EkoApp for Moldova: Modern technologies in the service of sustainable tourism

The project “EkoApp for Moldova” is a dynamic initiative that is transforming the face of tourism in the country. Through modern technologies, such as a mobile app and augmented reality (AR), the project revolutionizes the way Moldova is explored. The goal is not only to attract tourists and increase the region’s appeal but also to introduce better resource management practices.

The initiative combines education, innovation, and ecology, introducing a fresh approach to tourism that places Moldova at the forefront of modern tourist destinations.

Building the Future of Tourism

As part of the project, EkoApp is being developed – a groundbreaking mobile application, inspired by the award-winning Polish version of EkoApp. It is not just a tool for promoting tourism but a real treasure trove of knowledge. Through it, users can learn about the role of local ecosystems, explore the surrounding nature, and engage in interactive experiences – from educational quizzes to virtual animals that can be encountered on the trail or in the city center, thanks to augmented reality (AR).

This is a modern approach to tourism that educates and inspires people to care for nature.

New Trails and Standards – Education 4.0

The project is also developing a new hiking and cycling trail in the Orheiul Vechi region. Known as the “orange trail,” this route will become an example of sustainable tourist infrastructure, meeting the highest environmental protection standards. The guidelines for creating sustainable tourist trails developed within the project will serve as a model for future tourism development efforts throughout Moldova.

The new hiking and cycling trail in the picturesque Orheiul Vechi region will not only enrich the tourist offer but also set a benchmark for sustainable infrastructure, combining a modern approach with the highest environmental standards. The guidelines established through this project will be used as a model for future tourism initiatives across Moldova, setting a direction for tourism development that harmonizes with nature.

Education and Ecological Awareness

An important aspect of the project is raising ecological awareness among the people of Moldova, as well as representatives of state institutions and NGOs, through:

• cooperation with local experts in preparing EkoApp,
• study visits,
• extensive informational campaigns.

Collaboration for Sustainable Development

The project is built on Polish-Moldovan expert collaboration, developing strategies and recommendations for sustainable tourism services. These program documents will become the foundation for training and the development of new tourism services that support micro-entrepreneurs in rural areas. These efforts will not only enhance Moldova’s tourist offer but also strengthen the local economy.

A Key Tool for Tourism Development

“EkoApp for Moldova” is a key tool combining modern technology with ecological responsibility, offering a new quality of tourism in Moldova. The project not only enhances the country’s tourism attractiveness but also supports sustainable development for local communities, protects natural and cultural heritage, and promotes Moldova as a unique travel destination in Europe.

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DONATOR

The project co-financed from the state budget under the Polish development cooperation program of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland

The project creates an interdisciplinary coalition with all V4 and EaP countries. It imparts knowledge and experience of V4 countries in terms of the accessibility of information for the deaf and the blind (D&B) in the EasternPartnership countries(EaP). It goes beyond the D&B, creating an international expert forum, connecting the D&B, media, and public administration entities. It educates specialists from EaP, prepared for professional cooperation with the media and public institutions in terms of sharing information accessible for D&B.

By founding the Accessibility Academy and Handbook-Bridge to Accessibility,it gives the know-how, sets new directions and shows, how to shape new communication strategies regarding the disadvantaged groups in the crisis. This creates model multimedia materials compliant with the rules for information accessibility. The project responds to problems, which emerged in EaP during the COVID19 epidemic. Missing or incorrect interpretation of the governments and sanitary service announcements into sign language on TV or online cut the deaf from any information about the epidemic. It jeopardized the life and health of the deaf.

The number of sign language interpreters in EaP and their professionalism differ from the EU average. There are no regulated forms of cooperation between the media or public institutions with the D&B. There are no standards for sharing information with D&B persons in crisis situations. The project focuses on the needs of the deaf but introduces also some improvements for the blind.

Handbook – Bridge to Accessibility is the first analytical work in EaP on the current situation in each project country, and a collection of good practices and recommendations on information accessibility, created under the supervision of V4 organizations, enlarged by video materials, compliant with accessibility rules.

Thanks to QR codes, videos will be available on smartphones. It’s a base of knowledge and specific activities to be taken to improve the status quo. It sets directions and responds to the challenge of increasing information accessibility in the future. It incorporates the perspective of D&B with the scientific, media, and governmental point of view, thanks to which solutions answer to local capabilities.

The Accessibility Academy constitutes online seminars conducted by V4 experts. Participants from EaP shall obtain comprehensive knowledge required in everyday work. They’ll receive tools boosting their professionalism. Online activities give access to a wider audience. In Georgia and Moldova, Regional Interpreters Schools for sign language interpreters accredited in public institutions and media will be organized – they’ll build a professional interpreter’s group, prepared to cooperate with media and institutions during broadcasts. “Round Tables” will connect the media, sign language interpreters, D&B, and authorities responsible for communication. They’ll learn about each other’s needs and expectations. This shall result in better understanding and sensitivity to the topics of D&B.

Meetings shall result in interpretation standards in audiovisual materials with the model video.

Donor

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