Strengthening partnership cooperation between Poland and Lithuania for the development of sustainable tourism and ecological education in the cross-border area

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Lithuania-Poland

Date of latest update: 2025-02-03

Description

Description (EN):

The border regions of Poland and Lithuania are characterized as green territory with large forest complexes, rich with natural and cultural attractions, retained local culture, traditions, crafts, the traditional way of life. Despite regions' rich natural and cultural assets, tourism development is hindered by remote locations, seasonal visitation, limited transportation infrastructure and language barriers. Lack of cooperation between stakeholders limits potential, but collaborative efforts aim to address these challenges. A joint project, "Wildlife Undercover," will focus on developing and promoting sustainable tourism opportunities and ecological education through collaborative efforts between project partners - Nature Heritage Fund, Center for Ecological Education of Elk City Municipality, and the Directorate of Protected Areas of Dzukija and Suvalkija. A key initiative is the creation of a joint tourism route called "Wildlife Undercover," spanning Eastern Poland and Southern Lithuania. This route will highlight natural attractions and rare species in forests, wetlands, and protected areas on both sides of the border, aiming to engage nature lovers and educate visitors about the region's biodiversity. Additionally, the project will invest in joint nature lessons aimed at younger visitors, local guides, and other interested parties, fostering cross-border connections and promoting the unique wildlife of the region. Enhancing the skills of local guides and facilitating knowledge and experience exchange between Lithuania and Poland is another crucial aspect, aimed at providing high-quality tourism offerings and showcasing the region's natural beauty. Innovative IT solutions, such as interactive terrain model of Elk region and information terminal in Vištytis, will further enhance the visitor experience. Ultimately, these collaborative efforts aim to strengthen ties between Lithuania and Poland while positioning the cross-border area as a unified tourism destination. By focusing on sustainable tourism development, the project seeks to generate lasting positive impacts on the region's economy, environment, and communities.

Expected Achievements (EN): Development of capacities of project partners and target groups for inclusive and sustainable tourism promotion

Project outputs: Cooperation between Nature Heritage Fund (LT), Center for Ecological Education of Elk Municipality (PL) and Directorate of Dzukija-Suvalkija Protected Areas (LT) created and maintained.(EN)
A set of nature lessons on protected species developed as a joint solution for the promotion of sustainable tourism and environmental education.(EN)
Two cultural and tourism sites supported by investments into small scale infrastructure creating conditions for promotion of sustainable tourism.(EN)
Website: http://www.gpf.lt

Thematic information

Tourism Education and training Community integration and common identity

Priority: (VI-A_Lt-Pl_2) Promoting physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing

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: 167 Protection, development and promotion of natural heritage and eco-tourism other than Natura 2000 sites

Partners (3)

Lead Partner: Gamtos paveldo fondas

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 125606786

Address: A. Vivulskio, 03114 Vilnius, Lithuania

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.gpf.lt

Total budget: EUR 40 322.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 32 258.24

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 064.56

Dzūkijos-Suvalkijos saugomų teritorijų direkcija

Name: Dzūkijos-Suvalkijos saugomų teritorijų direkcija

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 306109963

Address: Kampelių g. , LT-64351 Aleknonių k., Alytaus r. , Lithuania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website (not verified): https://dzukijossuvalkijosstd.lrv.lt/lt/

Total budget: EUR 39 816.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 31 852.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 7 963.20

Gmina Miasto Ełk

Name: Gmina Miasto Ełk

Department: Center for Ecological Education / Centrum Edukacji Ekologicznej w Ełku

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 8481825438

Address: Piłsudskiego , 19-300 Ełk Ełk, Poland

Department address: Ul. Parkowa, 19-300 Ełk Ełk, Poland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.elk.pl

Total budget: EUR 79 543.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 63 635.04

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 15 908.76

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Dzūkijos-Suvalkijos saugomų teritorijų direkcija

Strengthening partnership cooperation between Poland and Lithuania for the development of sustainable tourism and ecological education in the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

Elk City Municipality

Strengthening partnership cooperation between Poland and Lithuania for the development of sustainable tourism and ecological education in the cross-border area

Partners and Projects info

Nature Heritage Fund

Strengthening partnership cooperation between Poland and Lithuania for the development of sustainable tourism and ecological education in the cross-border area

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Strengthening partnership cooperation between Poland and Lithuania for the development of sustainable tourism and ecological education in the cross-border area

Project acronym: Wildlife Undercover

Project ID: LTPL00256

Project start date: 2024-11-01

Project end date: 2025-10-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

09.4.1-ESFA-V-735-02-0001, 2020-2023 "Provision of quality career services in a real and virtual environment", participation in a particular activity "Youth testing the profession" in a real workplace during summer vacation". (EN) | The project's experience is relevant in relation to increasing the competencies of guides. The aim of the project was to provide young people with experience and work skills while working in a real workplace. 9 young people worked in visitor centers, led excursions, got acquainted with the profession, the field of tourism, and organization of events. They gained work experience, knowledge and skills in the field of tourism. (EN), Development of tourism based on natural and cultural heritage of transborder towns Elk and Kaunas (LT-PL-1R-030)
(EN) | The project increased the use of Ełk's natural resources for tourism purposes. The main activities of the project included adapting the shore of Lake Ełckie for active and passive recreation.
(EN), Cross-border tourist area in the cities Ełk and Kaunas (LTPL-3R-234)
(EN) | The project was a direct continuation of activities carried out in the project from the 1st call for proposals of the Program. The project has created a unique tourist attraction that allows you to admire the natural heritage of Lake Ełk - an observation tower.
(EN), Interreg V-A Latvia – Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 project LLI-264 “Explore Zemgale by Bicycle“ (EN) | Project introduced a new direction in creating routes across the border, sharing experience and knowledge with partners not only in their own country, but also across the border. Project experience and results showed that the demand for routes on both sides of the border is high among visitors. Project experience will be used within Wildlife Undercover project. Reinforce the appropriateness of project approach and methodologies applied especially in relation to necessity for stakeholder participation, capacity building, thematic travel routes. Project gave high communication and cooperation experience between project partners, extended the knowledge of project management and the gained experience will be actively used in this project. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 159 682.60

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 127 746.08

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

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 127 746.08. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

A set of nature lessons about rare species developed by LP1
A set of costumes representing 9 rare species developed by PP3
A series of 9 nature classed organized by PP3
A series of 5 nature classed organized by PP2
Cross border travel route developed and web map application created by LP1
Tourism route printed by PP2
2 experience exchange visits organized to PL and LT
2 joint events for youth target groups
Training of guides organized by PP2
Training of guides organized by PP3
Model of the Ełk Lakeland terrain created and placed in premises of PP2
Infoterminal installed by PP3
Visibility requirements observed, 9 informational articles posted on social media sites of partners.

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion The proposed project goes in line with EUBSR Strategy and its objectives 'Increase Prosperity' and 'Connect the Region'. Its policy area 'Tourism' notes necessity for creation and promotion of sustainable tourism products and services at cross-border level, there is a growing demand for theme-based high quality products in the fields of culture, nature, heritage protection. Diversification of the supply of tourism products and services, support of cooperation with other sectors - environment, education, IT, are highly stressed in the Strategy. By fostering cooperation among stakeholders, preparation of a cross-border thematic travel route, building capacities of staff and local stakeholders, the project will directly contribute to achievement of EUBSR Strategy objectives, make the cross-border region an attractive tourism destination observing increasing tourist flows.
Other In 2022, The Ministry of Economy and Innovation of the Republic of Lithuania, along with VšĮ "Keliauk Lithuania," formulated guidelines for the advancement of Lithuanian tourism. These guidelines advocate for investing in skills and competencies to ensure the presence of a highly qualified workforce in the market and to create enticing career opportunities within the tourism sector.
Other The 2021-2030 National Progress Plan for Lithuania outlines strategic objectives, with the third goal focusing on enhancing the inclusivity and efficacy of education to address both individual and societal needs. This aligns with the "Lithuania 2023" initiative for a Smart Society and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly quality education and gender equality. Initiatives such as nature lessons and guide qualifications play a vital role in fostering quality, inclusive, and creative education.
Other Development Strategy of the Ełk Functional Urban Area 2030. The implementation of the project will have a positive impact on the development of the tourist function of Municipality of Ełk and will strengthen the tourist brand in relation to other recognizable tourist brands in the region. It will strengthen ecological education and knowledge of project recipients.
Other Development Strategy of the Ełk Functional Urban Area 2030, its Strategic objective 1. Increased competitiveness, Specific objective 1.4. Strengthening the infrastructure and tourist brand of the Ełk MOF and the EGO subregion. Directions of activities: A. Development of attractive tourist locations, in particular areas by the lakes and the Ełk River and important tourist attractions; B. Creation/development of tourist service areas; C. Development of a network of tourist trails, including road, bicycle, pedestrian, water, thematic - in particular in the scope of small tourist infrastructure, rest areas, adapted to people with disabilities; E. Supporting the development of tourist services, including accommodation, catering, and recreational facilities. Strategic objective 2. Increasing the attractiveness of MOF Ełk as a place of residence, Detailed objective 2.2. Development of the offer and infrastructure of free time https://bip.elk.warmia.mazury.pl/system/obj/36820_Strategia_MOF_Elk_2030_wersja_do_uchwalenia.pdf
Other The project is also in line with the Strategy of socio-economic development of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship until 2030 and its Strategic objective: Smart productivity, 5.4.2 Smart specialization. Directions of actions of the operational objective smart specialization: - product approach to the tourist offer taking into account the need to extend the tourist season and search for diverse and innovative forms of tourism and recreation, while maintaining the principles of sustainable tourism (e.g. business, active, family, senior tourism); - infrastructure investments (responding to the needs of tourists and residents and supporting the creation of demand for new and innovative products, including tourism, while maintaining the natural values of the region - e.g. based on the Masurian Canal, the Elbląg Canal, the Łyna River, or the developing spa function in the province). https://strategia.warmia.mazury.pl/sejmik-przyjal-strategie-spoleczno-gospodarcza-do-2030-roku/ “

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 077 - Number of cultural and tourism sites supported, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

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

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Lithuania-Poland

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

2025-02-03

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

53 / 53 (100%)

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

123 / 123 (100%)

Notes on the data

Languages

Contact Form

Strengthening partnership cooperation between Poland and Lithuania for the development of sustainable tourism and ecological education in the cross-border area

Description

Thematic information

Partners (3)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

Disclaimer