The mini-grant “Without Borders: A Virtual Journey for Everyone” was implemented within the framework of the project “Shifting towards Ecotourism in Protected Areas through Heritage Interpretation,” in partnership with the National Ecological Centre of Ukraine and with the support of the International Visegrad Fund.
The project focused on introducing innovative digital solutions in the field of environmental education and inclusive tourism within the territory of the Carpathian National Nature Park.
Purpose and objectives
The aim of the mini-grant was to create an accessible and inclusive tourism product in the format of VR journeys for people with disabilities, elderly people, children, and other groups who are unable to travel physically.
The project envisaged the use of virtual reality technologies to enable remote exploration of the natural and landscape heritage of the Carpathian National Nature Park.
Project implementation
Within the framework of the mini-grant, the following activities were carried out:
- procurement of VR headsets and relevant technical equipment;
- 360° photo documentation across the territory of the Carpathian National Nature Park;
- development of basic visual content for the creation of VR journeys.
The filming covered a number of key natural sites, including:
- Yahidna Mountain;
- Chemehivskyi Canyon;
- “Maiden’s Tears” Waterfall;
- Zhenetskyi Canyon.
Results achieved
As a result of the project, a foundation was created for a virtual tourism product based on the principles of accessibility, inclusion, and sustainable use of natural areas.
The use of VR technologies makes it possible to expand the audience of the Carpathian National Nature Park and to provide opportunities for “virtual visits” to natural locations for people with different physical abilities.
Further development
In the future, the project envisions the creation of a full-scale virtual tour of the Carpathian National Nature Park, showcasing the most attractive locations for various target groups.
The materials produced may be used:
- during interactive activities in preschools and educational institutions;
- within environmental education and awareness-raising programmes;
- to promote the natural heritage of the Carpathian region and to stimulate interest in future physical travel and hiking.
Project team
The mini-grant was implemented with the participation of:
Yuliana Yakubiak — Librarian at the Carpathian National Nature Park, Master of Computer Science, specialist in the Environmental Education Department. She is an initiator of interactive practices in the park’s environmental education activities, works with advanced digital technologies, and develops partnerships with young people.
Uliana Fedorova — Student of the Faculty of Geography at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. She is involved in developing international cooperation in the field of nature conservation, protected area management, and youth engagement in practical environmental activities.
Support and expert guidance
The project was also implemented with the involvement of:
Oleksandr Ivanovych Kyseliuk — Deputy Director for Scientific Research of the Carpathian National Nature Park, PhD in Biological Sciences, with extensive experience in international environmental projects.
Marta Vasylivna Korchemliuk — Head of the Analytical Control and Monitoring Measurement Laboratory, PhD in Technical Sciences, Chair of the NGO “MAMA-86–Yaremche,” and coordinator of numerous environmental and educational initiatives.
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.