GASTOUR 2024 CONFERENCE, Hungary

The project will result in a three-day gastronomic and tourism Sustainable Event, contributing to the vision of Green Visegrad. The services provided by forests can be a competitive advantage for some destinations if they are consciously addressed. The forest is not only a natural environment, but it is also worth exploring in the kitchen. With the help of Michelin Plate locations, we will invite the sector on a gastronomic journey, from which they will return with significant professional knowledge, product development and sustainable destination management ideas. We will also explore the product offer and development potential of the Tatras and Dunamente. The conference will share examples of existing innovative value chains and explore opportunities to develop new value chains for currently less-used forest products and services. Program plan for the GASTOUR 2023 Conference First day: Opening ceremony and welcome speeches about the goals and importance of the conference. Lectures and sessions on the role of forests and the natural environment in the gastronomy and tourism industry. Introducing Michelin Plate locations that focus on gastronomic travel. Professional presentations on sustainable destination management and product development in the gastronomy and tourism sector. International food and drink shows for attendees to sample forest-inspired dishes and drinks. Poster section, where participants can present their own research and projects in the field of sustainable gastronomy and tourism. Second day: Roundtable discussions and panel discussions on gastronomic and tourism value chains, including the presentation of existing innovative value chains and opportunities for the development of currently less-used forest products and services. Workshops where the use of raw materials from the forest and their gastronomic value are presented. Workshops and interactive case studies on the product range and development opportunities of Bükk, Tátra and Dunamente. Evaluation and acknowledgment of speakers, organizers and participants at the end of the conference. Closing discussion, where participants can continue to exchange experiences and build business relationships in an informal environment. Third day – optional – paid program: Professional program and Bükki tour. Interactive activities: Handicraft sessions, where participants can make products with their own hands that are based on the raw materials of the forest, such as wood carving or making ornaments from natural materials. Hands-on demonstrations and education on the processing and use of raw materials from the forest, such as the collection and processing of medicinal herbs. https://bukkikor.hu/

The V4 Specials – V4 Discussion and V4 Workshop

The ability to freely share information and discuss the issues of the day has always been one of the highest missions of the arts. That is why we see the V4 Discussion as one of the highlights of the festival. Through it, we try to contribute to such a reflection in the context of the problems plaguing the area closest to us, the V4 region (e.g., the issue of artistic and civic freedom and safety). In order to accommodate perspectives and experiences of all representatives of the partner institutions, the topic of the V4 debate will be kept deliberately broad. The panel of experts will consists at least of three panellists from V4 countries and will be moderated by applicants’ representative/s. The V4 Workshop will work to counterbalance the more cerebral V4 Discussion. The workshop will take place over several days, will be facilitated by a professional from a V4 country, and will be open exclusively to the V4 students as a place to learn and network. www.encounter.cz

Perspective Building Workshops on ‘Mountain Pasture Ecosystems and Pastoralism’ – Slovakia

Venue Places: Base of Slovak Partner Contents: Three 3-day Workshop (1 day field trip) thematically building perspectives on ‘Mountain Pasture Ecosystems and Pastoralism’ in Slovakia. This workshop will be organized and hosted by the Slovak Partner. Following will be the technical Themes: - Characteristics of Pasture and Grassland Ecosystems in the Mountains - Pastoralism and Participatory Pasture Conservation for Halting Climate Change - Natural Livestock Farming and Biodiversity Conservation in Mountain Pastures - Pastoral Tourism and Sustainable Livelihood of Shepherds - Self-Driven Action Plans for Pastures Conservation About 20 participants will take part in 3 days long workshop including 1 day field trip. This Workshop is the core action in educating the multiple stakeholders in Slovakia and building their capacities, so that they can get ready to become critical links in carrying forward the pastures conservation and protection activities in the form of subsequent smaller projects in their respective areas. -