Strengthening partnership cooperation between Poland and Lithuania for the development of sustainable tourism and ecological education in the cross-border area (Wildlife Undercover)
Project number:
LTPL00256
Project number:
Ongoing
Call:
2
Priority:
2. Promoting physical, emotional and cultural wellbeing
Specific objective:
2.2 - Enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation
Date:
From: 2024.11.01 Till: 2025.10.31
Project summary:
The “Wildlife Undercover” project promotes sustainable tourism and ecological education in the Poland–Lithuania border region, an area rich in forests, cultural heritage, and traditional crafts but challenged by remoteness, seasonal visitation, limited transport, and language barriers. Led by the Nature Heritage Fund, the Center for Ecological Education of Elk City Municipality, and the Directorate of Protected Areas of Dzukija and Suvalkija, the project will create a cross-border tourism route showcasing forests, wetlands, protected areas, and rare species, engaging visitors with the region’s biodiversity. It includes joint nature lessons for children, local guides, and interested communities, fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing guide skills to provide high-quality tourism experiences. Innovative IT solutions, such as an interactive terrain model of the Elk region and an information terminal in Vištytis, will enrich visitor engagement. Through collaboration, the project strengthens cross-border ties, raises awareness of natural heritage, and positions the region as a unified sustainable tourism destination, generating long-term benefits for the local economy, environment, and communities.
Lead Partner:
Nature Heritage Fund
Lead Partner region:
Vilnius county
Project Partner(s):
Elk City Municipality; Directorate of the Protected Areas of Dzukija and Suvalkija
Total project budget:
159.682,60
ERDF:
127.746,08
Does the project contribute to the implementation of the EU BSRS?
Yes