SO21 Cultural and natural heritage

All actions supported within specific objective SO21 of priority axis 2 shall contribute to the protection, promotion and development of the rich and varied cultural landscape and its natural and cultural heritage in the Austrian-Hungarian border region in a sustainable, environmentally friendly and resource efficient way. Thereby, improving cross-border organisation and coordination as well as know-how transfer, and creating joint products and services in the field of tourism marketing and the development of touristic offers are in focus.

Possible are such projects which aim at a cross-border, coordinated concept for eco-tourism, common strategies and standards for cross-border model regions or at the development of cross-border destinations. Marketing nature experience like bird watching in protected areas as an eco-touristic product, creating long distance, cross-border hiking trails or offering touristic packages that explicitly refer to the cultural landscape could be concrete results.

Examples of actions eligible under specific objective SO21 are:

1. Preparation and implementation of joint strategies and action plans, capacity building and pilot investments regarding sustainable utilization of cultural and natural heritage

2. Preservation, reconstruction, development and utilization of cultural and natural heritage sites in order to use it for sustainable tourism and community purposes, such as eco tourism

3. Support of know-how transfer and development of common standards for products and services