Mountain walk in Croatia: discover how Cohesion Policy supports Danko

In Croatia, local workers and self-entrepreneurs in the tourism sector can find benefit from numerous opportunities thanks to the European Cohesion Policy. Danko is an imaginary character created by Montana174 project, whose intention is to showcase real projects financed by the 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy for professionals working in the tourism sector in mountain areas.

Discover with him from what initiatives local citizens can benefit in his mountain area:

1. Nature & Wildlife stands up for mountain biodiversity

The cross-border area of Dinaric karst, between Slovenia and Croatia, is exceptionally rich of biodiversity in plants and animals, and they host three types of large carnivores. The Nature & Wildlife project was engaged to develop a new tourist offer for experiencing nature and wild animals in the cross-border areas of the Dinaric karst. The final objective was to encourage a form of sustainable tourism that goes along with environmental preservation of mountains. The project was set up local partnerships to integrate the competencies of development organisations and park managers, improve green infrastructures within and outside the parks and organise activities for the large public.

2. Large Carnivores Visitor Centre about natural heritage and biodiversity

A Centre for Large Carnivores was built in Stara Sušica, in Gorski Kotar. In this Centre, visitors – particularly children- can learn interesting facts about bear, wolf and lynx, as well as about nature and forests, thanks to the presence of multimedia and 3D technologies. The aim of the Centre is to increase the recognizability of Gorski Kotar as an ecologically preserved destination, as well as to raise awareness of young people about the preservation of large carnivores and nature in general.

3. The Routes of Frankopans

 In the Gorski Kotar region was created a new interpretation centre connected to The Route of Frankopans. The cultural-tourist route “The Routes of the Frankopans” includes seventeen castles and fortified towns. The project united the natural, cultural, gastronomic and tourist offer of our region, point out the connection of our medieval history with the European circle and it is a great incentive for the development of the coastal hinterland and Gorski Kotar.

Have a look at how Danko experienced Cohesion Policy in  his mountain walk (available in English and Croatian).