EURASIA NEWS
#2 [summer 2002]
BELARUS MOLDOVA UKRAINE
T he Eurasia Foundation is a privately
managed nonprofit grant making
organization created by the U.S. govern
ment in 1993. With funding provided by
a grant from the U.S. Agency for
International Development and over $30
million in grants from foreign govern
ments, foundations, private businesses
and individuals, the Eurasia Foundation
supports programs in twelve countries of
the New Independent States (NIS) of
the former Soviet Union.
Support covers a wide range of activ
ities in economic and democratic reform
targeting institutions and individuals at
the local level. Since its inception, the
Foundation has awarded nearly 6,000
grants for a total of more than $118 mil
lion. The Eurasia Foundation does not
administer its own programs, but
finances projects on the basis of propos
als designed and submitted by appli
cants, according to a set of guidelines
established by the Foundation.
The Foundation's Kyiv Regional Office
is responsible for grant making programs
in Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus. The
office began awarding grants in early
1994 and to date has offered direct sup
port to several hundred organizations in
the region.
Welcome
The Eurasia Foundation's program
matic focus includes:
• Private Enterprise Development:
Includes management training, business
into
and economics education, small busi
ness development, agribusiness support,
industrial restructuring, policy advice
and information systems.
Green
• Public Administration and Policy
Reform: Includes public administration
training, public policy advice, streamlin
ing procedures, transparency and devel
Rural
opment of non governmental organiza
tions.
• Civil Society: Includes projects to
develop and support an independent
Tourism!
media, systems for alternative dispute
resolution and the empowerment of
non governmental organizations.
We take a long term
approach, building
on short term successes. "T he Western NIS Regional Office's Advisory Board on July 12 approved over $264,229 in
grants to forteen organizations to promote private enterprise, public administration
reform and civil society development in Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus.
page 8 ? ? ?
Summer 2002 1
Presenting a new program
TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAM IN UKRAINE
PROGRAM RATIONALE the tourist sector, Eurasia Foundation
has identified the following as those of
Ukraine possesses a wide spectrum critical importance that it can support:
of resources critical for the growth of
the tourist industry, yet is using mere- • Training for diverse categories of
ly one-third of its capacity to build a individuals in the tourism industry.
national tourist sector. Some of the • Collection and organization of data
key impediments to the market, par- on tourist products in a region.
T ired of the big city? Bored of running
alone in the rushing crowds? Then it
is time for you to flee from the asphalt
ticularly for international visitors are
the scarcity of promotional materials,
• Improvement of current tourist
products and routes and develop-
a difficult and bureaucratic entrance ment of new ones.
jungle.
procedure and a lack of professional • Regional and local development
managers and staff capable of catering programs to support the sector.
You may ask: How? Rural green tourism
is the answer. Take a breath of the fresh to the needs of foreign tourists.
air in nature's solitude. Go to a place Support of projects that mitigate these
where you feel at home surrounded by a impediments will result in a favorable
friendly rural family. Plunge into crystal environment for growth of the
clear water and discover jewels of tourism sector.
untouched nature, the beauty of a for
gotten world of traditions and slow pace GOALS and OBJECTIVES
of life. Feel reborn and refreshed before
heading back to the urban scene. The overall goal of Eurasia
Foundation's tourism development
Why did we decide to launch a rural program in Ukraine is to promote
green tourism program? accelerated development of the sector.
Principle objectives of the program
First, it creates new jobs for the local include:
people, providing them with an opportu
nity to stay and work within their locale • Enhancing business practices
without searching for job opportunities through improvement of profes-
far beyond their native areas; sional skills.
• Promoting legal and regulatory • Regulatory and legal reforms that
Second, green tourism improves the reforms affecting the industry. affect tourism and investments in
livelihoods of the rural population, • Strengthening NGOs and tourist the sector.
encouraging them to improve their envi associations. • Development of programs and
ronment and local infrastructure; plans for educational institutions to
provide training.
Third, it develops additional revenues • Provision of information support
for local and regional level administra and database development.
tions that can be used for community • Marketing surveys and research
needs, such as social care and adds to a that result in the development and
positive climate in rural areas; implementation of marketing
strategies.
Fourth, it makes rural communities • Development and implementation
stronger by fostering the creation of of coordination efforts among serv-
rural unions and associations while ice providers, NGOs and govern-
merging various types of services. mental agencies.
I am sure that while reading this issue of PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
the Newsletter you will be able to come
across other reasons to prolong this list Under its programmatic mandate,
and join us as our partner in the pro the Eurasia Foundation will invite
gram's implementation. Come along proposals from Ukrainian registered
with us into the new country of rural non-governmental tourism related
green tourism. organizations operating at the local,
PROJECT ACTIVITIES
regional and national levels. For addi-
Inna Filippova tional information and funding guide-
Recognizing the wide array of
Program Coordinator lines, please contact our office.
activities that are necessary to develop
2 Summer 2002
Definitions Guest column
Rural Green Tourism
Development Activities
T he tradition of spending holidays in Ukrainian vil
lages is rooted in the past. 19th century Russian T he Union for Promotion of Rural
Green Tourism Development in
Ukraine is a national non govern
noblemen and the intelligentsia were familiar with
mental and non profit organization
the pursuit of rest an dcures in Crimean villages. AT that aims at developing a related
the befinning of the 20th century green tourism was form of vacationing based on the
developed in the Carpathian Mountains. Today, recreational potentials of Ukrainian
villages. The Union was founded in
Ukraine is experiencing a mini boom of agricultural 1996 and today includes 1,000 indi
tourism. Hospitable country estates attract citizens vidual and 53 collective members
from Ukraine, Russia and other foreign countries with that represent 17 regions of Ukraine.
its natural foods and spectacular Ukrainian nature. Its infrastructure includes oblast and
rural branches.
Ecological tourism ( e c o t o u r i s m ) h a s d e v e l o p e d i n A principal focus of the Union during the past 6 years is the revival
Ukraine largely within the boundaries of protected natu - and development of rural green tourism. Thanks to the work of volun
ral reserves, offering short and long stays. Ecological teers and activists the agricultural tourism market has become a pop
tours and environmental education are also provided. ular way of spending weekends and holidays and is a widespread form
The categories of the National Reserve Fund of Ukraine, of rural employment.
where ecotourism can be developed, are: National
Natural Parks, regional landscape parks, and biosphere Because the Union initiated its activities in Ukraine, the coopera
reserves. Ecotourism in Ukraine specifically provides for tion between national and local authorities and green tourism opera
protection of the native flora and fauna. tors and managers resulted in the development of a supportive admin
istrative environment for the rural tourism expansion. The Union also
Green tourism is similar to ecotourism, but is less restric - takes an active role in developing a legislative basis to regulate the
tive in both area and controls. For example, green rural green tourism sector.
tourism normally takes place in forested parks, botanical
gardens and other parks situated in both rural and urban Among the Union's primary objectives are the following:
areas. Many rivers contain protected 'green-lines' along • Popularizing agricultural tourism
their banks, including large rivers such as the Dnieper, • Promoting the recreational potential of the Ukrainian villages in
Desna, Danube and Southern Boug. national and international markets for tourist services
• Supporting development of green tourism infrastructure
Another variety of ecotourism is rural and heritage • Assisting in development of rural employment opportunities
tourism, providing travelers with the experience of living
in rural settlements with an emphasis on natural foods In 1997 the Union published its national journal, Rural Green
and life styles. Of great importance for rural tourism Tourism that has gained tremendous popularity in the tourist market.
development is the protection and development of the This journal publishes professional, methodological and analytical
local heritage, folk trades and unique architectural and materials, success stories, lists of places to stay, etc. In 2000 the
historic monuments. Union was nominated for recognition of its work in the field at the
National Ukrainian Tourist Professional Program "Kryshtalevyj Leleka"
Similar to ecological tourism is agro or farm tourism. and in 2001 the national journal received a certificate and official
This type of tourism is normally activity oriented, with praise from the program.
the tourist actively taking part in farm work, etc.
The Union is developing transparent mechanisms to govern the
Many villages are suitable for agrotoursism and many relationships among various participants of the rural tourism infra
have already begun the conversion to agrorecreational structure beginning with travel agents and those who host tourists.
villages. Lower income families prefer to vacation in In addition, plans are in place to assist the tourist information center
rural areas where they can find ecologically clean prod - Hospitable Country Estates and regional centers through advertising
ucts, inexpensive housing and become re-acquanted with and promotional activities targeting new clients for rural tourism.
old customs and heritage while children are involved in Finally, the Union plans to develop cooperative initiatives between
practical agricultural work, folk traditions and rituals tourist sector representatives and local authorities to promote the
attraction of new tourists to rural areas.
Volodymyr Vasiljev
Chairman of the Board, The Union for Promotion
of Rural Green Tourism Development in Ukraine
Phone/fax (044) 552-94-63,
E-mail: vgt@i.com.ua
www.greentour.com.ua
Summer 2002 3
Guest column Success Story
Agricultural
and Craft
Farm Tourism Tourism
Y ou are typical city dweller surround
ed by concrete, with little free time
and space searching for a place to
G rytsiv is a tiny town in northern part
of Khmelnytska Oblast in Western
Ukraine. You might say that it is an aver
escape from 'civilization'. You won't find age venue that does not differ from any
it hard to jump in a car and head for a spot other spot of this region. But below the
in Western Ukraine called Grytsiv. surface, this town has habitants who
care about it a lot. And thus they creat
Grytsiv is a town of 5 000, hidden in ed two NGOs Grytsiv Revival
woods of Khmelnytska oblast and circled Association and Rural Tourism Cluster
by the Khomora river. Think you will be Oberig that implement programs to
bored? This is a place where the inhabi help Grytsiv grow and flourish economi
tants live in pristine conditions; where cally and culturally.
you can set your agenda in advance fill
ing your newly found free time fishing, Grytsiv citizens say that a Ukrainian village is like Cinderella who works hard day to day
hunting, participating in handicraft work but still wears old clothes. A village has its own special soil, goodwill, honesty and char
shops or just wandering the fields and acter. But it can only reveal it at the moment Cinderella is changed into a princess. Each
woods hunting mushrooms and drinking year Grytsiv has its fifteen minutes of fame, moments of magic: a festival market and
fresh milk from the local farms every day. handicraft day "I Love You My Grytsiv". This holiday was started in the summer of 1999
The Oberig Rural Tourism Cluster can help and since then it has attracted artists, craftsmen and tourists. Although the festival only
you in your escape from the city. lasts a day, those who arrive rather prefer to stay longer not easy in a town that lacks
hotels. That was a key reason for creating the Oberig Rural Tourism Cluster and launching
Founded by 27 citizens of the region the Resting in the Village program.
June 2002, Oberig RTC is a regional union
of educational and scientific entrepre What's needed first
neurs and local government established to start agricultural
to promote and provide high quality tourism program? Find
tourism services to support economic like minded activists
development. The Grytsiv Cluster is the that can be united into
first in a rural area. It was founded as a a team. Then put the
result of the enthusiasm and persistence team to work on practi
of its members who brought know how cal tasks any will do
from the United States, Poland, and the and there are so many
Slovak Republic. Each member of the things to do in village.
Cluster is responsible for a unique 'voca Have them identify and
tional service' for tourists providing use provide advice on local
ful information in a particular area of attractions, always
interest. At the same time, the Oberig RTC keeping in mind the
supports business start ups by providing uniqueness of the vil
trainers in business planning for agricul lage. Even putting
tural tourism and continuing support for together a dedicated
business development. team is a key goal and you'll find that the practical ideas and suggestions to make a suc
cessful program will not be far behind.
Oberig is now hoping to expand the
scope of its activities and develop it with Nothing like this is easy, of course. And for those village authorities that have lost
other partners into a Ukrainian National their original optimism we have prepared special curriculum to help the Rural Community
Network of Agricultural Tourism Clusters. Development Program. We know it works because we have been living it for four years.
Grytsiv is a model that represents teamwork on creating a community. You are welcome to
Lidija Matsuk join us in spreading this model.
Head of the Cluster's Board
Phone/fax (0340) 729 30 Natalia Gnatuk
e-mail: oberig@sh.km.ua Head of the Rural Community Development Program
Phone (03840) 722- 48
e-mail: grytsiv@sh.km.ua
4 Summer 2002
Success Story
On the 5 7 of July, within the
Year of Tourism announced in
Ivano Frankivsk oblast in 2002,
the first in Ukraine promotion
tour for journalists was carried
out. Among tour's organizers
were state and non governmen
tal tourism institutions both
from Ivano Frankivsk and Kyiv.
Tourist route included visits to pysanka city Kolomyja, woody Worokhta, water
falls of Jaremcha, Dovbush Rocks and ruins of ancient fortresses of Galych city.
More than 70 people from all over Ukraine participated in this tour and were
The Carpathian
Regional
invited to take part in the competition on best media coverage of the event.
The winners' prize — 10 days vocation for two in Carpathians. It very attrac
tive proposal since from now on all tour's participants are eager to get back to
the region paying for the visit even from their own pocket.
Mykhajlo Vyshywanuk,head of the Ivano Frankivsk Oblast State Administration says
Tourist Board
that Transcarpathian region is "a little Switzerland with soviet roads". Thus tourism
will seen is one of the priorities in the economical development of the region. Private The Carpathian region in western Ukraine, with its rich
green tourism raise is good motivation to create an appropriate transport infrastruc history, architectural diversity and culture offers tourists
ture with further roads and rails repairing. opportunities to experience its sights year round. Green,
heritage and farm tourism is a prime growth industry here
Nina Chernova, Slobidskyj Kraj, Kharkiv: "I loved it hear. I will leave this place with
marvelous memories and will encourage all my relatives and people I know to come where choices of activities include hiking, horseback rid
have relatively inexpensive holidays in Carpathians". ing, river rafting and canoeing, mountain climbing and
skiing all while surrounded by beautiful scenery. The
Vasyl Skachyna, Ukrinform: "Carpathian region development should not be treated as
problem to be solved by oblast's budgets, but national. Launching Sate Tourism region is equally attractive for its clean air, mineral
Program for Carpathians will be useful for al nation". springs and country resorts.
T his year the International Gutsul Festival will be held in the little town
of Kosiv in Ivano Frankivsk oblast. This is the 12th annual event and an
I n August of 2001, Ivano Frankivsk, Transcarpathian, Lviv
and Chernivsti oblasts founded the Carparthian Regional
Tourist Board with the support of TACIS. The Board's activities
expected 2000 tourists from Ukraine and abroad will be able to taste local focus on the economic development of the region through the
dishes and drinks, participate in handcraft classes for weaving, ceramics promotion of the Carpathian region for tourism while also pro
and wood and listen to folk concerts — 60 folk music and vocal groups viding the four oblasts with advice on marketing. During its
from Poland, Romania and Ukraine have been invited to participate. first year, the Board launched its Web site www.tourism
carpathian.com.ua, published numerous colorful booklets and
T he Voloshchuk family is among those preparing to host Festival guests
at their home in Kosiv. "We got into green tourism long before we knew
this terminology. The first guests were relatives of our friends who several
cards and produced a photo/video production reflecting the
unique nature of the Carpathian region.
times asked us to be their hosts." — notes Natalia Voloshchuk, — " But we The Tourist Board actively participated in local and interna
have only been in business for two years. When we made a final decision tional travel conferences and exhibitions while also conduct
on this we paid local authorities for the monthly licenses and cooperate ing several seminars for the regional tourist industry, includ
with the Regional Association of Rural and Green Tourism". ing training in green and extreme tourism management.
T heir beautiful house, hidden in green woods and decorated in folk style,
shelters tourists from Eastern and Western Ukraine, Russia, Poland and
the U.S. mostly in the summer, autumn and winter. "When we have a snowy
Ivano Frankivsk Oblast has established 2002 as the "Year of
Tourism" and the first promotional tour for journalists was
held between July 5th and 7th. More than 70 journalists from
winter, then our home is even over booked since lots of people are eager every region of Ukraine participated in the tour and were
to come to Kosiv to celebrate the New Year and for skiing". invited to take part in a competition for best media coverage
with a prize of 10 days in the Carpathians for two provided
N atalia's husband graduated from the local college of applied and dec
orative arts and, with numerous houses being renovated in town he
has plenty of work. With the annual Festival he usually gets special orders
jointly by the local administration and the Tourist Board. For
some, it was their first visit to the region and many are eager
to return.
from the local authorities. Now, Kosiv is within the new Gutsulshchyna
National Park, which will be officially opened during the Festival, and the With a grant provided by the Eurasia Foundation and the
local administration needs new artwork and signs to be designed. Polish American Ukrainian Cooperation Initiative, the Board
is developing a Carpathian Vacation catalogue for publication
and distribution.
The Carparthian Regional Tourist Board is building its reputa
tion as a reliable organization committed to the economic
development of the region and providing information and
assistance to tourist sector businesses and visitors alike.
Natalia Gasuk,
Carparthian Regional Tourist Board,
Executive Director
E-mail: ctb@trade.gov.if.ua
Phone/fax (0342) 55-18-56
Summer 2002 5
Guest column New routs
Falz Fein Biosphere
Reserve "Askania Nova"
T he potential for tourism, and green tourism in particular, in Ukraine and
its associated economic benefits can be better appreciated when one
considers that there are sixteen natural reserves, eleven national parks,
dozens of botanical gardens and animal reserves. Although these parks and
gardens represent a key factor in ecological preservation, four integrated
biosphere parks have been recognized by the UNESCO "Man and Biosphere"
Preserved Wonders Are program. A primary goal of these biospheres is to actively promote the con
nections between ecological preservation, tourism and economic activities.
Just At Our Front Door Perhaps the most famous of the four biosphere
reserves is "Askania Nova" in Kherson region north
of Crimea and the Sea of Azov. Founded by Baron Falz
U kraine is known as steppe country. But where is the
steppe? Crossing the country the traveler sees moun
tains, fields, forests, lakes and rivers but no steppe.
Fein, a German immigrant, in 1874 it covers over
33,000 hectares and is one of the oldest reserves in
the country. The four hour drive from Crimea or 5
Transformed by man, the primeval steppe ecosystems only from Dnipropetrovsk brings you to Tauria, the only
stretch out now lengthways along the northern shores of place on the Eurasian continent where such a huge
the Black and Azov Seas. Not everyone will find the steppe expanse of ancient feather grass steppe along with
comfortable. Its severe conditions were always the main its unique wild life has
obstacle to any settlement while the Sycthians and been preserved.
Sarmatians crossed it quickly on horseback. But it is ideal Scythian stone babas,
place to run away from city life to go back to a truly wild or grandmothers, used in
nature. the past as trail markers across the treeless steppe,
Sections of the original ecosystems are preserved in guard the tranquility of the prehistoric feather fes
this region. The Biosphere Reserve "Askania Nova", Black cue grasslands at Falz Fein Biosphere Reserve
Sea Biosphere Reserve and the Azovo Sivash National Park "Askania Nova". During the spring the steppe dis
are considered world class ecosystem models. Askania is plays a riot of color with tulips and irises before
the best known among them to tourists since at least there transforming in early summer to a white sea of
is a small hotel and a number of village cafes. feather grass to the horizon. From the view of a dis
tant horizon, the visitor can wander within the cool
If there is a desire to stay in the Askania region longer trees and water of the 115 year old botanical park
and extreme adventures are on the agenda, then there are with its original stone irrigation system.
fascinating places to visit in the immediate vicinity. In Within a vast enclosed portion of the steppe,
that case, welcome to Pryssyvashia. Sun, salt and heat the take a two hour tour by horse drawn carriage or
only three words that can describe this zone. In the distant mini bus to see more than 4,000 animals including
past travelers and traders following the Silk Road or zebra, bison, antelope and water buffalo from
Chumak Way passed through Pryssyvashia. Today it's possi Africa, Australia, and North and South America. For
ble to retrace their steps and take in the un spoilt nature 100 years the legendary Przewalski's horses were
of the Sivash Islands and North Crimea lakes, trek down preserved here, and a small herd still wanders the
paths used by armies during the First and Second World steppe. Recently, as a result of collaborative efforts
Wars, get a long term tan in salt deserts famous for their with the University of California, Davis, the Reserve
unexpected apparitions and visions. Can't swim? Then the reintroduced the rare horse to their native
salt aquatoria is available and the water will keep you on Mongolia.
the surface as do the waters of the Dead Sea and never let The steppes surrounding the Askania Nova
you drown. This exhausting trip can be finished at another Reserve contain numerous places of interest that
special natural resort where you can relax sore muscles in are not apparent to the average tourist and a one
curative mud volcanoes. day trip does not do justice to the overall eco sys
tem which reaches down to the shores of the Azov and east across the steppe.
This land of 1000 wonders is known now only to the With support from the Eurasia Foundation, NGOs will implement programs tar
adventurous but has enormous potential for green and
geted at green tourism training and infrastructure development that will result
extreme tourism. To attract and maintain more tourists, in improved economic activities in the region's towns and villages. Launching
the regions infrastructure and service industry urgently an eco tourism program in the region will increase the tourist flow and time
needs development and a conversion to a more 'user spent in the locale, stimulate
friendly' environment. Askania Nova hopes to be at the the development of other sec
forefront of this development with support from a new tors such as transport and
partner, the Eurasia Foundation. Launching a green communication, the production
tourism program here will help to promote economic and of building materials, ecologi
social development while opening up a relatively little cally produced food products
explored, but ecologically important, region to a wider, par and souvenir production all of
ticipatory audience. which will raise the standards of
G.Gavrylenko, living in this rural area.
Director, Biosphere Reserve "Askania Nova"
6 Summer 2002
New challanges
Once a shoe manufacturer decided to explore selling on African markets. To make a final deci
sion they dispatched two marketing specialists to investigate possibilities in several African
countries. One sent the following report: "The entire market can be ours everyone walks bare
foot and no shoe company has started operations here". Back in Minsk they called him an
optimist. The other specialist returned home with another report: "There is no way you can
start this business there people are comfortable without shoes and thus it will be hard to sell
to even one person". He was called a realist.
Eco-tourism Belarus?
M y recent trip to Belarus reminded me of
this old joke. Although two similar
conflicting reports could be written, we at
2002 being declared International Year of
Ecotourism, the Parliament began work on a
draft law "On Ecotourism" that may give
tourists' opportunities. Eco tourism is sup
plemented with Visculy, the government
residence where the agreement that dis
the Western NIS office of the Eurasia some juridical status and outline activities mantled the USSR was signed in 1991;
Foundation prefer being realistic optimists in the sector. But, with the progressive eco Trinity church (1583); the White Tower of
and decided to launch a green and rural nomic decline of the rural areas in Belarus Kamenetz (1286).
tourism program in Belarus. Given the agricultural tourism in particular has even The Neman River also combines the
experience of Ukrainian NGOs in this sector, less chance to start up. charm of a preserved natural setting and
the new program has a good chance to history: the St. Peter and Paul church built
become a success story notwithstanding The good news…………… during the 17th century has a collection of
the poor state of Belarus' economic devel six 18th century altars which combine goth
opment or the government's attitude to pri 1. The national parks and reserves pre ic, renaissance, baroque and rococo styles;
vate entrepreneurship. So, here are the serve unique ecosystems that can satisfy
the city of Lida holds the restored palace of
biggest pros and cons: the most demanding eco tourist. The most
Grand Duke Gedimin who fought rampaging
famous national park is the Belovezha
crusaders in the early 14th century.
Forest Preserve on the Polish border the
3. The regions around Grodno, a famous
oldest reserve in the republic which is historical area of interest, holds strong
included on the World Cultural and Natural
interest for tourists from Poland and
Heritage list. This majestic wood was first
Lithuania.
mentioned in manuscripts in 983. The
4. Finally, local tour facilitators called
reserve covers an area of 87.6 thousand
krajevedcheskije organizations (very popu
hectares representing a unique nature lar in the Soviet era for arranging and pro
sanctuary and the only virtually untouched
viding excursions within Belarus for the
large forest in Central Europe. The
local population) still exist and they main
Belovezha forest is rich in fauna and birds.
tain the information on old the tourist
The old growth woodland contains oaks
routes and can form a foundation of knowl
First the bad news………… aged 300 to 700 years, 450 year old ash edgeable personnel.
trees and 220 year old pine trees. Supreme
So, taking a realistic but nevertheless
1. The tourist infrastructure in Belarus in the dense forest is the auchor, the
optimistic view, green/historical and eco
is geared toward taking people out of the largest and rarest representative of Europe
tourism will not be grasping at a goal
country domestic travel is not popular. deer. But, most people come here to meet a
beyond reach. The basic structure exists, as
Today the infrastructure, to be generous, is zubr (Byelorussian bison) an animal that do the people who can be trained as tour
not adapted to hosting a large number of has become the symbol of Belarus.
guides and managers, supported with infor
foreign tourists in general and in national For hundreds of years Belarus has been
mation materials, access to Internet and
parks or rural areas in particular. Few visu referred to as Lakeland, quite justifiably.
training in marketing. Tour associations
alize local tourists as the probable users of There are 11,000 lakes and 20,000 rivers
can implement a promotion campaign tar
such forms of tour services. Even if the and brooks in the country. From azure and geting local authorities to explain the ben
local population wants to, price precludes deep blue to black mirrors, lakes are hidden
efits eco and rural tourism development
green tourism. The official price for a trip in forest thickets or glimmer among mead
can provide to their communities. The
to the huge Belovezha forest preserve is ows. Those who are enjoy fishing and swim
Eurasia Foundation Tourism Development
less than $15 a low price for foreigners ming and mysterious underwater world can
Program is structured to provide interested
but too high for a Byelorussian. lose themselves in the Braslav Lakes groups with the tools for creating a profes
Furthermore, all reserves and national parks National park. The largest lakes of the park
sional, sustainable green and eco tourism
are under the control of the Office of the are the Driviaty, Snudy, Strusto, Voyso and
business.
Presidential Administration. Consequently, Bogeno. The amazing charm of this park is
Finally, but certainly not least in impor
only state tourist agencies (and those due to its variety of landscape: lakes, hills,
tance, the Western NIS Regional Office is
under state protection) are able to arrange woods and again more lakes contained in a committed to establishing increasingly
and conduct excursions and small tourist area of about 183 sq. km though the exact
important cross border and regional coop
companies can hardly compete with them. extent has yet to be measured.
eration that promotes knowledge sharing,
2. Eco/green tourism in Belarus is not 2. Historical and cultural heritage
best practices and economic cooperation
seen as an important part of country's opportunities structures from the period
between the countries that shortly will bor
economy and its citizens' prosperity. The of the Crusades, the history of Grand Dukes der an expanded European Union.
tax system, with its oppressive regulations, Gedimin and Radzivill, the poet Adam
is a formidable obstacle to private business Mitskevitch and the spot where the Soviet
development even though as a result of Union was dissolved all enhance the Dzvenyslava Novakivska
Outreach and Development Coordinator
This publication was made possible through support provided by the Office of Market Transition, Bureau for Europe and Eurasia,
U.S. Agency for International Development, under the terms of Award No. EMT G 00 02 00008 00. The opinions expressed herein are those 7
of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Eurasia Foundation and the U.S.Agency for the International Development.
Grant list
PRIVATE ENTERPRISES DEVELOPMENT Project activities will assist in optimizing the introduc CIVIL SOCIETY
tion of market principles into the agricultural sector of
Association Lviv Tourist Board $23,228 the country. DECA Press $31,746
Ukraine, Kyiv Moldova, Balti
Podilia Pershyi Association $30,381
To support accelerated development and growth of pri To support the development of democracy and private
Ukraine, Khmelnytskyi
vate enterprises in the tourist sector. The project will businesses in the northern region of the Republic of
establish a Tourist Information Point located at the city To support economic development in the depressed Moldova. The project will include training and practical
airport, which will provide tourists with information serv regions of the northern part of Khmelnytska oblast. The assistance for entrepreneurs, civil society and media rep
ices and printed materials about the regional tourist grantee will train local government officials to use mod resentatives. During implementation approximately 40
infrastructure free of charge. The project will also update ern methods of assessment of the level of economic entrepreneurs and NGO representatives will receive pub
a database of the regional tourist industry; develop and development in the region, to produce and implement lic relations training to insure efficient promotion of
publish information materials for the Tourist Information local economic development strategies, and introduce their activities to assist in resolving the social and eco
Point; and, conduct seminars for the Point employees. the cluster based model of industrial development in nomic problems of the local communities. Additionally
The project will strengthen the image of Lviv as a tourist small towns and villages. The results of the program will about 45 journalists will receive relevant legal training
center as well as improve informational support of the lead to a reduced level of unemployment, increased com and not less than 10 leaders of the independent media
tourist industry. petitiveness of small and medium businesses, and will participate in management seminars. The project
improved climate for private enterprise development in will develop the capacity of private business, non gov
Konotop Egency for $7,790 the region. ernmental and the local administrations' activities, while
Economic Development strengthening the role of free media in solving local
Ukraine, Konotop Razumkov Ukrainian Center for $2,999 community problems.
Economic and Political Studies
To support the creation of favorable conditions for the Ukraine, Kyiv Informational Development $34,999
development of small business in the city of Konotop. Promotion Foundation
The project will develop a business incubator and busi To support methodologies to increase citizen participa Belarus, Minsk
ness center to provide training for new and existing tion in political and economic decision making. The
entrepreneurs, provide consulting services, hold compe project will conduct an independent analysis of political, To improve citizen access to information through the
titions for the best business plans and other business economic, social and legal issues related to Ukraine's development of non state TV and radio stations. The
concepts, and publish an economic legal digest in the accession to the World Trade Organization and to devel project will create a Regional Information Agency intro
local newspaper. The long term results of the program op recommendations regarding optimal methods of ducing high quality news exchange in cooperation with
will contribute to increased number of registered and implementation to address those issues. A round table 20 regional TV and 5 radio stations. Research on the
functioning small and medium businesses, increased rate with key Ukrainian officials and national media will be broadcast media market will also be conducted. The proj
of workers' employed by small businesses, and encourage conducted to summarize the findings and recommenda ect will increase the quality of news programs produced
more activity and investment in small and medium busi tions. by non governmental TV stations and encourage media
ness in the city. cooperation.
Center for Land Reform Policy in Ukraine $3,739 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORM Institute of Mass Information $21,900
Ukraine, Kyiv Ukraine, Kyiv
Center for Ethno social studies $27,455 To reduce obstacles to independent media development
To support development of private entrepreneurship in
Ukraine, Simferopol and facilitate citizen access to information. The project
the agricultural sector. The project will develop, publish
and distribute an annual analytical report on land reform To improve the performance of civil servants by support will provide journalists with legal advice and informa
implementation in Ukraine in 2001. The project will pro ing a professional, university level public administration tion, advocacy assistance, legislative analysis and pre
mote more effective implementation of land reform and program. The project will publish a handbook for univer publication review. Monitoring of media and journalists'
strengthen the cooperation among the main stakehold sity students and professionals based on American pub rights violations will be conducted. Project materials will
ers of these reforms. lic administration experience and develop the lectures be widely disseminated through the organization's web
for an "Introduction to Public Administration" course at site, its newsletter "Free Microphone", and through its e
Center for Land Reform Policy in Ukraine $7,533 Tavrichesky National University. These activities will help mail distribution list.
Ukraine, Kyiv develop a core University program and provide a local
resource for training of civil servants. Odesa Charity Fund "The Way Home" $6,520
To support development of private entrepreneurship in Ukraine, Odesa
the agricultural sector. The project will develop, publish
Kharkiv Politechnic Institute $12,709 To better address the problem of community reintegra
and distribute a mini manual and a monthly informa
Ukraine, Kharkiv tion of the homeless by involving citizens in charitable
tional newsletter on the most crucial issues of new land
legislation. The manual and newsletter will be developed To improve performance of municipal employees. The activities. The project will establish a library for the
by the grantee, which has obtained the cooperation of grantee will develop diagnostic tools and methods to homeless and conduct a public information campaign on
the State Committee on Land Resources to assist in the assess communication, management, personal and lead social problems. These project activities will increase
review of materials and provide official support. The pro ership skills. The tools and methods will be applied to a public awareness of the problems of the homeless and
gram will promote more effective implementation of land pilot group of employees in the Kharkiv city executive help to attract more resources from the local community
reform, increase the awareness of land users' and owners' committee. Based on the test results the grantee will to implement charitable programs.
rights and obligations as provided in the new Land Code develop appropriate recommendations to modify job
and represent a model for cooperation between a gov descriptions of those employees tested, and provide rec Civil Society Institute $20,322
ernment agency and NGO. ommendations to participate in training to further devel Ukraine, Kyiv
op and strengthen these skills. In addition, the grantee To support methodologies to protect civil liberties and
Association "New Agro Enterprise" $32,87 will present an innovative program of professional devel limit the arbitrary exercise of government power. The
Lugansk oblast Organization opment for municipal employees. The program will result project will produce a series of brochures that explain
Belarus, Minsk in improved quality of employees' and departments' the function and procedures of the Ministry of Justice,
activities and will lead to implementation of innovative Office of Prosecutor General, Supreme Court and
To promote private enterprise development in agriculture
methodologies and practices in hiring and performance Commission on Human Rights. Printed materials will be
through support of the reorganization and privatization
evaluation of municipal employees. available to the public through existing networks of legal
process of state agro enterprises. The project envisions
complex consulting support to 12 agro enterprises in the clinics, NGO resource centers and other civic organiza
restructuring process, training specialists of these enter tions. Project activities will contribute to increased citi
prises in agriculture and business issues, and conducting zen participation in political decision making.
public hearings on the draft law "On the adaptation of
private agricultural enterprises to market conditions".
C O N T A C T I N F O R M A T I O N
Western NIS Regional Office Moldova Office Belarus Office
55 Bogdana Khmelnytskoho Str. 6th floor 98, 31 August Str., room 504 5 Masherova avenue, room 221
Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine 2004 Moldova, Chisinau 22004 Belarus, Minsk
tel./fax: 380 44 246 99 61; 238 26 96 tel/fax 3732 tel/fax 375 172 269095
e mail: eurasia@eurasia.kiev.ua e mail: Eurasia@eurasia.mldnet.com e mail: Eurasia@user.unibel.by