“Routes across borders in Latvia and Finland”

Project n°16

INTRODUCTION

The Vidzeme rural partnership association “Brasla” (Latvia) in cooperation with the Finnish local action group Kehittämisyhdistys SILMU ry implemented the international cooperation project “Routes across borders in Latvia and Finland” in 2022. As part of the project, nature trail research events, a tourism conference, exchange of experience in Finland and Latvia, as well as tourism infrastructure improvement works were organized.

PRESENTATION

In 2019, when starting the implementation of the project, the cooperation partners visited each other to jointly study the nature trails in the territories of the municipalities involved in the transnational project, to give their assessments and proposals for their improvement, to gain experience and to find innovative solutions for the creation and improvement of the infrastructure of nature trails. During the research, it was concluded that the trails are relatively often used, are rich in cultural history and natural values ​​that can be preserved for future generations and are necessary for the development of tourism.

In order to find solutions for the improvement, maintenance and conservation of the surveyed trails in the territory of the Vidzeme rural partnership “Brasla”, a tourism conference was organized together with the Nature Conservation Board, Vidzeme University College, regional tourism specialists, geologists, environmental protection inspectors and representatives of the Latvian State Forest Management and other specialists.

Tourism infrastructure developed in the project:

• Improving the infrastructure of Ledurga Dendroparka in Sigulda county.
  • An environmentally friendly, composting facility suitable for people with special needs (BIO toilet) with lighting has been installed in the park area, considering the convenience of visitors, and a hearth/garden fireplace has been installed considering the organization of various events.
  • In the nearby Avotu forest, which is a protected natural monument of local importance, the project has installed information boards, signposts and a rest area, restoring the former charm of the place. Avotu birzs park is located on the bank of the Brasla river and belonged to the owner of the Inciema manor. From Brasla Bay you can see the steep banks of Brasla, which in some places reach a height of 25 meters.
• Well-maintained territory of Augstroze Lielezera in Limbažu district – an almost 1 km long walking trail has been created along the lake, where small rest areas with benches have also been installed to enjoy the untouched nature of Augstroze Lielezera. Thinking about the convenience of Augstroze Lielezera visitors, an environmentally friendly, composting facility from a bag manufacturer has also been installed. In several parishes, in order to ensure awareness and promote the arrangement of tourism infrastructure, a total of 3 information stands have been installed (in Braslava park, near the Puikule manor and Staicele’s Libyan Museum “Pivālind”) and 13 departmental stands (e.g. in Staicele near the tourist information center, Staicele paper factory, Staicele Evangelical Lutheran churches and elsewhere) with descriptions and photographs in places where they were needed, as well as a well-equipped rest area in Puikule manor park, where a table with benches has been installed.
• At the Zilākalns Cultural History and Visitor Center “ZTornis” of Valmiera region, the tourism infrastructure has been improved, tourist information stands have been placed, tables with benches have been installed and a fire place has been created.
• Recognizing the values ​​of Riebiņa Lake, Straupe Parish, Cēsi County, six recreation areas, which are already traditionally popular with vacationers, have been improved, where three tables with benches, six separate benches and an information board have been installed, on which visitors are informed that they are located in a specially protected micro-reserve of forest habitats, in which essential protected natural values, as well as installed visitor flow counter.

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES

The aim of the project is to promote the transfer of knowledge and innovation in the territories of rural areas, strengthening the connection between the territories of the counties, stimulating the cooperation of the municipality and private persons (legal and physical) in order to ensure informed and sustainable use of the heritage of natural values ​​in tourism.

ADDED VALUE OF THE PROJECT

The project “Routes across borders in Latvia and Finland” is a successful example of international cooperation and promotion of sustainable development, especially in rural areas. Cooperation promotes the exchange of best practices between countries, ensuring that innovative and sustainable solutions for tourism development are used in both countries. The project also contributes to the preservation of cultural and natural heritage, which is an important contribution to strengthening international cooperation. Transnational cooperation expands both the tourism offer and the opportunities for local communities to benefit from the results of this project in the long term. It promotes the development of local areas, the use of tourism potential and international cooperation, which is essential both in the short-term and in the long-term perspective.

The successful implementation of the project is an inspiration for further cooperation with the Finnish local action group, with the launch of a new project “The story of Nordic Manors – Time to Continue”, which indicates a positive continuation and strengthening of cooperation in the future. The added value of the project is the ability of both municipalities and private individuals to cooperate, the ability to cooperate between different rural areas in Latvia and Finland, promoting the exchange of knowledge and the introduction of innovations. The implementation of the project improves the access of local residents and tourists to natural values, as well as helps to create recognition and attract visitors, thus contributing to the development of the local economy. Improving tourism infrastructure, such as the creation of walking trails and the improvement of recreation areas, improves the experience of visitors and promotes the development of nature tourism, the preservation and sustainable use of natural heritage.

Infrastructure improvements, such as the installation of BIO toilets and the improvement of rest areas, make tourist attractions more accessible to the general public. The solutions created as a result of the project are environmentally friendly and sustainable.During the project implemented in Finland, several important tasks were carried out, which contributed to the development and improvement of tourism routes. The project promoted closer cooperation between tourism operators, representatives of local governments and businessmen, thereby improving the tourism offer in the Finnish region. This helped create a common understanding of route development needs and the resources needed to maintain them sustainably. As a result of the project, a guide map was developed that covered several nature trails, promoting their recognition and promotion to the general public. In addition, a database of the region’s trail network was created and an electronic guide was developed, which improved the availability of information and strengthened the recognition of local trails. See the video here- https://ej.uz/hmqw, https://ej.uz/xi2t, https://ej.uz/5d43