For the last fifteen years the municipality has been engaged in collaboration with the Ukrainian commune Stary Sambir to enhance regional economic growth. Renowned for its wild and unspoilt nature, Ustrzyki Dolne cooperates closely with neighbouring communes to promote economic development in the Bieszczady region, including promotion of the region as a tourist destination.
The municipality regards tourism and cultural activities as essential to a positive development of the area. Presently, timber industries constitute the main source of income, along with services and tourism. In an area held back by high levels of unemployment and peripheral geographical location, alternative ideas for development are sorely needed, and an increased focus on tourism is a vital part of such a strategy.
The cross-border project builds on previous experiences and priority areas for Ustrzyki Dolne and their Ukrainian partner, including sports and cultural activities. Among the activities is a series of concerts, including well-known Ukrainian musicians. The concerts that have taken place so far have attracted much interest and been received warmly in the local community. Later on, international sports competitions within swimming, running and other summer and winter sports will be held as part of the project.
The majority of the project activities take place on the Polish side of the border, but with Ukrainian participation. The project in this way gives a valuable opportunity for sharing of experience and competence building between the two border regions. Recently, the local Ukrainian population living close to the border has been allowed to cross into Poland without a Schengen visa, facilitating local trade and furthering the overall regional cooperation.
As representatives of the Norwegian Embassy to Poland recently visited the municipality to follow up on the project, the project promoters were very pleased with the opportunity to receive funding from the Norway Grants. The municipality is also responsible for a Norway Grants project involving thermo modernisation of ten public buildings.