REGION OF IMPLEMENTATION 

Borisov, Borisov district, Minsk region

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT TOPICS

Economic Development and Growth
Social Development
Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management
Technology and Innovation

CONTENTS OF THE ACTIVITY

The initiative “Green Routes of Borisov Region” offers a comprehensive approach to ecotourism, combining educational, entertainment and active holidays aimed at exploring and appreciating the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

The main tasks are:

• Development and promotion of ecotourism. Strengthening the position of the Borisov region as a leading ecotourism center through the creation of unique tourist routes for exploring nature and culture.
• Formation and development of a cluster initiative. Stimulating economic growth and creating a sustainable ecosystem for tourism development through cooperation between entrepreneurs, institutions and local people within the framework of the green tourism cluster.
• Increasing competitiveness and improving infrastructure. Integration of innovations and improvement of tourism infrastructure to increase comfort and meet the needs of tourists, strengthening the region’s position in the market.
• Cultural enrichment and educational activities. Providing a deep understanding of the cultural and historical heritage of the region through educational programs, excursions, master classes and quests.

The initiative provides a wide range of services, including the organization of hikes to the natural and cultural attractions of the area, rental of sports and tourist equipment, professional courses and training, comfortable accommodation, а variety of food options and convenient transfer.

Thanks to the development of four different routes, including two water routes along the Berezina and Sha rivers, cycling and walking (skiing in winter), tourists are given the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty, become more familiar with the historical heritage of the Borisov region and explore its cultural traditions. At all route stops there are signs with QR codes for information about possible services, historical and natural attractions. The routes provide for communication between tourists and local residents, including folk craftsmen, excursions, accommodation and meals at agricultural estates.

Additionally, unique activities are offered, such as birdwatching, which allows you to observe rare bird species in their natural habitat, and excursions with quests, enriching knowledge about local history and culture. Participants can also take part in souvenir making workshops, allowing them to delve deeper into the traditions of the region. For lovers of active recreation, one-day and multi-day kayaking along the picturesque rivers of the Borisov region, tours through swamps, as well as mountain hikes are organized.

The “Green routes of Borisov region” offer tours for all categories of tourists, including people with disabilities.

KEY STEPS OF IMPLEMENTATION:

• Research and planning. The initiation of the project began with identifying the natural, cultural and historical potential of the Borisov region for the development of ecotourism.
• Development of routes and services. Based on the research, specific green routes were developed, as well as a range of services offered to tourists, including equipment rental, training, accommodation, meals and transfers.
• Formation of a cluster initiative. Engage and bring together various stakeholders, including local authorities, entrepreneurs, community organizations and local residents, to work together to implement and support the initiative.
• Integration of innovation and technology. Development and implementation of modern information technologies to improve access to information about tourism services, increase the visibility and accessibility of the project.
• Education and training of guides. Development of methodological materials on the basis of the «Institute of Retraining and Advanced Studies» at the State Educational Institution “University of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Belarus” and organization of training of guides capable of providing high-quality and safe accompaniment of tourists on green routes.
• Marketing and promotion. Actively promoting the initiative using local communication channels, including social networks, to attract the attention of tourists.

Managing tourist flows to minimize environmental impact and maintaining tourism infrastructure are key aspects for the successful and sustainable development of the initiative.

The challenge is the need to comply with a number of requirements of various departments that limit access to natural areas, which impedes the clear planning and implementation of green tourist routes.

Organizing large outdoor events and booking sites with limited third party presence also poses a challenge due to the public nature of many natural areas and the lack of clear rules governing the use of these areas.

RESULTS AND IMPACT OF THE INITIATIVE

An innovative tourism product has been created that successfully promotes the area’s tourism services, making it more attractive to visitors interested in eco-cultural tourism.  The developed Internet platform provided travelers with convenient access to information about existing tourism services, booking and payment options, as well as products from local manufacturers.

The cluster initiative ensured the systematic development of ecotourism in the region, creating the basis for expanding the network of partners and improving the tourism product.

The quality and attractiveness of eco-routes have increased significantly thanks to the development of route passports, the arrangement of tourist stops and the active participation of local residents in providing services to tourists.

Thanks to the training of 19 tour guides, safety of service on the routes and a high level of tourist satisfaction with the services provided were ensured.

The initiative’s achievements have enhanced Borisov’s tourism appeal, strengthened its role in ecotourism, and positively impacted the area’s economy and culture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable tourism.

Information sources:

1. propohod.by
2. belarustourism.by
3. godigital.by