REVERS- Integration of eco touristic development and nature preservation in protected areas
Project objective: REVERS aims to enhance the role of culture and sustainable tourism in the region by promoting economic development, social inclusion, and innovation. Through the integration of tourism and environmental policies, REVERS will ensure long-term sustainability while preserving the unique biodiversity and natural resources of these protected areas.
Project description: The REVERS project seeks to reverse the negative impacts of unsustainable tourism practices in protected natural areas, including three rivers (Zrmanja and Krupa in Croatia, and the Una which flows through Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina), and two mountain regions (Crnopac in Croatia and Lovćen in Montenegro). These areas have significant potential for sustainable tourism development but face major challenges. The lack of a unified model for sustainable tourism, fragmented policies, and a lack of stakeholder cooperation have resulted in missed opportunities to develop high-quality, innovative tourism products and services.
REVERS focuses on the integration of tourism and environmental protection in protected areas of Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The aim is to encourage sustainable development through innovative tourism products that promote the conservation of natural and cultural heritage and reduce the negative impact of tourism.
A multidisciplinary working group will be formed to collaborate on developing strategies to balance tourism and environmental protection. Innovative eco-tourism products will be created, highlighting natural and cultural values and enabling responsible tourism experiences that contribute to local community development.
A key goal is the digitalization of protected areas. Through installed equipment, a mobile application, and the REVERSE HUB platform, visitors will find it easier to explore destinations and access information about natural and cultural sites, thereby promoting lesser-known but equally valuable areas.
The project also includes training for local stakeholders to improve skills in sustainable tourism and natural resource management. The focus is on involving local communities in the value of their heritage and creating new job opportunities through eco-tourism.
Additionally, a joint action plan and marketing strategy will be developed to link coastal and rural offerings, thereby laying a sustainable foundation for long-term eco-tourism development in the cross-border region. REVERS is expected to increase ecological awareness, improve stakeholder cooperation, and contribute to the economic development of rural and protected areas.
Lead Partner: Natura-Jadera Public Institution for the Management of Protected Areas in Zadar County
Project Partners: Zadar County (Croatia), Public Institution Velebit Nature Park (Croatia), Public Enterprise National Park “Una” Bihać (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Municipality of Cetinje (Montenegro)
Project Duration: 1 September 2024 – 28 February 2027
Funding Source/Operational Programme: Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina–Montenegro 2021–2027
Support Rate: 85%
Project Value: €1,425,224.50
