Common strategy for engagement of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Danube geoparks

Danube Geo Tour Plus - Boosting opportunities for more inclusive, valuable and balanced Geopark Communities (DRP0200085)

Implementation during the project includes 4 objectives stated in the Strategy, which will be used in more detail in the tailored Action Plans:

1. Mapping Vulnerable Groups: Clearly identify and define vulnerable groups, including establishing partnerships with NGOs and formalizing collaboration within these groups to understand their specific needs and challenges.

2. Understanding Needs: Conduct needs assessments and engage in dialogue to explore the perspectives and experiences of these groups, using tailored communication to foster inclusive participation.

3. Inclusive Planning and Policy Development: Involve vulnerable groups in geopark decision-making, ensuring policies and activities reflect their needs. This includes building partnerships with community organizations and promoting capacity-building programs.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement regular feedback and impact assessment mechanisms to adapt strategies based on group feedback, ensuring ongoing engagement and effectiveness in achieving inclusivity goals

Post-Project Uptake:

Sustained Partnerships: Long-term relationships with community organizations, NGOs, and local stakeholders are prioritized to support continued involvement of vulnerable groups even after project completion.
Monitoring and Evaluation Systems: Feedback mechanisms and impact assessments are put in place to ensure ongoing adaptation and improvement in engagement practices, promoting resilience and responsiveness to emerging needs.
Scalable Model for Geopark Networks: This strategy and the resulting engagement models are intended to be replicable across other UNESCO geoparks, thus extending the project’s benefits across the wider networks. Other than that the strategy will be published on the DRP project website under literature, so it is available for the public as well.

This approach ensures the project's achievements endure, fostering sustainable development and enhancing socio-economic opportunities within these communities.

The Danube GeoTour Plus strategy aligns with the horizontal principles as follows:

1. Sustainable Development

The strategy is designed to promote sustainable development by:

Inclusive tourism practices that empower vulnerable groups and reduce socio-economic disparities within geoparks.
Capacity-building programs for vulnerable communities, equipping them with skills in sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.
Integrating UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) through sustainable community involvement and environmental resilience practices.

2. EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, Gender Equality, and Non-Discrimination

The strategy supports EU principles of equality by:

Prioritizing accessibility to geopark activities for all groups, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, rural women, isolated seniors, and economically disadvantaged individuals, ensuring representation and participation.
Promoting gender equality and inclusion of women, particularly in rural areas where women may face economic or social barriers. It actively involves women in planning and decision-making within geopark communities.
Combatting discrimination through partnerships with NGOs and community groups to develop tailored action plans, ensuring all community members, regardless of background, have equal opportunities.

3. Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

The strategy emphasizes environmental sustainability by:

Implementing environmentally-friendly practices that protect natural and cultural heritage, such as responsible tourism models and visitor management systems.
Addressing climate resilience and biodiversity conservation within geoparks, integrating principles of the Strategic Environmental Assessment to mitigate any potential environmental impact.
Engaging local communities in sustainable development initiatives that respect the ecological integrity of geopark areas, promoting a balanced interaction between tourism and conservation efforts.

Outputs