribute to the development of tourism. With establishing cross-border cooperation, the project was contributing to the diversification of tourism offers, and better management and promotion of culinary heritage. As a project partner and a project leader, LP1 AGRRA has gained experience in establishing heritage trails, diversifying tourism offers and promoting cultural heritage of the involved area. Best practices and experiences gained in the CUHaCHA project is contributing to Mystical Danube’s activities in the development of new tourism offers and products and in the establishment of the new storytelling route. (EN), Count me in - Erasmus (EN) | The project’s aim is to support the development of a quality learning offer in the field of adult education focusing on learning outcomes and learner responsibility, autonomy as well as promoting the use of technology in educational and civil participation processes. During the project, LP1 AGGRA gained experience in the development of learning materials, while involvement of relevant stakeholders and communities was key in disseminating project outcomes and reach the project’s target groups, gaining experience in the outreach and involvement of target groups. This experience is serving as a good example to the successful involvement of Mystical Danube’s stakeholders and to effectively engage local communities such as municipalities, civil organisations and tourism agencies. (EN), CCI4TOURISM - Interreg VB Adriatic - Ionian (EN) | The valorisation of cultural heritage and the development of sustainable tourism models in the Adriatic-Ionian region was the main focus of the project, with a special focus on the role of creative and cultural industries in tourism development. Within the project - with the involvement of PP5 CIDEA - several activities were carried out, gaining experience in development of management strategies, action plans, creative hubs for community development. The outcomes of the project and the experience gained within, PP5 CIDEA will contribute to the development of local action plans, strategies and new tourism offers and the involvement of local tourism actors within the Mystical Danube Project. (EN),
ADRIONET – Interreg Adrion
(EN) | The ADRIONET project was focusing on the establishment of a transnational network for small authentic villages, located in beautiful locations in river valleys, mountain areas, rural or fringe areas. The project was focusing on the conservation of natural and cultural resources, aiming to promote tourism and contribute to promotion of rural tourism, therefore to the socio-economic development of these areas. As a project partner, the experience PP3 PI REDEA gained in the project will contribute to the valorisation of natural and cultural heritage and creation of the action plans within the Mystical Danube project. (EN), DANUrB - DANube Urban Brand - Interreg Danube (EN) | The project's main goal is to create a comprehensive spatio-cultural network that connects all communities along the river. This network is aiming to enhancing and strengthening the regional cultural identity along the Danube, while developing a common brand by fostering transnational cultural ties between the settlements along the river. The project explores unused or hidden cultural and social capital resources in order to achieve better economic and cultural returns for the region. The experience of the establishment of transnational cooperation and product development based on cultural and natural values will serve as a best practice during the implementation of the Mystical Danube project. (EN), Green Pilgrimage - Interreg Europe (EN) | The Green Pilgrimage project shows how growth and development policies can economically exploit and protect natural and cultural heritage. Key to this is the focus on the power of pilgrimage- recognized today as one of the fastest growing segments of the travel industry (UNWTO, 2015) with more than 300 million pilgrims every year. The project aims to address the issue of growth and development policies often take precedence over environmental policies, threatening our cultural and natural heritage assets. The PP9 Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Tourism in Romania was involved in this project. Synergies are expected with the valorisation of natural and cultural heritage, and the development of local tourism offers in pilot sites. As Interreg Europe program focuses on policies, this knowledge will be of a value in development of the Strategy and in drafting our Policy recommendations for transnational valorisation of natural and associated intangible cultural heritage. (EN), HUMANITA - Interreg Central Europe (EN) | The HUMANITA project is focusing on human-nature interactions and impact of tourist activities on protected areas.The project is aiming to develop evidence-based and participatory management tools that allow regions to better monitor and evaluate the impact of tourism in protected areas. The partnership involves tourists and local communities in the development of their solutions, which helps to collect data, create more awareness and have an impact on tourists’ behaviour. The project focuses on the joint development of new complementary tools and methods of tourists’ impact assessment based on transnational exchanges of experiences to better evaluate environmental conditions and trends, take explicit managerial responses and actions, develop information for national and EU policymakers, and the public. Jointly developed pilot actions and solutions will demonstrate the use of innovative approaches to measuring the environmental impacts of tourism inside PAs. Local communities, municipalities and tourists will also be involved in the project. The HUMANITA project is building on the already established good relationship and PP8 CEEweb’s network with protected area managers, local communities and decision makers, which will be useful for the implementation of the Mystical Danube project as well. The methods, tools and practices used in Humanita are contributing to the implementation of the proposed activities of mapping and collection of natural and cultural heritage, development of the Strategy, Action Plan and policy recommendations. (EN), INSiGHTS - Interreg Danube (EN) | With the involvement of PP8 CEEweb and PP10 RDA BSC SMEs, the project was focusing on the promotion of green, slow and healthy tourism through the development of sustainable tourism strategies. The project was aiming to foster sustainable utilisation of the natural and cultural heritage of the involved areas in the Danube region in order to preserve and upgrade the intact local resources to make these areas attractive destinations for healthy and slow tourism and, thus, serve as the foundation for a flourishing responsible green tourism sector. Within the project, Integrated Sustainable Tourism Strategy Guidelines and Models on slow, green & healthy tourism development were developed, Regional Stakeholder Empowering Workshops were organised, while the pilot actions were implemented on integrated tourism management, greenway-related tourism product and promotion of green & healthy living. The project also developed transnational policy recommendations. The project was already closed, therefore no overlapping activities, or direct synergies are expected. However, the Mystical Danube project can make use of the delivered project outcomes. Similarities with the Insights project, such as developed strategies and policy recommendation can serve as a good example and useful experience during the project implementation, while it’s contributing to the successful implementation of the proposed activities. (EN), VIMOMA - International Visegrad Fund (EN) | The IVF-funded VIMOMA project is aiming to promote visitor monitoring methodologies for protected area managers through capacity-building events and developing a framework methodology and guidelines. Through the organisation of joint workshops, the project aims to educate protected area managers on 5 fields of visitor monitoring (surveying methodologies, equipment and tools, heritage interpretation, communication tools and visitor impact monitoring). Within each workshop field trips are organised in the project partners’ pilot areas and national parks to educate about local experiences in visitor monitoring and management. Based on the workshop, a Guideline is developed, including the developed methodological frameworks for visitor monitoring and management. The project is contributing to the transition to more sustainable and environmentally-friendly. The experience gained within the project, with visitor monitoring and tourism management in protected areas is contributing to a deeper understanding of tourism activities in protected areas, establishing contacts and maintaining relationships with different local and national stakeholders. PP8 CEEWeb was involved in the project and can transfer good practices. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 974 034.48

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 579 227.58

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Deliverables:

Report on territorial analysis and collected data
Database of collected data - natural sites and intangible heritage
Minutes of the PP meeting + SCM2 meeting in Budapest, Hungary
Report on examples of best practices in sustainable community tourism development
Report on the consultation
workshops for Strategy
Report on dissemination and implementation activities of the Strategy
Policy recommendations for sustainable tourism community development with a transnational context
Communication Plan
Communication toolkit
Kick-off conference
Project website + project partners websites
Social media accounts
Publications (press releases)
Final dissemination event
Promotional items
Report on conducting SWOT analysis for each Pilot site
Report on conducting tourism-related tools workshops on each Pilot site
Toolkit on the inclusion of target groups
Report on networking and team-building event in Čakovec, Croatia
Report on community training events in each Pilot site
Report on workshops for the development and implementation of Action plans in each Pilot site
Info map of newly community-based tourism products and services based on APs development
Setting up of a contact point in Zadar County, Croatia
Setting up contact points on other partners' Pilot sites
Mobile app developed
Report on promotion of Green and Mystical Storytelling route at the Tourism Festival in Munich
Reports on guided tours and promotion of the Green and Mystical Storytelling Route
Step-by-step guide on becoming a part of the Green and Mystical Storytelling Route

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The project contributes to the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, to Priority Area 3: Culture and tourism and to the strategic priority PA3-EUSDR and Action 1: Promote sustainable tourism in the Danube Region and capitalize on EUSDR projects in the areas of culture, nature, and tourism, and also to Action 3: Invest in sustainable quality products, services, innovative forms and infrastructure in the fields of tourism and culture, promote skills, education and creating jobs in the related areas. The Mystical Danube project promotes cooperation among different local, regional and national stakeholders with the aim to develop the best model on transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage through capitalisation of previous EUSDR projects. The project also promotes creation of sustainable and community-based tourism products through preservation and promotion of culture in the Danube Region but also promotes new skills and knowledge exchange for creation of new employment opportunities. Through the project implementation the regional needs of the Danube Region regarding the Cultural Routes Programme will be identified and one new transnational route through 9 Danube countries developed. Priority Area Coordinators as ASP (Ministry of Public Works, Development and Administration in Romania) and Steering Group Members as stakeholders will be invited to the direct implementation of activities and we will include EUSDR in our implementation, especially in the creation of our Strategy for transnational valorisation and in creating jobs in tourism sector.
EuropeanGreenDeal The project is designed to follow up on the recommendations and priorities of the European Green Deal. Through the implementation of activities, the project team will have in mind the need to transform our economy and society and create new opportunities for innovation, investments, and jobs. Employment opportunities that will be generated through capacity building and training of local community stakeholders will be for sustainable jobs combining natural and intangible heritage assets and in line with the "do not significant harm" principle. The contact point will set up with sustainable materials and with no harm to the environment or any climate effects. Innovation will include combining natural heritage with intangible cultural heritage as a new touristic resource, thus, by protecting the intangible heritage we are directly protecting the natural heritage from where the intangible one originates. Low carbon emissions, energy independence, health, and well-being must be three top priorities. We will combine different activities (e.g., activity implementation with Steering Committee Meetings to reduce costs and carbon emissions). Project activities will ensure opportunities for everyone, supporting vulnerable citizens by tackling inequality and strengthening the competitiveness of European economy.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The Territorial Agenda 2030 defines two overarching objectives, a Just Europe and a Green Europe, which have six priorities for developing the European territory as a whole, along with all its places. The project results will contribute to the achievement of balanced territorial development and less inequality between places utilising Europe’s diversity, and also to the stable transnational cooperation and development of new strategic documents while involving people from different governance levels, in particular local, regional, and national ones, as well as diverse policy sectors and societal groups.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Hrvatska (HR), Municipality of Kolan, N/A, N/A, 23251
Slovenija (SI), Tržič, Dolina, 22, 4290
Hrvatska (HR), Čakovec, Trg Republike, 5, 40000
Serbia (RS), City of Belgrade (peninsula Ada Huja), N/A, N/A, 11000
Bosnia and Herzegovina (BA), Piskavica, Piskavica , bb, 78217
Slovensko (SK), Zlatná na Ostrove , Veľký Lél , 819, 94612
Crna Gora (ME), Podgorica, N/A, N/A, 81000
Magyarország (HU), Esztergom, N/A, N/A, 2509
România (RO), Călărași, Chiciului st, No 1D, 910146
Bulgaria (BG), Plovdiv, Tzar Boriss III Obedinitel Blvd. , 37, 4000

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-12-17

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

138 / 138 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 413 / 1 413 (100%)

Notes on the data

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GREEN AND MYSTICAL DANUBE STORYTELLING ROUTE - Transnational valorisation of natural and intangible cultural heritage for socio-economic development of rural areas in the Danube region

Description

Thematic information

Partners (10)

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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