On May 27, 2025, Jelena Krivčević, representative of the RDA BKP, served as a guest lecturer for international students from Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands). The students visited Montenegro as part of a research study on regional tourism development.
Katuns as a Pillar of Cultural Identity
The lecture focused on mountain and rural tourism, highlighting katuns as a unique form of seasonal life. Students explored how these local communities are integrated into modern tourism flows and analyzed the impact of tourism on cultural identity and the preservation of Montenegro’s natural resources.
The interactive discussion addressed critical topics such as sustainability, the repurposing of traditional spaces, and the essential role of development institutions in supporting rural populations.
Leading Initiatives for Sustainable Development
The RDA BKP is currently implementing several strategic projects dedicated to the valorization of katuns, which were presented as key case studies during the lecture:
- Cross-Re-Tour: A project through which katun tourism households received funding for implementing green innovations to enhance eco-friendly services.
- MED GIAHS: An international initiative focused on valuing traditional agricultural practices, preparing the nomination of Montenegrin katuns for the prestigious Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) status.
This lecture served as an excellent platform for the international exchange of knowledge, promoting the authentic values of Montenegro’s rural communities within the context of global sustainable tourism.
