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Description
We will develop the basis and forms of joint actions of the cooperation network of Palverännutee (Estonian Cultural Historical Pilgrimage Route) a Pilgrimage Road of 600 km. In the project, we Implement and engage the first five voluntary section centers of the Pilgrimage Road. They function as centers of information, and collect, keep and share it. We draw up and agree upon the bases and methods of effective internal and external communication. We will create a concept and action plan for the years 2024-2026. These activities support the strategic goal of the project, which is to improve the sustainability and capacity of the network and to strengthen the role of the network in promoting civic engagement and increasing the influence of local communities. Target groups are local and community societies, partners, associations, active history and home researchers, community tourism service providers, museums, schools, churches, entrepreneurs and residents. The ultimate beneficiaries are people interested in Estonian culture and history from Estonia and abroad – pilgrims, hikers, (nature) tourists. We carry out the project activities through meetings, training, study tours, workshops and consultations, and if necessary, we also use an online approach. We will involve in the project development activities and communication experts. Also, the association''s board and ordinary members and members of the cooperation network will contribute with voluntary work.
Summary of project results
The goal of the project is to enhance the cultural, historical, and natural environment of the Pilgrimage Route while fostering collaboration between individuals and organizations committed to these values. The project aims to establish and strengthen cooperation networks, ensuring meaningful and mutually beneficial connections among local communities and stakeholders along the route.
So far, efforts have focused on building the route and finding partners, but less attention has been given to maintaining strong, ongoing collaboration. This project seeks to address that gap by actively developing and sustaining partnerships, empowering local communities, and ensuring effective communication to support long-term engagement.
The project established the necessary prerequisites and capabilities for launching a cooperation network along the Pilgrimage Route based on the principle of section centers and their coordinators. A decision was made to follow the traditional parish division, designating section centers as honorary consulates and their leaders as honorary consuls. This terminology better reflects the roles and responsibilities involved while also motivating contributors. The Pilgrimage Route consists of 18 parishes, and through five pilot centers, various operational models were tested to determine the most functional and sustainable approaches.
Key achievements and ongoing activities include:
- Honorary Consul/Consulate Framework: A structured concept and action plan for the operation of honorary consuls and consulates for the years 2024–2026 was developed.
- Communication Strategy: Internal and external communication principles and methods were agreed upon to ensure effective collaboration and outreach.
- Partnership Development: Agreements were established with several relevant organizations, institutions, and individuals to support further development.
- Capacity Building: The operational capacity of the Project Promoter was strengthened through the engagement of existing network members and the recruitment of new, active, and motivated contributors.
- Community and Economic Support: The organization actively fulfills its role in fostering the development of individuals, communities, and businesses along the Pilgrimage Route, supporting local initiatives and engagement.
Additionally, 2024 marks a significant milestone in the project''s visibility and public engagement. On March 8, an exhibition was launched at the Niguliste Museum, running through autumn, attracting media attention and coverage. The project team is involved in various program activities, public relations efforts, and media outreach. Plans are in place to turn the exhibition into a traveling display for museums and visitor centers along the Pilgrimage Route.
Furthermore, efforts have begun to enhance local awareness by publishing articles in the newspapers of municipalities along the route, ensuring continuous engagement and communication with the broader community.
Over the past decade, the Pilgrimage Route has been successfully established in its main direction and purpose. The core route spans over 500 km, with additional parallel and side branches extending the network to more than 700 km. More than 120 culturally and historically significant sites along the route have been thoroughly researched, documented, and made accessible, along with detailed descriptions of various path segments. The route has been designed not only as a historical and cultural pathway but also as a means to bring local communities together, encouraging them to participate and offer services to pilgrims and visitors.
While the website already provides high-quality cultural and historical content, there is still room for further development. This ongoing process will be enriched by both current and future contributors, ensuring that local knowledge and historical narratives continue to grow and evolve.
Previously, the primary focus of MTÜ Palverännutee and its partners was on the physical development of the route and securing partnerships. Less attention was given to fostering strong, mutually beneficial cooperation and communication structures. This has now shifted significantly. The project has successfully redirected efforts toward motivated collaboration with local individuals and communities, ensuring that target groups have access to relevant information through online platforms and that interactions between partners—both in terms of communication and service provision—continue to increase in both quantity and quality.
MTÜ Palverännutee, together with its growing network, is now actively taking on the role of facilitator, developer, and maintainer of cooperative relationships, supporting sustainable local engagement and economic activity along the Pilgrimage Route.