1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TOURISM PROJECTS IN THE EUROREGION DANUBE – DRAVA – SAVA - projects, initiatives, visions Kornelija Mlinarević Pecs, October 19, 2010.

2. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TOURISM PROJECTS IN THE EUROREGION DANUBE – DRAVA - SAVA PRESENTATION OUTLINE –Introduction: geographical position, basic information on the area in brief –Presentation of different initiatives / projects in the field of sustainable tourism in territory of the Euroregion Danube-Drava-Sava –Opportunities via EU funded programs –Future perspective of eco-tourism development –Conclusion

3. What is the “euroregion”? In European politics, the term Euroregion usually refers to a transnational co-operation structure between two (or more) contiguous territories located in different European countries. Usually, those arrangements are performed as co-operation between units of local or regional government across the border in order to promote common interests and enhance the living standards of the border populations. The Euroregional Cooperation Dunav-Sava-Drava is an international voluntary organization of territorial self-governmental units from the Republic of Hungary, Republic of Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina and other territories spatially gravitating toward the Danube, Drava, and Sava Rivers.

4. Euroregion Dunav-Drava-Sava Euroregion encompasses the area of 25 256 km2 with population of 2,8 milions inhabitants in 2057 settlements. EDDS has 24 members (11 units of regional authorities, 8 cities and 5 chambers of commerce from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Hungary) and 4 cities-observers from Vojvodina, Serbia).

5. Who, When and Why? Euroregional co-operation "Dunav-Drava-Sava" was founded by signing the Statute in Pecs on November 28,1998. Reason for foundation of the Euroregion "Dunav-Drava- Sava" was gathering of experts and interested parties around the initiative of construction of the european highway in the European traffic corridor V/c (TEM project) whose aim was to connect closely the region and enable better communication of the region with central Europe in one direction and Adriatic sea in another.

6. Members of the Euroregion DDS Members from Hungary: Županija Baranja (Baranya); Županija Somogy; Grad Barcs; Grad Pečuh (Pécs); Grad Szekszárd; PBKIK- Pečuško-baranjska trgovinska i industrijska komora Members from Croatia: Brodsko - posavska županija; Koprivničko - križevačka županija; Osječko - baranjska županija; Požeško - slavonska županija; Virovitičko - podravska županija; Vukovarsko - srijemska županija; Grad Koprivnica; Grad Osijek; Grad Požega; Grad Vukovar; HGK - Županijska komora Osijek; HGK Županijska komora Požega; Županijska komora Vukovar Members from Bosnia and Herzegovina: Tuzlanski kanton; Županija posavska; Brčko Distrikt Bosne i Hercegovine; Općina Tuzla; Kantonalna privredna komora Tuzla (Privredna komora Regije Tuzla) Observers (Serbia): Općina Apatin; Općina Bač; Općina Sombor; Općina Subotica

7. Cooperation Objectives The Members shall subordinate their activities toward the following objectives: development of mutual relations among the population and regional institutions to achieve better acquaintance, understanding, collaboration and friendship; creation of conditions for a more successful experience and know-how flow and its application for the benefit of an overall regional development; creation of expert base (knowledge, best practices) for the design of a sustainable development concept within the Euroregion while using joint and separated material resources, preserving the natural resources’ value, and protecting the environment; establishment of joint developmental interests, preparation, establishment, and harmonization of a joint developmental strategy within the systems of their mother states; development of mutual economic relations in a conjoined development.

8. What connects us History and tradition Panonian space – rivers, plains People / minorities EU accession status: member / candidate / to be candidate Joint opportunities and awarennes that some projects are of too wide importance for municipalities / counties / countries Neccesity to work closely together

9. The Pécs2010 „A Borderless City”: Pécs is the first Cultural Capital of Europe to open a gateway to the rich multiculturality of the Balkans, including its Islamic heritage - in a period of time when the borders of the European Union will be extended towards the Balkan states. It wishes to play the role of a gateway city between cultures of the West and the East, presenting different cultural experiences, and in this mission it is assisted by the fact that in 2010 the other two capitals of culture will be the Ruhr region in Germany (Essen) and Istanbul in Turkey.

10. WHAT CONNECTS US: Feeling to be “at home” even we crossed the administrative border (hystorical-socio-natural-economical context)

11. What connects us

15. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT environmental sustainability,environmentalsustainability economic sustainability andeconomic sociopolitical sustainability.sociopolitical The true proof of “sustainable tourism” will be the sustainable development of local communities that serve as tourist destinations. International Council on Local Environmental Initiatives

16. Svjetski trendovi / Világtrendek Eco-tourism/ ökoturizmus, Cultural tourism/ kulturális turizmus, Thematical tourism/ tematikus turizmus, Adventure tourism / kalandturizmus, Cruise trips / körutazások, Nautical tourism / búvárturizmus.

17. Joint opportunity for growth: Eco-tourism Also: Strong development of organic production Wine roads Preserved nature Traditional hospitality Opportunity for growth: differentiated tourism – tourism of the future. Responsible voyage to nature “resorts” which preserves environment and upgrades the well being of local population. Tourism in harmony with nature and local traditions.

18. Project: Sustainable tourism in Eastern Slavonia and Baranja Project goals: Stimulate local economy through the concept of sustainable tourism Stimulate sustainable interaction between the local community and surrounding nature Promotion of the region (Tourist guide for the area and Internet site) Activities: series of workshops on ECO TOURISM / Sustainable tourism “school in nature” research of the existing and potential segments of tourism offer in Eastern Slavonia and Baranja (cultural and natural heritage, accommodation, gastronomy, etc.

19. Project: Via Pacis Pannonia – Pannonian Peace Path Main project goal: Reconciliation and economic development of bordering Croatian and Serbian local communities through the establishment of cross-border cooperation. Partnership: Ecological Association – Green Osijek, City of Osijek, Municipality of Sombor, Green Network Vojvodina. One of the goals of the Via Pacis Pannonia Project was to work on development of bicycle paths which connect Croatia, Serbia and Montenegro. CREATION OF THE 3RD PEACE BICYCLE PATH IN THE WORLD

20. Project: Via Pacis Pannonia – Pannonian Peace Path Results: 1. Established cross-border cooperation in the field of sport, culture and SME sector. 2. Strategic plans for future cross-border cooperation elaborated by local authorities and civil society groups. 3. Initiated activities in the field of environmental protection and Eco-tourism development. 4. Constructed peace bicycle route from Zlatna greda (CRO) to Sombor (SRB)

21. Main project goal: Economic and social development of central Danubian region and sustainable management of natural and cultural resources through development of new tourist offer (services and products) and cross border cooperation. Partnership: Ecological Association Green Osijek, Tourist board of Osijek Baranja County, Tourist Board of City of Osijek, Municipality of Sombor Funded through: CARDS 2004 CROSS BORDER COOPERATION CROATIA – SERBIA Project: Development of Cross-border Eco-tourism in Central Danubian Region

22. Activities: 1. Systematic inventory of the existing and potential tourist offer. 2. Creation of new tourist offer through the education and active participation of local communities (education of inhabitants in rural areas, preparation of new project ideas). 3. Set up of new tourist activities - new bicycle path, walking paths, animal observation points, panorama observation points, kayaking, camp registration in Eco centre Zlatna Greda 4. Creation of the first cross-border tourist offer. 5. Marketing and promotion of the territory. Project: Development of Cross-border Eco-tourism in Central Danubian Region

23. Project: Development of Cross-border Eco-tourism in Central Danubian Region

24. NGO’s Government institutions International organizations Business sector Local authorities Citizens, local population Partnership – model of project implementation

25. FUTURE PERSPECTIVE FOR DEVELOPMENT – in terms of Cross-Border Cooperation IPA Component II Cross-border cooperation Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Slovenia – Croatia CBC Hungary – Croatia CBC Croatia – Bosna and Herzegovina CBC Croatia – Serbia CBC Croatia – Montenegro CBC Transnational programs: SEES and Mediterranean

26. European Grouping of territorial co-operation (EGTC) Danube strategy ISSUE: - Biosphere HU-CRO - Planned energy projects New opportunities / initiatives / possible frameworks and funds :

27. Projects - SEE -DATOURWAY –16 partners from 7 countries: Joint tourist concept of Danoubian region (partner with Regional Agency of Slavonia and Baranja in consortium financed through the South East Europe program) – based upon principles of sustainable development -DONAUREGIONEN+ - 19 partners from 9 countries: Elaborating the potential of the middle a lower part of the Danube and its importance for the Europe as important development corridor / attempt of integration of existing relevant european, national, regional and key local strategies in order to support Danube regions, towns and ports, which are in bad economic situation, but have the potential for sustainable development as centers or ports of the Danube.

28. REGIONAL TOURISM PRODUCT PLAN OF THE HUNGARY-CROATIA IPA CBC PROGRAMME 2007-2013 Hungarian-Croatian IPA Cross-border Cooperation Program 2007 – PRIORITIES: 1. Sustainable Environment and Tourism 2. Co-operative Economy and Intercommunity Human Resources Development Priority 1. the 1.2 area of intervention (Sustainable tourism on the Mura-Drava-Danube river area): elaboration of the REGIONAL TOURISM PRODUCT PLAN (1.2.1) The overall aim of the project is to lay out a clear strategy upon which the tourist and cultural development projects will be able to be based and as long as they intend to be financed in the framework of the Program. PARTNERSHIP: Lead partner: Pannon Egyetem (University of Pannonia) Partners: Regional Development Agency of Slavonia and Baranja ltd for international and regional cooperation (PP1); Centre for Regional Studies of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences (PP2); Development Agency Municiality of Čakovec (PP3) Associated partners: Ministry of tourism (CRO), Ministry of culture (CRO)

29. Module 1. Overall concept for the whole eligible area Module 2. Database, analysis /Task 2.a) Set up GIS basis (for the zones “B” and “C”) Task 2.b) Data collection (attractions and services) Task 2.c) Landscape and spatial analysis, evaluation Module 3. Marketing strategy /Task 3.a) Summary of the overall concept (from point 1.) Task 3.b) Market analysis Task 3.c) Product strategy Task 3.d) Strategies for touristic sub-regions Task 3.e) Marketing communication and promotion plan Task 3.f) CD manual Task 3.g) Actions of investment promotion Task 3.h) Tourist information system plan Specific Plans: Module 4. Plan for bicycle networks of the region; Module 5. Plan of water related types of tourism Module 6. Plan of trekking, hiking Module 7. Plan of equestrian tourism REGIONAL TOURISM PRODUCT PLAN OF THE HUNGARY-CROATIA IPA CBC PROGRAMME 2007-2013

30. All activities within Area of intervention 1.2 (Sustainable Tourism in the Mura-Drava- Danube River Area) have to be in line with the single common comprehensive product plan (Action 1.2.1 Elaboration of a regional tourism product plan) in order to receive funding from the Programme. Calls for proposals can be launched for all the other actions within this area of intervention only after the regional tourism product plan has been elaborated. The following activities must be in line with 1.2.1: 1.2.2. Development of infrastructure for active and ecotourism in the river border area. 1.2.3 Development of thematic routes of cultural heritage 1.2.4. Promotion of the river area as single touristic product, plus sectoral, thematic and micro regional attractions. 1.2.5 Private investment attraction.

31. Conclusion on Hungarian – Croatian Cross-Border co-operation programmes since 2004 Experience of Hungarian – Croatian CBC to date has been positive, despite limited fundingMore funding for 2007-13 HU-HR border Important to build on the lessons learned in the last few years (in Neighbourhood Programme) CBC also a good exercise for co-operation between national, regional and local level (within countries) By: J. Peter Fischer DG Regional Policy, INTERREG European Commission

32. CONTACTS: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SLAVONIJA & BARANJA l.t.d. for regional and international cooperation Stjepana Radića 4 31000 Osijek CROATIA Tel.: +385 31 221 840 Fax: +385 31 221 841 E-mail: regija@obz.hr regija@obz.hr DUNA - DRÁVA - SZÁVA EURÓRÉGIÓ / Kapcsolat: Main secretary: Miralem Čandić, Tuzla; e-mail: miralem@kpktz.bamiralem@kpktz.ba Agnéta Jankó, Pecs, janko.agneta@baranya.hujanko.agneta@baranya.hu Kornelija Mlinarević, Osijek, info@ddseuro.org; kornelija.mlinarevic@obz.hrinfo@ddseuro.orgkornelija.mlinarevic@obz.hr WEB: www.ddseuro.org ------------------ pls check!www.ddseuro.org

33. THANK YOU FOR ATTENTION !