The Iron Curtain Trail is a series of national and cross boundary protected areas along the former Iron Curtain – passing through many countries, including 14 EU member states. The ICT also stretches into territory of Macedonia, crossing the border near Delchevo, then continuing through a wide valley toward Penchevo and Berovo. The route then passes through fields and meadows heading south, toward the towns of Strumica and Bosilovo, and crossing the Bulgarian border again in the area of the Municipality of Novo Selo. The road is steep at times, but it winds through picturesque hills and offers wonderful views. This project have designed to raise awareness for stakeholders at
the local, regional, and national levels for alternative tourism along the Iron Curtain Trail on Macedonia-Bulgaria border line.
Objectives of this project
- Establishment of networking processes for development and promotion of cycling tourism along the Southern part of Iron Curtain Trail. This objective is directly related to the overall objective and contributes to the wider recognition of the Iron Curtain Trail route and cycling tourism in general.
- Definition of the Southern part of Iron Curtain Trail along RO/BG/MK/GR borderline. This objective has practical bearing on the implementation in reality of the concept of the cycling route.
- Elaboration of concrete project proposals in accordance with the EuroVelo standards and criteria. This objective fulfills the aims of the Call for Proposals by preparing the stakeholders for tangible actions
of further development of the cycling route and bringing it in compliance with the requirements of the EuroVelo network.
Expected results
- Mapping of stakeholders
- Kick-off meetings in Bulgaria, Romania and Greece
- Evaluation of current state of play and assessment of tourist resources to be included in the development of the ICT
- Discussion forums for matching of the proposed routes between RO/BG/MK/GR and final definition of the Southern part of the route
- Development of Action plan in accordance with EV methodology
- Awareness raising workshop – presentation of the defined route and Action Plan
- Work meetings for exchange of experience /good practices from EV and elaboration of projects for evelopment of Southern part of ICT
- Publication of the Action Plan and publicity actions