EU Programme: Interreg VI-A Italy–Slovenia

Policy Objective: PO 4: A more social and inclusive Europe through the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights

Specific Priority Objective: SO 4.6: Strengthening the role of culture and sustainable tourism in economic development, social inclusion and social innovation

Project Title: Beyond Walk of Peace: from Cross-border Historical Research and Cultural Heritage to European Trail and Stories (BeWoP)

For more information visit: BeWoP | Interreg Italy–Slovenia (opens in a new window)

Project partners from Italy and Slovenia (with budget):

• Foundation “Fundacija Poti miru v Posočju” – Lead Partner
• GECT GO / EZTS GO
• ZRC SAZU – Milko Kos Historical Institute
• PromoTurismoFVG
• Municipality of Miren Kostanjevica
• Cultural Association èStoria

Associated partners (without budget):

From Slovenia:

• Ministry of Culture
• Ministry of Defence
• Slovenian Tourist Board
• Maribor National Liberation Museum

From Italy:

• European Wildlife Management Association (E.Wi.M.A.)
• Italian War History Museum
• M9 – Museum of the 20th Century
• Friends of the Carnic Alps Association
• Friuli Storia Association
• In Flanders Fields Museum (Belgium)

From Poland:

• Euroregion Karpacki
• Jagiellonian University, Krakow

Project duration: 22 April 2024 – 21 October 2026 (30 months)

Total project value: €1,321,591.48 (80% ERDF, 20% project partners)

Project objective:

The BeWoP project addresses the shared challenge of developing an integrated and sustainable cultural and tourism offer in rural and suburban areas, also in light of the expected increase in tourist flows in 2025 due to GO! 2025. BeWoP builds on the results of two cross-border projects: the strategic project WALKofPEACE, awarded Best Interreg Project in 2020, and the capitalization project Walk of Peace+. At the same time, it will foster synergies with the GOV4PeaCE project, implemented under the Interreg Central Europe programme.

World War I sites in the immediate vicinity of the border have already been enhanced through various research, investment and tourism promotion activities. Despite the creation of the 500-km cross-border cultural and tourism itinerary Walk of Peace from the Alps to the Adriatic, and the restoration of many monuments, there are still numerous opportunities to promote and further develop this history and this unique cross-border tourism product, which combines slow/sustainable, cultural and outdoor tourism.

Activities planned within the project:

• Creation of an archive/database collecting all the most important historical data and events that shaped the cross-border area.
• A comprehensive publication/guide on the cross-border Walk of Peace.
• Presentation events of the guide, a documentary film on the WoP, and the strategy and action plan for the tourism and cultural development of the area, targeting different groups in various locations within the eligible area.
• International study visits for key Slovenian and Italian stakeholders outside the eligible area (Belgium, Poland), where associated partners are enhancing, researching and integrating World War I heritage into their tourism offer.
• Update of the Walk of Peace mobile application.
• Two mobile information points located on Kolovrat and on Mount San Michele/Debela Griža to inform visitors about the Walk of Peace and GO! 2025  events.
• The cross-border open-air museum on Mount Kolovrat will be upgraded and enriched with an additional visitor information and wayfinding system.
• Investment in the enhancement of World War I historical heritage in the area outside the Cerje Peace Monument.
• Preparation of project documentation for the future redevelopment and enhancement of the Italian side of Mount Sabotino.
• Installation of additional tourist and information panels, parking areas, bicycle racks, benches and other facilities in the access area to the Italian side of Mount Sabotino.
• A documentary film on the Walk of Peace.
• Cross-border historical and tourism programmes with the èStoria bus.
• Large-scale cross-border events (concerts, conferences/symposia).
• Cross-border cultural events (Sounds of Peace, Artists Against Weapons, etc.).
• Development of an action plan for the further overall advancement of the cross-border cultural and tourism product Walk of Peace.
• Adoption of a joint strategy to prepare the Walk of Peace application for inclusion among the Cultural Routes of the Council of Europe.
• Dissemination and capitalization activities in cooperation with other projects and initiatives.