Promoting sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation in Slovakia

The Ministry of Investment, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic in cooperation with the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic are organizing today in the Gothal Hotel, Liptovská Osada the opening conference of the programme Support for Sustainable Tourism and Biodiversity Conservation in Protected Areas and the opening conference of the pre-defined project Tourists and Nature Together.

The programme is part of the Second Swiss Contribution in Slovakia and aims to protect the environment and climate, specifically through the promotion of sustainable tourism in and around protected areas and the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity in these areas.

With an allocation of €28 million, the programme focuses on:

• Protecting ecosystems and biodiversity in protected areas
• Inclusive environmental education
• Raising public awareness of nature conservation
• Supporting sustainable tourism strategies in national parks
• Networking and capacity building of national park administrations
• Improved infrastructure in national parks

The conference also provides a space for discussion among experts, partners and stakeholders on the challenges and opportunities in sustainable tourism and conservation. The Swiss Ambassador to Slovakia, Peter Nelson, and other representatives from Switzerland, including organisations such as the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich and the Swiss Parks Network, are participating.

The conference includes the ceremonial signing of the project agreement between MIRRI SR and the Ministry of Environment for the project Tourists and Nature Together and the conclusion of partnership agreements with the National Park Authorities and the Swiss partner.

Another important point of the programme is the announcement of the open Call for projects in the field of ecosystem and biodiversity conservation. The call, with an allocation of EUR 3.15 million, is intended for public and non-governmental organisations active in the field of environmental protection and aims to improve the condition of habitats, promote nature-friendly management measures and implement educational initiatives. More information on the call as well as on how to apply for a grant can be found HERE.

The conference also includes a presentation of the concrete activities of the Tourists and Nature Together project, which involves cooperation with the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich and the Swiss Parks Network.

The common goal of the conference organisers and participants is to strengthen the protection of Slovak nature and to support the development of sustainable tourism activities that will contribute to the preservation of biodiversity for future generations.

For more information about the programme, please visit our website HERE

Presentations:
1. Introduction of the programme Jana Dacková, PDF (725 kB)
2. Swissparks Nadja Urfer, PDF (1 193 kB)
3. Sustainable tourism in national parks Filip Salus, PDF (432 kB)
4. Involvement of the Swiss Partner Birgit Reutz, PDF (908 kB)
5. NP Veľká Fatra Jana Grafova, PDF (1 642 kB)
6. NP Malá Fatra Pavol Zidek, PDF (655 kB)
7. NP Slovenský raj Tomas Drazil, PDF (811 kB)
8. NP Slovenský kras Martin Golian.pdf, PDF (995 kB)
9. NP Muranská planina Timea Gajdosova, PDF (727 kB)
10. NP Pieniny Vladimir Klc, PDF (1 138 kB)
11. NP Vysoké Tatry Slavomir Celer, PDF (1 626 kB)
12. NP Nízke Tatry Michal Babnic, PDF (1 120 kB)
13. NP Poloniny Martin Surina, PDF (1 986 kB)