On November 12, 2024, with the support of the USAID HOVERLA Project within the framework of the project "Revealing the potential of heritage for the economic development of small communities ", an All-Ukrainian online conference was held based on the results of a rapid assessment of the economic potential of 12 communities based on cultural and natural heritage. The event was held online and aimed to create a platform for interaction between target communities through the presentation of the results of a rapid assessment of their economic potential, to group communities around common problems, typical recommendations or similar heritage elements, which in the process of work were able to suggest related solutions and initiate inter-municipal ties and opportunities for exchange of experience.

The event was attended by 104 representatives from 40 different territorial communities representing 14 regions of Ukraine – Kirovohrad, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv, Poltava, Volyn, Zakarpattia, Kharkiv, Sumy, Odesa, Rivne, Zhytomyr, Chernihiv and Ternopil. Among them were representatives of local authorities, businesses, heads of public organizations, museums, heritage management experts, participants of creative teams and circles, employees of cultural, leisure and educational centers, and folk art masters.

During the event, the results of the rapid assessment of the heritage potential and indicators of the economic potential index of 12 target communities participating in the project were presented. The project expert on heritage management and interpretation, Oksana Fedorovych, presented the generalized results of the study, conducted an analytical review, compared community indicators, highlighted the main focuses of the assessment and emphasized the unique features of the target communities.

The event was part of the Workshop of Opportunities, which included three rooms led by experienced facilitators and experts in the field of heritage. In particular, the first room, “The Power of Traditions,” focused on the issues of preserving and managing heritage sites that support local businesses and stimulate entrepreneurial initiatives. The room was facilitated by Hanna Gavryliv, founder of the “Spadshchyna UA” initiative and head of “Palace Rozdil” LLC. The “Gastronomic Pearls” room, facilitated by Inna Tilnova-Danylchenko, head of the NGO “Baba Yelka,” and editor of the book “Tasty Kropivnichychyna,” was dedicated to discussing culinary heritage and identifying traditional dishes that could attract tourists. Volodymyr Hrynishak, a public figure, volunteer, and head of the NGO “Nadvirna Tourist Information Center,” moderated the third room, “Creative Space,” in which participants exchanged experiences of theaters and creative teams. Finally, the facilitators summarized the results of the group work and introduced the attendees to their findings.

At the end of the meeting, the results of the selection of three communities that will receive support in creating plans (local target programs) for the interpretation of cultural and natural heritage with practical recommendations for the development of tourism products were announced. Goshchansk TG of Rivne region, Horinchiv TG of Zakarpattia region and Zymniv TG of Volyn region were selected for enhanced support.

This publication were developed by NGO Agency for Private Initiative Development within the project Revealing the potential of heritage for the economic development of small communities and were made possible by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the generous support of the American people through USAID HOVERLA Activity. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

For additional information, please contact the project coordinator Iryna Malinovska., This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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