The National Ecological Centre of Ukraine (NECU) invites students to join the international educational project “Transition to Ecotourism in Protected Areas through Heritage Interpretation“, implemented with the support of the Visegrad Fund.
The project aims to develop capacity in the management of protected areas, visitor education, and the promotion of environmentally sustainable international tourism through the interpretation of the cultural and natural heritage of the Carpathian region. The method of heritage interpretation is widely used in the EU and North America, creating opportunities for sustainable tourism while strengthening the role of national parks in fostering environmental awareness within communities.
If you are interested in ecotourism development, exploring the cultural and natural heritage of the Carpathians, and collaborating with national parks and international experts, this program is for you!
Key Project Details
- Duration: March – December 2025
- Locations: National parks of Ukraine, Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary
What does the program include?
- Theoretical training: Lectures from leading experts in ecotourism, heritage interpretation, sustainable development, and protected area management.
- Spring Session of the International Carpathian School: Opportunity to attend and publish in the scientific proceedings.
- Formation of an international youth team: Networking and communication with like-minded participants.
- International educational tour: A one-week study trip to national parks in Slovakia, Poland, and Hungary.
- Ecotourism project competition: The winners will receive an opportunity to implement their proposed ideas.
Participant Responsibilities
- Researching European practices in ecotourism development.
- Studying protected area management approaches.
- Analyzing the tourism potential of Ukraine’s national parks.
- Developing projects aimed at improving visitor experiences.
- Writing scientific theses for the Carpathian School.
- Creating and implementing personal ecotourism initiatives.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age: 18–30 years
- Residency: Ukraine
- Valid biometric passport for international travel
- Proficiency in English (sufficient for participation)
- Preferable but not mandatory: Education or experience in ecology, tourism, nature conservation, or heritage preservation
- Availability to participate in all project activities
- Willingness to work in a team and engage in cross-cultural communication
Why Join?
- Gain international experience in ecotourism.
- Visit national parks in Ukraine and Europe.
- Implement your own ecotourism project.
- Become part of an international youth eco-tourism community.
- Receive a certificate confirming your knowledge and skills in ecotourism and protected area management.
How to Apply?
- Register via the link: https://forms.gle/fJainZbBFBKxBSERA
- Submit a motivation letter
Application deadline: February 15, 2025
Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding participation in the program, please contact the project coordinators:
📞 Mykola Blyzniuk: +38067 408 1667
📞 Valerii Mykhailenko: +4853842475
📧 carpaty@gw.necu.org.ua
The project provides partial financial coverage for participants.
The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from International Visegrad Fund.
The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.