As part of the international COASTRUST project, a formal signing ceremony for the Memorandum of Understanding and the Agreement on the Protection, Sustainable Management, and Promotion of the "From Wetlands to the Sea" corridor was held in Neum. With this act, the HerzegovinaBike association has been officially confirmed as a key partner in creating a new, ecologically grounded tourism product that connects the Hutovo Blato Nature Park with the Neum coast.
The ceremony was attended on behalf of the association by Secretary Stanislava Borovac, who joined high-level delegations from the Government of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNC), city and municipal leaders, and scientific and environmental institutions in defining the shared future of the Mediterranean coastline.
Cycle Tourism as a Tool for Nature Protection
The COASTRUST project brings together seven Mediterranean countries, from Spain to Greece, with the aim of preserving biodiversity and ensuring the sustainable management of Mediterranean coastal areas. For us at the HerzegovinaBike association, this project represents a confirmation of our long-standing work in promoting cycling as the most effective tool for valuing space without compromising the ecosystem.
The President of the HNC Government, Marija Buhač, emphasized that the new "From Wetlands to the Sea" corridor is being developed as a natural extension of the famous Ciro Trail. In this specific segment, cycling becomes a bridge that physically and thematically connects Hutovo Blato and the Neum coast, offering an authentic nature experience with minimal environmental pressure.
Strategic Partnership Between Public and Civil Sectors
The signing of the Memorandum and Agreement establishes a solid framework for cooperation between public administration, science, and the non-governmental sector. HerzegovinaBike has been recognized as a leader of activities that will enable:
- Development of Active Tourism: Integrating cycle tourism into the protection of natural resources and spatial planning.
- Educational Character: Implementation of activities aimed at ecological upbringing and the education of children and youth through spending time in nature.
- International Visibility: Positioning the region within a broader Mediterranean context and strengthening partnerships on the European map.
A Word from the Association: A Look into a Sustainable Future
"Participation in the COASTRUST project for HerzegovinaBike signifies a confirmation of the importance of partnership in shaping the sustainable future of the region. The cycle tourism we advocate is based on the preservation of natural and cultural values and the networking of local stakeholders. Developing the 'From Wetlands to the Sea' corridor through the prism of cycling ensures that tourism growth does not come at the expense of biodiversity, but rather to its benefit", stated Stanislava Borovac.
This agreement represents a step forward toward creating a long-term sustainable tourism offering that will provide visitors with the opportunity to explore the hydrological connection between Hutovo Blato and the Adriatic Sea, following the tracks of nature on two wheels.
We proudly continue to work on the realization of this corridor, aware that every new kilometer of the trail contributes to the protection of our common home—from the Herzegovinian wetlands to the pearl of the sea.
Your HerzegovinaBike Team
