Spirit of Nature

Summary of the project

The European Commission has suspended the cooperation with the Russian Federation within this Programme and participation of Russian beneficiaries in project implementation is suspended as well.

“Promotion of natural objects as sources of energy and inspiration via history and new solutions” project aims at offering energy and inspiration combined with local history and attractive solutions to locals and tourists in the immediate LV-RU border areas.

Ape Municipality (LV), Izborsk Museum (RU) and Lavrovskaya Volost (RU) together with two associate partners – Vidzeme Tourism Association (LV) and Union of Travel Industry of Pskov Region (RU) – are looking for new ways to use and promote the main asset of the cross-border region: rich cultural heritage located and preserved amongst beautiful unspoilt natural landscapes.

The partnership of the project includes organization with various project experience facing a common challenge: the targeted areas are situated in the peripheral territories of Latvia and Russia, therefore extra efforts are needed to attract visitors to leave bigger towns and cities.

Key project activities include:

• reconstruction and/or improvement works in three targeted areas: Gaujiena Manor Park (LV), path from Izbosk Fortress to Slovenskie Springs (RU), Lavry central park (RU);
• equipment of the reconstructed areas with interactive pieces: outdoor weather proof musical instruments in Gaujiena (LV), information stands and blackboards with chalk in Izborsk (RU) and fairy tale elements in Lavry (RU);
• joint trainings for object owners and tourism service providers and experience exchange sessions on objects marketing and promotion.

“Spirit of Nature” project aims to use cross-marketing in its full potential offering visitors of one object to visit, enjoy, embrace and be proud of other project areas.