Sustainable tourism development in the Drawa basin – reducing human pressure through alternative projects for canoeing on the example of geopark and strengthening local communities in the implementation of environmental initiatives is the theme of the fourth conference co-organized on 11-13 March 2016 by the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Szczecin together with the general organizer the Local Tourist Organization around the Drawa.
The aim of the conference in Zatom was to promote the development of alternative canoe forms of tourism, with particular emphasis on the idea of Geopark establishment. The conference opening and co-organisers presentation was done by LOT president together with the Mayor of Drawno Mr. Andrzej Chmielewski, co-host of the event, and Mr. Adam Andriaszkiewicz, Choszczno District Administrator.
The conference was attended by 65 people, including representatives of: OSA Association, Regional Directorate for Water Management, the Municipal Office in Drawno, Stepnicka Tourist Organization, the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Szczecin, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, the Society of Friends of the Drawa Land, Forest District Drawno, Forest District Głusko, Drawieński National Park, Forest District Kalisz Pomorski, villages, Primary School in Drawno, Choszczński District, Polish Geological Institute, the Municipal Office in Złocieniec, Koszalin University of Technology, West Pomeranian Regional Tourist Organization, LOT Around the Drawa, Schools Complex No. 1 in Choszczno, the German partner and travel-related companies.
The first day of the meeting, which was co-organized by the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection in Szczecin, West Pomeranian Marshal’s Office and the Regional Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Szczecin, was divided into two thematic panels. The first was began by Mr. Radosław Grzegorczyk, the Director of RDEP in Szczecin. The progress of work in the LIFEDrawaPL project was outlined. Then prof. Thomas Heese, a representative of the LIFEDrawaPl team (a scientific expert), began a series of theme lectures related to nature conservation in our region. A detailed course of the meeting is in the programme.
The second panel began with the reading of a letter of intent signed by local authorities of five municipalities, the district, the local forest districts, DNP, the German partners, the Polish Geological Institute, LOT AROUND the Drawa.
The moderator of Friday’s meeting was PhD Wojciech Puchalski, the representative of LIFEDrawaPL team (a scientific expert).On the second day of the conference a field trip was conducted around the grounds of the planned Geopark “The Land of Living Water.” A guided tour was Mr. Marek Leda. The details of the conference field part are described in the trip programme.
On the third day of the conference PhD Wojciech Puchalski gave his lecture in which he discussed nature issues and information about the possibilities and sources of funding in the scope of its protection. Mr. Klaus Granitzki, the initiator of the Geopark establishment, spoke about the possibility of using its benefits and achieving tangible profits.
At the end Mr. Marek Leda presented interesting, little known places in the municipality, worth promoting as incredible tourist attractions.
Summary and thanks were the final point of the conference.
