Transnational weekends of the Danube Wood(s) Route project: From nature to heritage

The aim of the activities was to promote the Danube Wood(s) Route through experiential activities, raise awareness of the importance of forest and wood-related heritage, engage local communities, young people and other stakeholders, and strengthen cooperation between project partners and local stakeholders.

The first part of the activities took place on 25 September at Bijambare, as part of the Days of Protected Natural Areas of Sarajevo Canton and the traditional “Golden Colours” Fair, organised by the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas.

The event also included “A Day with a Ranger”, during which pupils from primary schools and the Secondary School of Environment and Wood Design in Sarajevo had the opportunity to learn about the work of the ranger service, the importance of nature conservation and the responsibilities of rangers.

On this occasion, SERDA presented the Danube Wood(s) Route project, introducing young participants to the project’s key themes and highlighting the importance of preserving natural and wood-related heritage.

Particular focus was placed on the potential of protected natural areas for the development of educational and research tourism, based on a responsible approach to experiencing and appreciating natural assets rather than promoting mass tourism.

The programme was complemented by specially prepared promotional materials, which introduced participants to the project activities and the story of preserving natural and wood-related heritage.

The second part of the activities took place on 28 September through the thematic walk “The journey of wood through Sarajevo – From nature to heritage.”

The walk was designed as a form of storytelling through Sarajevo – not merely as a tour of different locations, but as a journey through stories about wood, its role in the life of the community, and the traces it has left in nature, traditional crafts, architecture and the everyday life of the city.

The tour began in the Bentbaša area, where the story of wood started in its natural environment. Through discussion and interpretation, participants learned about the significance of the area and explored how natural heritage can be connected with educational and tourism activities.

The walk then continued through stories of traditional crafts and woodcarving, recalling a time when wood was an integral part of everyday life and an important material used to make objects, tools and decorative items. During visits to VITRINA CONCEPT and ZANAT, participants had the opportunity to see how the tradition of craftsmanship can be preserved and interpreted in a contemporary way.

At Svrzo’s House, the story continued through the traditional architecture of the Bosnian house. In this setting, wood also “told its story” as a building material – through the structure, architectural elements and interior, as well as through the ways in which it was woven into everyday life and the culture of living.

In this way, the walk connected different locations across Sarajevo and offered an opportunity to experience the city from a different perspective – through stories of wood that connect nature, craftsmanship, architecture and cultural heritage.

The activity was implemented with the support of and in cooperation with the Cantonal Public Institution for Protected Natural Areas, the Museum of Sarajevo, ZANAT, the City of Sarajevo and tourist guides, with whom SERDA has also cooperated in the implementation of other project activities. Young people were also involved in the programme, including students of the Faculty of Architecture and the Faculty of Civil Engineering of the University of Sarajevo, pupils of the Secondary School of Environment and Wood Design Sarajevo, as well as other interested participants.

The programmes also provided an opportunity to promote the Danube Wood(s) Route project and its objectives, which focus on connecting destinations, local communities and different stakeholders in the preservation and promotion of the natural and cultural heritage of the Danube Region.