Report on CESCI’s study tour in 2024
Knowledge sharing | 2024. September 02.
Following a tradition, the Central European Service for Cross-Border Initiatives has once again organised a study visit for its members in the framework of its services to the membership, from 26 to 30 August 2024. This year, the members visited the cross-border Karavanke Geopark, a good practice of cooperation between the Austrian and Slovenian sides of the Karavanke Mountains. During the study trip, the participants were able to learn about the characteristics of the border area, numerous project sites, the operation and development activities of the geopark. During the trip, CESCI members were also able to attend a number of professional lectures and tourism programmes. Below you can read a summary of the enjoyable professional trip.
On the first day, the participants arrived at the picturesque lakeside Pirkdorfer See Hotel, where breakfast and a hearty dinner were served each day. Upon arrival, the team was welcomed by the host geopark’s director, Gerald Hartmann. During the informal get-to-know-you chat, we also learned a lot about everyday life in the border region.
On the second day, the journey started at Sittersdorf, the office of the geopark’s working organisation. At the site, which was a former school building converted from an INTERREG project, the participants were greeted by several Austrian mayors and the staff of the geopark. After the official welcome, Director Hartmann presented the story of the geopark’s creation. He explained how the cooperation between local authorities was first established, how the foundations were laid for the award of the geopark title and, finally, when and how the European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation was established. He explained the main objectives and activities of the geopark, which include the presentation of geological assets, but also, beyond this, a complex network of partners at several regional levels, covering various themes such as tourism, the environment, education and culture. The key question was how to present geohistoric values in an entertaining and experiential way, using a geopark methodology that supports sustainable tourism. In response to questions from the audience, Gerald also covered the details of regional tourism destination management and product development, the dangers of massive tourism, the existing and expected impact of the surrounding cities (Klagenfurt, Ljubljana, Graz) and major transport infrastructure developments, their border opening lobbying activities under COVID-19, the importance of regional identity and pride, the specificities of their own educational network and programmes, and last but not least, the cultural and community events with the Geofestival label. The second half of the day included a guided tour of the Obir Cave, the most beautiful stalactite cave in Austria.
On the third day, the team took a cable car up to the Petzen Hill (Peca in Slovenian), which is central for regional identity and cross-border cooperation, accompanied by project assistant Danijela Modrej. On the mountain, the delegation visited the Geo.Dom visitor centre, set up by the INTERREG project, where the geopark director gave a presentation. The presentation and related technical discussion covered the EGTC’s organisational structure, business model and management. How local residents, experts and private actors, private capital are involved in the organisational and operational structure was described in detail. A more serious policy discussion developed on the criteria for successful and effective cross-border cooperation (e.g. bilingualism, strong local-community commitment, long-term thinking, building on regional identity, involvement and involvement of private actors), what aspects should be taken into account, and what are the main experiences along the Austrian and Hungarian borders. Afterwards, project manager Lara Piko, who presented the visitor centre, guided the participants around the Petzen site. A short hiking tour took the travellers to see the mountain panorama and the local developments of the geopark. Before dinner, the group visited the charming little town of Bleiburg on the Austrian side.
On the fourth day, the team left Austria and went to the Mežica Visitor Centre on the Slovenian side for the first time. On the spot, the Slovenian mayors gave a welcome speech, followed by a presentation by the Geopark Director, who gave a detailed presentation of the most important INTERREG, Horizon and Erasmus projects of the park, both completed and ongoing. He said that no less than €13 million of investments had already been made in the Karavanka region with EU support. Touristic projects have included the creation of products, itineraries and related offers (NaKult), the creation of a tourism network with private partners (NatureGame), the introduction of new green attractions in the spirit of sustainability, and the construction of a visitor centre, tourist information network between visitor centres (GreenTour), restoration a pilgrimage route (Ruritage), develoment of geotours with the involvement of the Slovenian minority (DanubeGeoTourPlus) and a plan to launch a bus service for tourists in boots (Connect2Tourism). Among the projects with a nature and environment focus, he highlighted the protection and sustainable use of water resources and the increasing need for joint risk management and disaster prevention cooperation in the context of climate change (e.g. landslides, mudflows, floods, preparedness). Projects have been developed on sustainable water management, an action plan on water use (KaraWat) and wetland restoration (I-Swamp). These projects often also support the creation of a more sustainable and greener tourism offer, monitoring of tourism and its impacts (Humanita), visitor management, and positioning of the region. Environmental education, reaching out to future generations and promoting the values of the geopark in an experiential way are also important in almost all cases. The rich mining history was also presented: first, participants visited a mining museum building, then the more adventurous could explore part of the lead mine in the heart of the mountain, which has more than a thousand kilometres of tunnels. One of the most memorable experiences of the trip was the train ride that accompanied the mine visit.
On the fifth day, there was nothing left to do but return to Budapest. CESCI remains committed to organising further knowledge transfer and networking events for its members, contributing to the experience of the membership in other border regions and to the establishment of new partnerships.
Honlapunk a Külgazdasági és Külügyminisztérium támogatásával készült.
