Integration of eco touristic development and nature preservation in protected areas (REVERS)

Priority Axis 4: Sustainable and inclusive tourism and culture
Operation start date: 1 September 2024
Operation completion date: 28 February 2027
Budget: EUR 1.425.224,50
Number of partners: 5

Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The project aims to reverse the negative effects of unsustainable tourism practices in protected natural areas of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The REVERS project integrates tourism development and environmental protection to promote long-term sustainability and unique biodiversity of the project area. This objective will be achieved through digital interpretation of protected sites and joint research on biodiversity. Protected natural areas include three rivers (Zrmanja and Krupa – HR, and Una – HR and BA) and two mountain areas (Crnopac in HR and Lovćen in ME). Through digital interpretation of selected sites and joint development of REVERSE HUB platform, lesser-known areas will be promoted, and visitors will have easier access to natural and cultural landmarks.


 

Beneficiaries:

The Lead partner (LP), Public Institution for management of protected areas in Zadar County, Natura-Jadera (HR) has extensive experience in managing EU-funded projects, particularly those related to environmental protection. Natura-Jadera coordinates biodiversity research in Croatia, maintains social media accounts, and actively participates in development of the REVERS HUB platform and joint upskilling program. The LP is also responsible for installing smart benches, visitor counters, interpretation boards, and signalling totems within the protected area around the Una River.


Zadar County (HR), actively engages in capacity-building activities and project promotion. This partner is responsible for improvement of tourist infrastructure around the Zrmanja river, which includes the installation of smart benches, visitor counters, interpretation boards, signalling totems, etc. PP2 coordinates the development of a joint marketing plan for protected locations in Zadar County and facilitates the workshops for project stakeholders.


Public Institution Velebit Nature Park (HR), coordinates the collaborative development of REVERS tourism products and facilitates the organization of one CBC thematic event. PP3 is primarily responsible for digital interpretation of protected areas around the Krupa River and the Crnopac site, which includes the installation of information points, visitor counters, interpretation boards, and signalling totems.


Public Company “Una” National park Ltd Bihać (BA), is responsible for improvement of tourist infrastructure in NP Una, which includes the installation of smart digital spots, totems, visitor counters, mobile eco toilet sets, and information tables. PP4 will organize biodiversity research in BA, participate in capacity-building events, and coordinate joint development of marketing and action plans.


Old Royal Capital Cetinje – ORCC (ME) is responsible for digital interpretation of  NP Lovćen, which includes the installation of 4 smart solar benches with interactive panels, tourist info totems, signalling totems and 1 visitor counter. PP5 coordinates biodiversity research in ME and ensures a seamless flow of information both within the partnership and to the public. PP5 will also facilitate the joint development of REVERS mobile app and new marketing plan for NP Lovćen.