Discover Poloniny

By project GREENHEALTH

Published on 26 November 2024

Slovakia

About this good practice

The experiential festival focuses on improving community well-being by promoting mental and physical health through meaningful connections with nature, culture, and local traditions. By offering immersive experiences and paid workshops hosted by locals, the festival encourages learning, physical activity, and relaxation, creating a holistic approach to wellness. These activities often take place in the hosts' homes, fostering personal connections and providing direct economic benefits to local communities. The festival also aligns with sustainability principles, balancing ecological, economic, and social impacts.
Eastern Slovakia faces significant hurdles, including poor health indicators compared to EU averages, long-term depopulation, limited job opportunities, and low GDP per capita. However, the region boasts unique strengths, such as pristine nature, diverse wildlife, the Poloniny Dark Sky Park, and its status as an international biosphere reserve. Held annually in Poloniny National Park, the three-day event features activities like sports, nature exploration, crafts, and gastronomy. Experiences are paid, with funds going directly to local hosts, empowering them economically. Visitors stay in the area, supporting local accommodations and fostering deeper connections. By distributing events across villages, the initiative minimizes environmental impact and promotes inclusivity, offering a sustainable and health-oriented tourism model for regional revitalization.

Resources needed

Human resources:
• 3 members of NGO
• Help of volunteers during the event
Financial resources:
• External and own (grants from various sources focused on regional development, PSGR- grant scheme, Slovakia Travel)- the budget of organizing one event is cca 10.000EUR

Evidence of success

Over five years, Discover Poloniny has achieved remarkable results. It developed nearly 40 experiences in Poloniny and Vihorlat, promoting physical activity like hiking and cycling, which boost fitness and mental well-being. Ticket sales grew from 450 to 820, generating €150,000 for the region and €30,000 directly for locals. With 400 positive media stories and 650,000 reached via social media, the event raised awareness of wellness-focused tourism, benefiting both health and the local economy

Potential for learning or transfer

The success of Discover Poloniny provides valuable insights for replicating community-driven initiatives that promote health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.
Key Success Factors
• Community Connection: Collaborating with local institutions strengthened ties, fostered trust, and encouraged participation, reducing social isolation and boosting collective mental health.
• Economic Benefits: Direct earnings for locals improved financial stability, reducing stress and enabling better access to health and wellness resources.
• Natural Resources: The National Park setting promoted physical activity like hiking and cycling, enhancing fitness, reducing stress, and improving overall mental health.
Challenges Encountered
• Participation Barriers: Convincing locals of the event’s benefits remained a challenge, limiting its impact on broader health outcomes.
• Funding: Securing sustainable financing is essential to maintain the health and economic benefits over time.