Deadline: 14-Aug-25
The United Nations Development Programme is thrilled to announce an open call for Civil Society Organizations to participate in the Sustainable Tourism Program in the Prespa Region to improve the quality of life and economic development through new “green” paths in agriculture and tourism.
The Sustainable Tourism Program in the Prespa Region will focus on overcoming the identified challenges in tourism through the following components:
- Building local capacities for sustainable tourism: the support will increase the expertise and capacities of citizens in Prespa, thereby generating additional income for families and small businesses. The project will implement a capacity building program for stakeholders, which will cover topics such as:
- Running your own business as a tourist service provider and managing accommodation facilities (lodges, small hotels);
- Marketing and customer care for small businesses in tourism
- Direct financial support for sustainable eco-tourism: The financial support will complement the capacity building activities and will be intended for: expansion and/or improvement of accommodation facilities, development and marking of cycling and hiking trails, promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency, development of new or improved products related to protected areas (National Parks Pelister, Galicica, Ezerani, Prespa Lake).
Objectives
- The project will enable the promotion and diversification of sustainable tourism products through:
- Increased capacities of households, tourism service providers/operators, protected area managers and civil society organizations. This will be achieved through training in sustainable tourism and direct financial support for the implementation of eco-tourism initiatives.
- Key development indicators planned to be achieved by the overall Sustainable Tourism Program in the Prespa Region will be measured through the following main indicators:
- Additional kilometers of cycling/hiking paths
- Number of supported service/accommodation providers and traditional houses
- Number of new tourism products
Funding Information
- The project will award grants for new or upgraded sustainable tourism products in the amount of 20,000 to 30,000 euros per applicant, with at least 25% co-financing. (Total fund: max. 150,000 EUR)
- Duration: Each supported project should be implemented within 12 months of signing the contract.
Eligibility Criteria
- Potential beneficiaries are civil society organizations (CSOs) registered and operating in the Prespa region (on the territory of the Municipality of Resen).
Evaluation Criteria
- Project Relevance: Alignment with the objectives of the Sustainable Tourism Program
- Feasibility: Practicality and feasibility of the proposed project
- Impact: Potential positive impact on the local community and the environment
- Sustainability: Long-term sustainability of the project
- Co-financing: Availability and willingness of the applicant to provide the necessary co-financing.
Application Requirements
- Project proposal: Description of the project including objectives, activities, expected results and sustainability plan
- Budget: A comprehensive budget showing the total costs of the project, including the 25% co-financing
- Proof of registration: Legal documentation proving the registration and operation of the civil society organization in the Prespa region
- Experience: Documentation of previous experience in tourism or related fields
- Compliance: Demonstration of compliance with relevant legal, environmental and safety standards.
For more information, visit UNDP.