Good practice:

BARANYA GREENWAY

In March 2012 Gyeregyalog.hu Association, in partnership with 2 Hungarian and 2 Croatian organizations submitted a project proposal for the designation and development of a greenway route from Osijek (Croatia) through the Kopački-meadow to Bakonya (Hungary).
Within the project the greenway route has been designated, information boards, maps and direction arrows have been placed out to help visitors’ orientation. A website promotes the project, and continuously provides news and results about the greenway. The interactive map presents the tourist attractions and service providers along the 247 km long route. Billingual brochures have been created. Study tours have been organized for different target groups (journalists, ecotourists, children). Young artists have been invited to get acquainted with and experiment with the use of natural materials (straw) as a means of artistic expression in art camps. Summer camps offered fun activities, games, outings that teach about nature and the principles of environmentally conscious lifestyle organized for Hungarian and Croatian children. Eco-festivals with diverse programs were organized. Purchase and placement into service of bicycles and yurts contributed to the expansion of supply of the settlements along the route. In Zmajevac a multifunctional Ecotourism Visitor Centre, in Bakonya an Ecotourism Exhibition Space and activity room has been created by the renovation of old buildings.

Total budget of the project: 413.930 EUR; engaged project staff from all parties contributed to the successful implementation.

The databases (natural, cultural, ecotourism values), the study (on product development potential of the greenway) and the qualification system of ecotourism service providers developed within the project provided an essential starting point for development on both sides of the border. Another project has been developed and implemented called “Eat Green” - Sustainable table-culinary traditions and innovations along Baranya Greenway being in process which is a spinn off of the Baranya Greenway.

The process itself, the outputs and results of the project mean really good and applicable guidance for all actors managing, planning or participating in greenways.