On the 27th of April 2021, Save Polesia partners APB-Birdlife Belarus and Bahna will hold an online roundtable discussion on the “Potential of agro-tourism and ecotourism in Polesia”. The event will be supported by a number of environmental organisations, as well as the business community. Themes to be covered include the potential for ecotourism in Polesia as well as the practical aspects of developing this activity in a sustainable way.
The abundance of lakes, rivers, floodplains and swamps in Polesia have led to it being called ‘Europe’s Amazon’. Polesia spans 186,000 km2 – roughly twice the size of Portugal – and four countries: Poland, Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. It is Europe’s largest wetland wilderness, with an extensive protected area network and fantastic wildlife viewing and birdwatching opportunities. Home to local communities whose lifestyle is adapted to the extraordinary environment, Polesia is also one of Europe’s most culturally rich regions.
The World Tourism Organization predicts that by 2030 there will be a change in tourism priorities, with more than half of all tourist visits to shift to emerging economies. More and more tourists have already shown a preference for destinations off-the-beaten-track, in little-known countries.
As tourism starts to responsibly reopen, people appear to be drawn to natural landscapes, flora and fauna, new and unique experiences. Although almost unknown internationally and not yet fully appreciated at the local level, Polesia has huge potential for this kind of tourism. Furthermore, Belarus, Ukraine and Poland, occupy an advantageous position at the junction of the European Union and Eurasia. An increase in ecotourism can be a relatively affordable way to accelerate economic growth in Polesia.
Listen to the roundtable discussion on this important topic:
When? Tuesday, 27th April 2021, 13:30 – 16:30 p.m. (CET)
Where? Online via this zoom link (Conference ID: 867 8932 9689; Access Code: 386596)
Offline: aud. 107, Minsk, st. Komsomolskaya, 16
What? Read the programme here
English translation will be provided via a ‘interpretation’ button on zoom
Watch the recording of the event here.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Learn more about Polesia and the threat the E40 waterway poses.
- Save Polesia is an international partnership of six civil society organisations. We strive to protect Polesia for the citizens of Belarus, Poland, Ukraine and wider Europe – now and in the future. We stand against the construction of the E40 waterway and for the development of nature-based tourism in Polesia.
*Top image: kayaking along Polesia’s extensive river network. Image credit: Damian Pankowiec