On 28 April, the project Via Dinarica: A Platform for Sustainable Tourism Development and Local Economic Growth was officially launched at the first meeting of the Project board in Sarajevo. Worth 1,5 million USD, this 3-year project is designed to contribute to the reduction of economic, social and regional disparities in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the affirmation of the Via Dinarica as a regional tourism destination and increase BiH’s competitiveness in nature-based tourism.
The project is co-funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and will be implemented by UNDP in co-operation with national partners – relevant state and entity ministries, local governments, civil society and tourism-related private sector.
Thomas Rojas, Director of Economic Development Office at USAID Mission in BiH said: “Over the past several years, USAID has supported several activities that improve the environment and develop tourism. We are excited about this new activity because people living in the towns and mountain villages along the trails will now have the ability to generate additional income by offering tourism services and products. This project will help them lead sustainable lives fully respecting the environment and preserving local culture while generating future opportunities for their children.”
“The heart of the project is the Via Dinarica which stretches over 650 km along the southern mountain range of the Dinarica Alps in Southeast Europe. Bosnia and Herzegovina lies in its center and offers extraordinary natural and cultural heritage, as well as major potential for tourism and local businesses creating new jobs and sustainable development”, said Božena Kaltak, Via Dinarica Project Manager.
The project will promote and develop local communities and small businesses by assessing and charting the three major Via Dinarica trails (the White, Green and Blue), improving tourism infrastructure, and strengthening capacities of local service providers. While focusing on integrated tourism development, it aims to make connections between cities and communities in the region, and stengthen partnerships between public, private, and civil society organisations.
The meeting was attended by members of the Project board, i.e. representatives of the USAID, the UNDP, the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH, the Ministry of Trade and Tourism of RS, and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism of FBiH.
ST
