Good Practice - Project
The nature observatories on rivers
Expanding tourism offers in north-east Poland by creating a new form of active recreation linked to nature conservation.
General information
RDP Priority
- P6. Social inclusion and local development
RDP Focus Area
- 6B: Local development
RDP Measure
- M19: LEADER/CLLD
Beneficiary type
- Non-governmental organisation
Summary
Poland's LAG Tygiel Doliny Bugu implemented an infrastructure investment project to build nature observatories on two rivers in its territory. The project's inspiration came from a French project implementing similar solutions in local areas that were ideal places for the development of this type of tourism, i.e. a combination of walks and trips combined with learning about local fauna and flora.
The main activity of the project implementation was the construction of two nature observatories in the LAG Tygiel Doliny Bugu area. One was in Mielnik on the Bug River, and the other one in Kupientyń on the Niewiadoma Reservoir.
New tourist offers provided by nature observatories translate into the creation of new jobs, which in turn lead to an increase in employment among the local community and the young people living in rural areas.
Results
- Two nature observatories were created, which allow visitors to spend time in a beautiful and peaceful environment.
- The project enhanced the region's tourist offerings and increased its attractiveness to tourists.
- An important project outcome promoted the area, including local cuisine and regional products, as well as local services.
Promoter
Stowarzyszenie « Lokalna Grupa Działania – Tygiel Doliny Bugu »
Funding
RDP support: 765 087 (PLN)
Context
LAG Tygiel Doliny Bugu (‘Melting Pot of the Bug River Valley’) covered 25 communes from the Podlaskie and Mazowieckie voivodships in northeastern Poland. Out of that, 21 communes are rural; three communes are urban-rural, and there is one urban commune in Siemiatycze. This is a territorially coherent area inhabited by over 100 000 inhabitants. The LAG Tygiel Doliny Bugu was established in 2006 and has implemented many small local initiatives and large projects for developing the region.
The LAG area is tourist in nature, and responsible tourism fits into the concept of sustainable local development, while generating employment opportunities for residents. Tourism is particularly desirable in the Local Development Strategy because the areas have many natural values and have great potential. Huge forest clusters with wild animals, birds and rich vegetation constitute an area that is ideal for the development of local tourism. The nature trails, hiking and cycling trails that have already been created attract many tourists. Additionally, the Bug River is one of the few wild, unregulated rivers in Europe. It is a highway for kayakers and a paradise for tourists seeking contact with nature. In combination with numerous multicultural monuments, traditional cuisine and local folklore, the region's tourist offerings are very rich.
Because development of tourism is considered a strategic direction in the region, the LAG Tygiel Doliny Bugu, together with the neighbouring LAG Puszcza Knyszyńska, decided to jointly implement a project titled 'The unusual havens - nature observatories on the rivers of north-eastern Poland Supraśl, Narew and Bug', where CAP funding was provided during the 2014-2020 Rural Development Programme.
The project idea was born during a joint study trip of the LAG Tygiel Doliny Bugu and LAG Puszcza Knyszyńska to France in 2019. On the southwestern coast of France, a notable project was implemented by a local NGO and the local government in the suburbs of Bordeaux. It was a network of 19 small tourist shelters, which allowed tourists to spend the night and commune with local nature. The shelters were very simple and relatively inexpensive, providing a base that everyone could use, including families with children.
Objectives
The main goal of this project was to expand the tourist offer by creating a new form of active recreation for tourists from Poland and abroad. This would foster the activation and social integration of residents, as well as the creation of new jobs in tourist services, including local guides, companies organising kayaking trips, bike rentals and local gastronomy.
Activities
- The first step was to prepare the project, conduct analyses related to the best location of the observatories and technical implementation. It was also important to familiarise the project with two similar foreign ones that were visited during study tours in France.
- The main activity of the project was the construction of two nature observatories in the area of the LAG Tygiel Doliny Bugu - one in Mielnik on the Bug River, and the other one in Kupientyń on the Niewiadoma Reservoir (the other two facilities were built in the area of the LAG Puszcza Knyszyńska).
- The observatories were designed by Professor Jerzy Uścinowicz, and their construction was developed with the conceptual support of architecture students from the Białystok University of Technology. The facilities have an ecological status and are environmentally passive. They are noted as a product of applied art in the form of a universal 'nature observatory sculpture'. They draw on the natural and cultural heritage of the regional wooden architecture.
- The observatories are small rooms measuring 12 m², with space for two people to sleep, a bathroom featuring an ecological toilet, a kitchenette equipped with the necessary items and a terrace. There is a garden shower outside. The rooms can be used from early Spring to Autumn because they do not have a heating system.
- Tourism offers were targeted at nature enthusiasts of Podlasie Nadbużańskie, as well as cyclists, kayakers and individuals seeking peace and quiet through direct contact with nature along the Bug River.
- Access provided to the accommodation for journalists, influencers and internet creators aided promotion across traditional and social media.
Main results
- Thanks to the project, the nature observatories were created, which allow visitors to spend time in a beautiful and peaceful environment. Due to their location, nature observatories can be made available to tourists who want to observe animals, in particular the numerous birds gathering or flying over rivers or lakes. The richness of the surrounding forests provides the opportunity for walks and contact with nature. This place can also be used by active tourists, such as kayakers or cyclists, who can stop for short breaks and combine activity with rest.
- The project has enriched the region's tourist offer and increased its attractiveness for tourists.
- A key benefit of the project is the promotion of the area, encompassing local cuisine, regional products and local services.
- The observatories and increased tourist traffic will generate permanent or temporary jobs for local residents.
- There is an increase in interest in this type of personalised tourist services. In the future, the LAG plans to establish a network of such observatories, located in attractive tourist destinations in the Podlasie and northern Mazowsze areas.
Key lessons
- The LAG Tygiel Doliny Bugu implemented an infrastructure investment project of this scale for the first time. This has been a significant challenge for a non-governmental organisation that primarily deals with the implementation of 'soft' projects and lacks experience in the field of investments.
- The relatively high budget of the project, obtaining all the consents for the construction of observatories, cooperation with the contractor and construction inspectors developed the organisation and competencies of people working in the LAG.
- Support from local government units is desirable for this type of project.
The development of sustainable tourism is based on the pursuit of regional development and the promotion of local cultural products, taking into account the respect for natural resources and the socio-cultural authenticity of the community.