CZIP invited the citizens of Ulcinj: Small grants for original ideas

The Center for the Protection and Study of Birds (CZIP) invited the residents of Ulcinj to contribute through their projects to measures aimed at protecting the Ulcinj Salt Lake and to participate in the joint creation of attractive and market-competitive tourist experiences/products/services and offers.

Projects that will be supported financially and logistically by the EuroNatur foundation, CZIP and Dr. Martin Šnajder Jakobi (MSJA) society.

The call will be open until June 20. An informative workshop, open to the public, where citizens will be able to obtain additional information, will be held on June 3. The workshop will be held in the premises of the Municipality of Ulcinj, in the period from 13 am to XNUMX pm.

"Local projects will be financed through the second phase of the Ulcinjska Saltworks Nature Park project: tourism development based on community and nature, which aims to develop ecotourism products in and around the newly protected area of ​​the Ulcinjska Saltworks in addition to nature protection measures," the announcement states.

One of the most important components is the awareness and activism of the local community, as well as support for promotion in order to achieve social and economic benefits.

"All residents of Ulcinj who have an original idea on how to develop or improve their business in a sustainable way, and from which the Ulcinj Saltworks can benefit directly or indirectly, can register their project to this call," said the CZIP.

After a 15-year long struggle for its protection and five international conferences, the Ulcinj salt pan was finally declared a nature park and a Ramsar site - a wetland of international importance.

"Together with the public and private sector, as well as with engaged and interested individuals, we strive to help create the basis for increased environmental responsibility and socioeconomic development of Ulcinj and its surroundings. We want to create and measure what is important," the announcement states.

The first phase of the project was implemented in 2019–2020. when five projects of the local population were supported, i.e. young married couples, female entrepreneurship and family businesses.

"Through female entrepreneurship, a group of housewives from Ulcinj gathered around the Association for the Promotion of Women's Entrepreneurship - local quality, and the goal of the project was to connect the gastronomic atmosphere with the beauties of Ulcinj, where the Ulcinj Saltworks would be among the must-see destinations," reminded the CZIP.

Some projects have helped future tourism workers to start from the beginning. Thus, the enthusiasm and creativity of a young couple resulted in the creation of the Reborn by Adventures brand, which aims to promote Ulcinj and Anamalski polje through so-called outdoor tourism.

"This couple offered tourists adventures through active tourism - starting with SUP boarding and mindfulness on the beautiful Šaška Lake, through walks and picnics on Mount Suma, to observing nature and birds in the Solana Nature Park, and all of this networked with local households that would offer them local delicacies", said CZIP.

All five projects had one common thread, which is the connection with the Ulcinj Saltworks, which is also expected from this year's bidders.

"We encourage and invite all residents of Ulcinj who have an original idea to participate in the workshop on June 3 and to apply with a project idea no later than June 20," the statement added.