The main objective of the project is to utilise the natural resources and cultural assets of forests located in the Danube Region in order to create sustainable and innovative ecotourism and to develop related services.
Why did we come together to develop the Danube Wood(s) Route?
The Danube Region boasts one of Europe’s richest forest resources, including vast areas of untouched forests. These forests are home to endangered species and provide valuable ecosystem services that have sustained local communities for centuries. The region’s diverse forest-based cultural heritage represents a fundamental resource for the development of sustainable green tourism. However, despite their potential, wooden cultural heritage and traditions remain underutilised in tourism, leading to challenges such as the deterioration of wooden artefacts, the replacement of traditional buildings, and the fading of traditional craftsmanship. There is a lack of green business initiatives and sustainable local value chains that could promote the “wood civilisation” and enhance ecotourism. In addition, young people and potential developers often fail to recognise the value and opportunities inherent in wood-based craftsmanship and green tourism. Forest biodiversity is also at risk due to the underutilisation of traditional tree species.
What are the main expected outcomes of the 30-month international project?
The primary goal is the long-term sustainable use and valorisation of the Danube Region’s forest resources (natural) and wood-based heritage (cultural). These resources will be used to develop innovative services and products for sustainable ecotourism, resulting in the creation of the Danube Wood(s) Route, rooted in traditional knowledge. The initiative aims to stimulate rural development across the region. The project seeks to develop a strategic framework, strengthen capacity building, and increase visibility in order to facilitate the establishment and promotion of the Danube Wood(s) Route.
Who is involved in the project?
Seventeen partners from eleven countries are cooperating over a period of 30 months to create and implement the transnational Danube Wood(s) Route network.
BSC, Business Support Centre Ltd., Kranj (Slovenia)
Institute for Sustainable Development (Slovenia)
Holz von Hier Nonprofit Ltd. (Germany)
Association of Parks in Bulgaria (Bulgaria)
Varna Economic Development Agency (Bulgaria)
WWF Romania Association (Romania)
Regional Development Agency of the Pilsen Region (Czech Republic)
Woodworld Murau (Austria)
Croatian Wood Cluster (Croatia)
DDRIÜ Nonprofit Ltd. (Hungary)
Regional Development Agency of the Prešov Self-Governing Region (Slovakia)
SMART Development Center Association (Romania)
Danube Competence Center (Serbia)
Zlatibor Regional Development Agency (Serbia)
Active Sarajevo Economic Region Development Agency (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Kozara National Park (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Hungarian Furniture and Wood Industry Association (Hungary)
Budget
Total budget: EUR 2,919,087.50
Interreg Funds: EUR 2,335,270.00
Supported by the Danube Region Programme
Programme priority
A more social Danube Region
Priority 3.3: Socio-economic development through heritage, culture, and tourism
Project duration
1 January 2024 – 30 June 2026
Further information
www.interreg-danube.eu/projects/danube-woodsroute
Lead Partner
BSC, Business Support Centre Ltd., Kranj
Ms Helena Cvenkel
E: helena.cvenkel@bsc-kranj.si
T: +386 4 281 7239
Cesta Staneta Žagarja 37
4000 Kranj
Slovenia
This project is supported by the Interreg Danube Region Programme, co-financed by the European Union.
