Discover Poloniny
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. These activities often take place in the hosts' homes, fostering personal connections and providing direct economic benefits to local communities as local farmers, food producers, and artisans. The festival promoted local food and farm-to-table experiences. 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. 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 created 40 experiences in Poloniny and Vihorlat, promoting local producers, hiking, and cycling for well-being. Ticket sales rose from 450 to 820, generating €150,000 for the region and €30,000 for locals. The event supports the agro sector by increasing demand for local food and products. With 400 media stories and 650,000 social media reach, it boosts wellness tourism, benefiting health, the economy, and sustainable rural development.
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.
