WALKofPEACE+
Policy objective: PO4 - A more social and inclusive Europe implementing the European Pillar of Social Rights
Specific objective: SO 6 - enhancing the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation
Typology: capitalization project
The WALKofPeace+ project intends to give an answer to the challenge faced by the Italy-Slovenia 21- 27 Programme working to attract greater tourist flows through the implementation of a joint cross-border tourist offer, capitalising on the important result of the previous WALKofPeace project - voted the best INTERREG 2020 project - which had created the WoP "brand" by implementing, along a route connecting more than 300 monuments in a pathway more than 500 kilometres long, actions for the conservation of the heritage linked to the First World War and launching its promotion as a sustainable cultural tourism product. The capitalisation project has the even more ambitious objective of enhancing the tourist product through actions at a strategic level to make it a lever for the development of the border area and the attraction of tourist flows, including international ones.
The project aims to:
- improve accessibility to the tangible and intangible heritage of the Great War by transferring the best practice acquired on Mount Sabotino/Sabotin to improve the usability of the peak of Mount Hermada/Grmada and envisaging to expand the offer to cyclists as well as to walkers;
- create a multi-level and multi-sectoral cross-border governance for the management of the "brand" in the long term by involving all stakeholders in a process of defining a cross-border strategy and action plan;
- strengthen the Cross-border Tourism Promotion Strategy in order to make the WoP product a "brand" capable of catalysing the attention of the public attentive to a cultural, slow and sustainable form of tourism.
The main project output aims to unite the common cross-border heritage through a physical path that also becomes a virtual link and an instrument to strengthen the identity of the entire continent capable of transforming a tragic and divisive event into a symbol of peace, reflection and cohesion.
Capitalization and a Forward-Looking Perspective through Two Feasibility Studies
As part of the project, two separate feasibility studies were carried out with the support of qualified experts, aimed at enhancing both the tangible and intangible enjoyment of the heritage.
Cyclability of the Walk of Peace
The first study is focused on assessing the possibility of making the cross-border Walk of Peace route not only pedestrian-friendly but also suitable for cycling. The goal is to broaden accessibility and attractiveness, reaching new segment as cycle tourism and promoting a wider enhancement of the historical, cultural, and landscape heritage along the transnational route.
Interventions to Improve the Accessibility of Monte Sabotino
The second study focuses on strengthening and understanding the cultural, social, economic, and scientific potential of the Great War heritage on Monte Sabotino. It identifies the necessary interventions on the Italian side in order to enhance the area’s touristic, cultural, hiking, and historical-environmental value.
The proposed actions build on the continuity of the Interreg BEWOP project, which has already initiated a first set of measures aimed at improving site accessibility, thereby contributing to broadening and enhancing the overall offer.
Management and Governance for a Shared Future
Within the framework of the project, the Partners have drafted and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at creating a structured network of cooperation for the maintenance, development, and coordinated management of the path.
The Memorandum of Understanding
The MoU establishes a shared framework of objectives, principles, and operational methods, with the aim of ensuring the continuity of the actions undertaken and promoting integrated and sustainable governance of the route in the long term. In particular, the agreement signed by the Partners fosters coordination among the various stakeholders involved, the sharing of best practices, and the development of joint strategies for the enhancement and communication of the historical, cultural, and landscape heritage along the Walk of Peace.
Additional institutions and organizations operating at different administrative levels: national (regional, and local) as well as entities active in the fields of culture, tourism, and territorial management, may join the network. This openness makes it possible to broaden the scope and effectiveness of the network, while further strengthening cross-border cooperation.
The Action Plan
To further strengthen shared governance, a joint Action Plan has been defined, aimed at promoting the Walk of Peace in a coordinated manner among the Partners, also through a balanced allocation of available resources.
The agreement identifies four priority areas of intervention:
- implementation of online and offline promotional campaigns, as well as the development of informational and visitor reception materials;
- participation, with dedicated stands, in strategically relevant fairs and promotional events;
- organization of educational and study tours for journalists and tour operators;
- maintenance, updating, and development of the official website and the related application.
Integrated Communication and Promotion Actions
In order to communicate and promote the cross-border itinerary in an integrated way, various types of materials were produced for museums and info points, as well as distributed to participants during events.
Dedicated displays for the Walk of Peace were set up in museums, featuring trail guides and illustrative maps of the route. At the same time, an informational stand was designed and produced, to be used during cross-border events. During these occasions, promotional materials were distributed, including branded T-shirts and backpacks, as well as maps and informational brochures.
In addition, a series of promotional videos was produced, which were later also used as part of institutional communication and promotion activities.
As part of the project, the Walk of Peace app was also developed to guide visitors along the route between Italy and Slovenia. Available for free download, it offers a complete experience, accompanying hikers along the entire trail through interactive maps, multimedia content, and in-depth historical insights.
Several cross-border events were also organized, including:
- interactive workshops for students focused on the theme of the Walk of Peace;
- the Concert for Peace;
- the event “In the Sounds of Places”, featuring a concert by Neri Marcorè.
The New Open-Air Museum of Monte Ermada
The new cross-border open-air museum of Mt. Ermada was created as part of the project: the transnational visit route connects Italy and Slovenia and develops along the remains and testimonies of the First World War.
Along the itinerary, visitors can observe trenches and rock-cut walkways, shelters, firing positions and observation posts, as well as remains of bunkers, tunnels, fortifications, and caves.
Accessible both from the Italian side, via Medeazza and Ceroglie, and from the Slovenian side, via Brestovica, the route extends for approximately 19 km. Thanks to numerous restoration interventions and new signage, it now allows visitors to explore the Karst landscape of Monte Ermada. The visit offers insight into what was one of the most important defensive bastions of the Austro-Hungarian army during the First World War, never conquered by the Italian army.
To enrich the visitor experience, clear and accessible information panels have been installed along the route, equipped with QR codes offering in-depth content. On the Slovenian side, these contents are available in four languages and designed to be accessible to blind and visually impaired people, making the museum a significant example of inclusivity.
The informational brochure also makes it easy to navigate the route and explore the historical and natural aspects of the site.
Several events have been organized near Monte Ermada, including:
- press conference for the presentation of the new open-air museum;
- school event;
- orienteering events;
- cross-border walk from Brestovica
See the video and discover the new open-air museum of Mt.Ermada
