Development Agency Žepče Presented the CAST Project at the Danube Capitalization Event in Belgrade

The Development Agency Žepče presented the CAST – Culture trAnSforming communiTies and economies project at the Danube Capitalization Event, held in Belgrade on 25–26 June 2026. Organized by the Danube Competence Center (DCC), the event brought together representatives of eleven Interreg Danube Region Programme projects, the European Commission, EUSDR Priority Area 3, and numerous stakeholders working in the fields of culture, tourism, and regional development.

The Capitalization Event provided an important platform for exchanging knowledge, presenting project achievements, and exploring opportunities for future cooperation among projects addressing common challenges across the Danube Region. Through presentations, discussions, and networking sessions, participants shared innovative approaches to sustainable tourism, cultural heritage preservation, destination management, and community development.

During the event, the CAST – Culture trAnSforming communiTies and economies project was presented by Tea Samardžić Memčić from Development Agency Žepče, who attended the event as a representative of the Danube Wood(s) Route project. She introduced the objectives of the CAST project, its transnational partnership, and the pilot activities currently being implemented in Žepče, highlighting the project's innovative approach to using cultural heritage, local traditions, and community participation as drivers of sustainable tourism, green economic development, and social inclusion.

Particular attention was given to the pilot action in Žepče, which aims to transform local cultural assets into attractive tourism products while strengthening cooperation between cultural organizations, public institutions, local businesses, and civil society. The presentation also showcased the participatory approach adopted by the project, with local stakeholders actively contributing to the design of future pilot activities through workshops and community engagement.

Participation in the event enabled the Development Agency Žepče to promote the CAST project to a wider international audience, exchange experiences with other Interreg Danube Region projects, and establish new contacts for future cooperation and knowledge transfer. The discussions confirmed the importance of culture as a driver of sustainable regional development and highlighted the value of transnational cooperation in creating innovative, community-based solutions.

The knowledge, ideas, and contacts gained during the Capitalization Event will further support the implementation of the CAST pilot in Žepče and contribute to the development of sustainable cultural and tourism initiatives that strengthen local identity, increase the visibility of cultural heritage, and create new opportunities for local communities across the Danube Region.

CAST – Culture trAnSforming communiTies and economies is a transnational project co-funded by the Interreg Danube Region Programme. Bringing together 14 project partners and 20 associated strategic partners from 10 countries, the project promotes culture as a catalyst for social inclusion, resilient communities, sustainable tourism, and green economic development. Through the implementation of 11 pilot actions across the Danube Region, CAST supports the co-creation of accessible cultural services, tourism products, and community-led initiatives that strengthen local identity, improve quality of life, and create new opportunities for sustainable regional growth.