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Description
To achieve the assumed goals, we will build an eco-application, the task of which will be civic learning and engaging the local community by showing the benefits of ecotourism and ultimately changing the attitudes of tourists, local communities and representatives of the local tourism industry to more environmentally friendly ones.
Eco-application will constitute a new quality in Poland among the tools for the protection of endangered species. Its main assumption is to create a pocket, mobile. It will tell users which protected species are nearby, but it will also provide practical tips on how the user (tourist, resident) should behave in order. It is important that the voice for eco-applications will be lent by Krystyna Czubówna - a popularizer of natural science and the most popular voice of a teacher in Poland.
The pressure of growing tourism leads to the destruction of ecosystems by scaring animals away (noise), degradation of fauna and flora (contamination of the environment), disturbance of the trophic levels in the lakes, impoverishment and deterioration of the natural resources’ quality.
Eco-application is a new way to get to know Masuria. It’s a personal guide for hikes and walks. It will tell the users about ecosystems and their function. Integration with other functions will enable depiction of current condition of the surrounding, taking into account seasonal phenomena.
Improvement of ecosystems protection in Masurian Lakes by decreasing negative phenomena resulting from low ecological awareness, educating tourists and local residents, promoting positive attitudes.
Norwegian researchers working with the University of Tromso and many organizations from the area of science and tourism will share their experience in ecosystems protection. Scientists from the University of Warmia and Mazury will review the content prepared.
Summary of project results
The project addressed several significant issues caused by the pressure of tourism on the ecosystems of the Masurian Lake District (KWJM), focusing on ecological education and promoting responsible behavior among residents, tourists, and educators.
One of the key problems it solved was reducing the negative impact of tourism on local ecosystems. The educational application increased users'' awareness of the fragility of KWJM ecosystems. By providing information about biodiversity and guidelines for responsible behavior in nature, the project helped mitigate damage caused by unintentional actions such as littering, habitat destruction, or disturbing wildlife.
The project also contributed to the protection of endangered species. With detailed information on 150 species of flora and fauna, users gained a better understanding of the importance of preserving individual organisms and their roles in the ecosystem. This fostered greater community involvement in conservation efforts.
Another issue the project addressed was the pressure on tourist trails and protected areas. The application facilitated better management of tourist traffic by guiding users to alternative routes and less frequented areas, reducing the concentration of visitors in the most ecologically sensitive zones and minimizing habitat degradation.
The initiative also focused on increasing awareness and engagement among children and young people. Features such as augmented reality, including virtual animals, captured the attention of younger audiences and sparked their interest in nature conservation. Educating children and youth plays a crucial role in fostering long-term changes in attitudes toward the environment.
Finally, the project extended ecological education beyond the region. By involving teachers and educators from across Poland and creating lesson plans that utilized the application, the initiative helped propagate good ecological practices on a national scale. This broadened the project''s impact, supporting wider environmental education efforts.
In summary, the project effectively reduced the negative effects of tourism on the delicate ecosystems of KWJM while raising ecological awareness among users and encouraging their participation in conservation activities.
As part of the project focused on protecting biodiversity in the Masurian Lake District (KWJM), extensive informational and promotional activities were carried out in accordance with the Communication Plan. The most important aspect of the project was the development, creation, testing, and subsequent dissemination of the interactive eco-application, which became a central tool for education and promoting responsible behavior toward nature.
The application was initially designed for residents and tourists visiting KWJM, but its scope was later expanded to include teachers and educators across Poland. It provided users with detailed information about local ecosystems, including 150 species of fauna and flora, maps, educational trails, and environmental simulations. This made it not only a tool for raising ecological awareness but also a platform to promote the Norwegian Funds as a supporter of pro-ecological initiatives.
Additionally, content for promotional materials such as articles, interviews, and posts in social and traditional media was prepared and disseminated. Nationwide informational campaigns included two-week educational activities on platforms such as rp.pl and Onet.pl. These campaigns featured advertisements, quizzes, and links to the project’s website and the application for Android and iOS systems. Furthermore, publications appeared on portals like Wprost.pl, Gazeta.pl, Next, Inn Poland, and regional platforms managed by PolskaPress.
An essential part of the activities was the organization of a nationwide photography competition and a promotional campaign on social media. Locally, the project was promoted through partners such as the Masurian Landscape Park, the University of Warmia and Mazury, and the City of Giżycko, as well as in local media, including Gazeta Olsztyńska.
Film screenings were organized as part of the Summer Cinema initiative, during which information about the project’s funding was shared. These events attracted hundreds of attendees, expanding the project’s outreach. Additionally, educational workshops were conducted for school students, focusing on topics related to nature conservation and biodiversity.
Promotional materials, such as stickers about the eco-application, were developed, printed, and distributed. These materials were handed out at tourist centers in KWJM, in Giżycko, and during promotional events, including at the Copernicus Science Centre and trade fairs in Kraków.
Information about the project and support from the Norwegian Funds was included on the beneficiary''s website and displayed to every application user upon login. All promotional and training materials, as well as invitations, letters, and announcements, were branded with the EEA and Norwegian Funds logos, in compliance with the communication and visual identity requirements.
The informational and promotional activities aimed to raise public awareness about the Norwegian Funds, their objectives, and opportunities for international cooperation, while also highlighting the project''s achievements and its impact on environmental conservation in the KWJM region. The dissemination of the eco-application was a cornerstone of these efforts, establishing it as an educational tool and practical support for ecological actions within and beyond the region.
The project achieved significant and lasting results, benefiting a broad spectrum of stakeholders. The most durable outcome is the development and successful implementation of the interactive eco-application, which continues to function as an educational tool for raising awareness about biodiversity and promoting responsible behaviors towards the environment. This application provides valuable resources, such as detailed information about 150 species of flora and fauna, maps, educational trails, and environmental simulations, making it a practical and engaging tool for residents, tourists, educators, and students.
In addition to the eco-application, the project delivered an extensive nationwide promotional campaign. Originally estimated in the application to reach an audience of 1.3 million people, the campaign exceeded expectations, reaching over 6 million individuals across Poland. This remarkable outreach significantly amplified the project''s impact, spreading knowledge about the importance of biodiversity and the support provided by the Norwegian Funds.
The eco-application remains up-to-date and relevant, with continuous access and utility for its users. Furthermore, the success of this project has laid the foundation for new initiatives. Based on the experience and outcomes of this project, a similar biodiversity-focused project has been initiated in Moldova, showcasing the scalability and adaptability of the approach developed.
In summary, the project achieved durable and far-reaching results by providing an innovative educational tool, exceeding outreach targets through an expansive campaign, and setting the stage for international replication, ultimately benefiting a wide range of stakeholders, from local communities to international partners.
Summary of bilateral results
Collaboration with Norwegian partners in this project brought exceptional benefits. Norway, with its extensive experience in nature conservation and sustainable tourism, contributed unique solutions and perspectives. Experts such as Dr. Ann Eileen Lennert from the University of Tromsø and Anton Heijbel, CEO of Pukka Travels, shared their knowledge, enabling the adaptation of best practices in tourism management and ecosystem protection. The project’s primary achievement was the enhancement of the eco-app – a virtual guide narrated by Krystyna Czubówna, presenting the region''s ecosystems. With field tests conducted in collaboration with Norwegian partners, the app was optimized for ecological education and practical tourism applications. Additionally, workshops and expert-led meetings increased awareness among local communities about sustainable tourism development and the importance of preserving nature.The partnership facilitated knowledge exchange between Polish and Norwegian experts, contributing to innovative solutions in tourism management. Field workshops conducted in diverse conditions, from the snowy landscapes of Greenland to the Masurian lakes, allowed for testing the effectiveness of technologies under challenging conditions and adapting them to local needs. Joint efforts with partners resulted in a balanced approach to nature conservation and tourism.Continuing bilateral cooperation with Norway is a vital element of the next part of project’s development. Future plans include expanding the eco-app to other regions of Poland, utilizing Norwegian expertise in managing protected areas.