Deadline: 15-Jul-25
The project “EU for Prespa – Restoration of Natural Resources and Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism” is focused on sustainable management and use of natural resources in the Prespa region, with the aim of improving the quality of life and economic development through new “green” paths in agriculture and tourism.
Within the framework of the project, capacity building activities and financial support will be provided to interested parties for: expansion and/or improvement of accommodation facilities, development and marking of bicycle and hiking trails, promotion of renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, expansion of existing or opening of new accommodation facilities and development of new or improved tourism products related to protected areas (National Parks Pelister, Galicica, Ezerani, Prespa Lake) and the rural communities in their vicinity.
Components
- 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;
- Development of new tourism products.
- Selected consultants will also provide mentoring support to beneficiaries in implementing activities.
- 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:
- 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).
- Building local capacities for sustainable tourism
Project Objectives and Results
- 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).
- Priority will be given to projects expected to deliver a strong positive impact on the local economy, society, and environment. Long-term sustainability beyond the funding period will be assessed, with emphasis on lasting benefits and continuity.
For more information, visit UNDP.