View of three information boards installed along the barrier-free trail near the Park administration building.
The project was implemented on the office-adjacent territory of Vyzhnytskyi National Nature Park. The initiative became possible thanks to co-financing from the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants of the International Visegrad Fund and was implemented in partnership with the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine (NECU) and Vyzhnytskyi National Nature Park within the framework of the project “Shifting towards Ecotourism in Protected Areas through Heritage Interpretation.”
Project objective
The goal of the project was to create three interactive and inclusive information boards that contribute to the development of sustainable, barrier-free tourism in protected areas by introducing modern practices of nature and cultural heritage interpretation, with a strong focus on accessibility for all categories of visitors.
The new boards have become an important element of the Park’s inclusive trail and have expanded the set of tools available for its environmental education activities.
Project implementation
The project was implemented in several stages.
The first stage involved a detailed analysis and planning of the space for installing the boards, selecting the content they should include, defining the overall concept, and conducting consultations on the principles of inclusivity and universal design.
The next stage focused on developing full-scale designs for the three boards, adapting their content for people with different needs, and applying large, readable fonts and high-contrast graphics.
Subsequently, the boards were printed, metal and wooden structural elements were manufactured, tactile components were created for the “Animal Tracks” board, and interactive tiles were assembled for the puzzle board.
Finally, the boards were installed, enabling every visitor to comfortably and independently access information, interact with the elements, and explore the natural world in a new, inclusive format.
1. Interactive board “Spread Your Wings”
This board allows visitors to compare human arm span with the wingspans of birds commonly found in the Carpathians. Visitors can literally “try on” the wings of an eagle, short-toed snake eagle, or owl, and experience the scale and power of bird flight.
The board enhances visual and emotional engagement with nature, encourages photography, and increases interest in studying birdlife. It is accessible for children, elderly visitors, and people with hearing impairments or cognitive differences.
2. Interactive board “Forest Animals and Their Tracks”
An educational and tactile board that introduces visitors to the tracks of the most common animals found in the Park. It is especially valuable for children, people with visual impairments, and anyone interested in better understanding forest wildlife.
3. Interactive puzzle board “Flora and Fauna of the Park”
Colourful modular tiles allow visitors to assemble an educational puzzle while learning about the Park’s plant and animal diversity. This board combines information with play, encouraging active exploration and learning.
Official presentation
The official presentation of the project will take place in spring during a dedicated event for children with disabilities and special needs.
Nevertheless, the boards have already been tested by the first visitors — elderly members of the Active Longevity club of the NGO “Turbota”, who interacted with the installations and explored their functionality.
Results achieved
- Two interactive boards with inclusive elements were installed as part of the inclusive trail on the office-adjacent territory of Vyzhnytskyi National Nature Park.
- Awareness of natural and cultural heritage among visitors, including people with disabilities, has increased.
- The overall number of visitors has grown, including representatives of low-mobility groups.
- A model example of an inclusive eco-tourism product has been created.
Cooperation, support, and impact
The project was made possible thanks to the support of the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine, the governments of the Visegrad Group countries, and the active involvement of the Vyzhnytskyi National Nature Park team.
The project team included Valeriia Shvaiko (Project Manager), Mykola Blyzniuk, Halyna Marchuk, Olha Danilova, Vitalii Stratii, Yeva Batygina, Yuliia Khrystynchenko, Zoia Pavliuk-Piatunina, Zina Riznychenko, and Tamara Sheheta.
Project implementation significantly strengthened the educational component of the Park’s activities by providing visitors with new opportunities for direct engagement with nature. The Park territory has become more accessible to a broader and more diverse audience.
The Park’s infrastructure has been enhanced with unique interactive facilities used during environmental lessons, presentations, excursions, and informational tours.
The economic impact of the project was reinforced by engaging local craftspeople and entrepreneurs in producing exhibition elements and printed materials — 100% of procurement was carried out within the Berehomet and Vyzhnytsia communities.
Conclusion
The creation of three interactive inclusive information boards represents a significant step toward developing barrier-free and innovative eco-tourism in Vyzhnytskyi National Nature Park. The new installations combine education, accessibility, and aesthetics, making nature more approachable and understandable for everyone.
Text author: Zoia Pavliuk-Piatunina
Photo materials: Zoia Pavliuk-Piatunina
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.