Danube Wood(s) Route

Why did we gather to develop the Danube Wood(s) Route?

The Danube region boasts one of Europe's richest forest inventories, including vast areas of pristine forests. These forests are home to endangered species and provide valuable ecosystem services that have sustained local communities for centuries. The region's diverse wood cultural heritage is a core resource for sustainable green tourism development. However, despite its potential, wood cultural heritage and traditions are underutilized in tourism, with issues such as the destruction of wooden artifacts, the replacement of traditional buildings, and fading traditional craftsmanship. There is a lack of green business initiatives and sustainable local value chains that could promote the "wood civilization" and enhance eco-tourism. Additionally, young people and potential developers are not recognizing the value and opportunities in wood craftsmanship and green tourism. Forest biodiversity is also at risk due to the underutilization of traditional tree species.

What are the main expected outcomes of this 30-month international project?

Specific Objective 1: Setting the strategic framework for Danube Wood(s) cultural route

To prepare a comprehensive overview over existing forest related natural assets, the cultural heritages and assets as well as usable touristic structures.
To identify local and regional stakeholders for implementing the project activities.
To achieve agreement among all project partners on overall strategy, specific detailed measures and regional action plans that presents the basis for implementing project activities.

Specific Objective 2: Empowerment and capacity building to trigger the "Danube Wood(s) cultural route" development

To develop and test transnational trainings/workshops scheme for enabling the start up/operation of the transnational wood route.
To set up initial elements of the cultural route of wood and to enable the actors in the regions of concern
To further develop and establish new structures, instruments and services in eco tourism resulting in the triggering sustainable regional development.

Specific Objective 3: Visibility of the Danube Wood(s)cultural route

To improve visibility of the richness/variety of Danube forests and its cultural heritage.
To support transnational cultural wood-route with establishement of the Danube Woods cultural route network.
To foster resilience, innovation spirit in eco tourism and valorize wood assets.