Project Title: Sustainable Development of the Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije Region

Donor: Austrian Development Agency

Project Value: €1,750,000.00

Donor Contribution: €1,500,000.00

Implementation Period: December 1, 2009 – September 15, 2013

Project Description: The aim of the project was the sustainable development of the Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije region. The activities implemented were related to the following components:

1. Mountain Tourism – Marking and signage for the Top Trail 3 cycling route; organization of two promotional trips through the region for international tour operators; preparation of promotional materials about the region presented at the Adventure World Summit tourism fair in Scotland; establishment of fly-fishing zones in the region and promotion of fly-fishing; preparation of promotional materials for regional cycling routes; support to the Mountain Rescue Service; creation of local cycling trails in Plav and Andrijevica with promotional materials.
2. Cultural Tourism – Creation of cultural heritage routes in six municipalities of the region; arrangement of a historically significant site where the first school in Mojkovac was located; preparation of promotional materials, info boards, and brochures for cultural routes; support to the Polim Museum in Berane through the procurement and installation of touch displays, reorganization of exhibition space, and preparation of promotional materials; adaptation of the Cultural Center in Kolašin.
3. Support to National Parks – Rehabilitation of boat storage and terraces in NP Biogradska Gora; preparation of the management plan for NP Biogradska Gora; arrangement of a promotional corner for the new NP Prokletije in the Vranjina Visitor Center; construction of the NP Prokletije Visitor Center; strengthening ranger capacities in NP Prokletije; arrangement of office space for NP Prokletije; construction of two entrance points to NP Prokletije.
4. Agro-Tourism – Evaluation and selection of villages with the greatest potential for agro-tourism development; preparation of a rural tourism development strategy; selection of the most promising households; support to households in obtaining funds for reconstruction.
5. Community Development – Implementation of various projects identified as priorities by local communities, such as: preparation of technical documentation for a recreational zone in Kolašin; feasibility study for biomass heating in Kolašin; a series of events in Berane marking the 150th anniversary of its founding; rehabilitation of the Ckara mountain lodge and construction of sidewalks in Polja near Mojkovac; reconstruction of playgrounds in Bijelo Polje; environmental protection and cleaning activities; youth camp; speleological cadastre for Bijelo Polje; rehabilitation of the dairy market; reconstruction of two rural bridges in Andrijevica and contribution to the larger project of rehabilitating the road from Zabrđe to Gradišnica; support to organic producers in Konjuhe village; rehabilitation of school playgrounds in Plav; support to the fly-fishing club; delivery of equipment for souvenir production; delivery of equipment for a restaurant to support practical training in the vocational high school.
6. Regional Development – Support to national parks, enterprises, NGOs, and local governments in preparing project proposals for other donors; practical support and training of local governments in developing applications for EU and USAID calls, resulting in projects worth €4 million; support to the business sector; socio-economic research conducted to assess the business climate; support to agricultural producers in marketing and branding their products; connecting local traditional and organic producers with major tourism markets; training for tourist guides; economic empowerment of women with small grants for business start-ups in Kolašin and Mojkovac; creation of websites for five tourist organizations in the region.