The Prešov Self-Governing Region (PSK) has signed another 17 micro-projects within the Interreg V-A Cross-border Cooperation Programme. They are implemented in partnership with the Carpathian Euroregion Association. More than 600 thousand euros will be invested in the region, mainly in tourism and cultural activities.
The approved projects are implemented within the framework of the Interreg V-A Poland-Slovakia 2014-2020 Programme, namely the second call for proposals aimed at the protection and development of the natural and cultural heritage of the cross-border area. Out of a total of 33 approved applications for the provision of non-repayable financial contribution, 13 projects were signed in May this year in cooperation with the Euroregion Tatry Association. Another 17 are now being implemented in the territory of the region and the Subcarpathian Voivodeship thanks to the partnership with the Carpathian Euroregion Association. The value of the joint project activities from the European Regional Development Fund exceeds EUR 1.5 million, of which over EUR 603 thousand goes to the territory of the PSK.
"Cross-border cooperation programmes between Poland and Slovakia in the past and the current programming period have brought and still bring many benefits to our region. Large investment actions in transport, infrastructure, tourism, education, as well as countless smaller initiatives, which we do not want to underestimate in any way, are being implemented. The micro-projects for which we are responsible for the preparation, approval, evaluation and control processes are an example of this," said Milan Majerský, Chairman of the PSK.
Successful applicants are a number of entities, mainly towns and municipalities, but also tourism organisations, civic and non-profit organisations. The micro-projects are mainly focused on innovative forms of promotion of the cross-border territory, e-products, creation of mobile applications, publishing of new promotional materials, but also other soft activities, especially in tourism and culture.
For example, inVia Reginae pedestrian walkway will be built in Svidník focused on spiritual and psychological renewal, in Sabinov they promote the Oscar-winning film The Shop on the Corniche in an unconventional way and 120th anniversary of the oldest cycling club, heavy weapons from World War II will be reconstructed in Medzilaborce including the legendary T-34 tank. Around Snina will be dedicated to children and youth in the form of natural courses and in Prešov will create an interactive guide. It will also support andtourism in Kolonice and Roztoky or the current brand Carpathian Sky, the public will also be introduced to the historical lesser-known territory Wolf Mountains.
One of the successful applicants is also Regional Tourism Organisation of the North-East of Slovakia, which, together with the Podkarpackie Regional Tourist Organisation, implements the project Carpathian Adventures - new cross-border tourism products. The main objective of the Carpathian Adventures project is to create conditions for increasing the number of visitors to the territory of the Prešov Region and the Subcarpathian Voivodeship. the creation of three integrated experiential tourism products and their subsequent presentation using modern communication methods and technologies, including promotional materials and items.
The Prešov Self-Governing Region, as the partner responsible for the implementation of the Micro-project Fund programme, currently manages 80 micro-projects. Currently, 47 projects worth almost EUR 1.5 million are being implemented in the region from the first call, 33 projects worth EUR 1.3 million from the second call.
"These activities are wide-ranging, reaching into the remotest corners of the county. The projects we have signed bring many interesting and attractive products that will improve and enrich the lives of people in the border region. I am convinced that this is an important contribution to making the whole region more attractive," added M. Majerský.
SOURCE: PSK
