ADDITIONAL 47 KM OF LANDSCAPED HIKING TRAILS ALONG VLASINA

VLASINA - PURE LOVE 2.0: ADDITIONAL 47 KM OF LANDSCAPED HIKING TRAILS ALONG VLASINA

THE TOURIST OFFER OF THE PROTECTED REGION ALONG VLASINA LAKE IS ENRICHED WITH 47 KILOMETRES OF REBUILT AND LANDSCAPED HIKING TRAILS THANKS TO THE "VLASINA – PURE LOVE" INITIATIVE WHICH IS JOINTLY IMPLEMENTED BY COCA-COLA SYSTEM AND UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP) IN COOPERATION WITH PARTNERS. THE INITIATIVE AIMS TO IMPROVE THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE VLASINA AREA, ALONG WITH THE PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT. 

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The importance of the "Vlasina – Pure Love" initiative for the development of the region was recognized and institutionally supported by the Municipality of Surdulica, the Surdulica Tourist Organization, as well as the Office of the Minister in charge of the Development of Underdeveloped Municipalities. 

"The 'Vlasina – Pure Love' project is an example of how we can work together to enhance the natural beauty and economic sustainability of a region. Vlasina has always been the jewel of the region and our country, but today, due to this project, it dazzles brighter than ever before," said the Minister without Portfolio in charge of the Development of Underdeveloped Municipalities, Novica Tončev.

In cooperation with the Mountaineering Association of Serbia, the already existing hiking trails leading to the mountaintops of Čemernik and Vrtop were renovated and one new, tourist-educational trail was made. More than 80 information boards were installed, acquainting the visitors in a catchy and interactive way with rare, protected, and autochthonous species of plants and animals in the region of Vlasina lake. 

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These 47 kilometers of trails are much more than a walking and recreation opportunity. I am certain that, with these trails, we will open the possibility for a faster and stronger economic development of Vlasina. When I see so many nature lovers in one place, I am more than certain that together we can conquer any peak, overcome any challenge, and support a better future of this exquisite area.

Svetoslav Atanasov GENERAL MANAGER OF COCA-COLA HBC SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

Acting Deputy UNDP Resident Representative in Serbia, Bojana Balon, pointed out that sustainable tourism stimulates local economic development, taking into account nature conservation and preservation of local culture and tradition. 

Simultaneously with the opening of the trails, the largest hiking event in Serbia, Rosa Hiking Day, was held on Vlasina. It was organized by the Mountaineering Association of Serbia and participated by more than 500 visitors and nature lovers walking along the trails of Vlasina, including 350 school age girls and boys from the cities of southeastern Serbia. This year's Rosa Walking Day, under the slogan "One step closer to health," helped close to fifteen thousand citizens get more active in a total of 93 locations throughout Serbia. 

The trails along Vlasina will be digitized in the coming period, and visitors will be able to explore them via the online platform "Serbian Trails."