Exchange of experience and cooperation: Representatives of the Slovakian Ministry of the Environment and national parks visit Switzerland
At the beginning of June, SECO in collaboration with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences organised a study trip to Switzerland for Slovakian experts from the Ministry of the Environment and national parks. Visits to the Swiss National Park, the Biosfera Val Müstair Nature Park and the UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve provided an opportunity to exchange with park specialists and partner organisations on best practices for sustainable tourism in protected areas.
An important focus was on exchanging ideas about the development, introduction and acceptance of sustainable tourism products in protected areas. The Swiss experience can serve as a source of inspiration for the Slovak participants. As a programme partner, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences will continue to support Slovakia in developing a sustainable tourism strategy for protected areas.
Another focus of the study tour was the exchange of experiences on the involvement of local partners. Discussions with partner organisations of Swiss nature parks provided valuable insights into the value creation opportunities, motivations and challenges in this area.
The study trip also provided an opportunity to improve networking and get to know the Swiss parks network better. The Swiss Parks Network association will continue to support the establishment of a Slovakian network between the parks as part of the programme.
The study trip highlights the successful partnership between Switzerland and Slovakia within the framework of Switzerland's second contribution. SECO promotes knowledge transfer and strengthens exchanges between experts from both countries in order to jointly advance sustainable solutions.
Find out more about the programme here: Biodiversity |