The bike ride “From the Swamp to the Sea” brought together about forty cyclists who connected sport, ecology and tradition from Hutovo Blat to Neum.
Last weekend, on Sunday, May 31, a unique cycle tourism and environmental event was successfully held under the name “From the swamp to the sea”.
The event once again confirmed the potential of southern Herzegovina in development of active tourism and sustainable nature management, connecting protected wetland ecosystems with the Adriatic coast.
The bike ride was organized Office of the President of the Government of HNŽ in cooperation with the Association HerzegovinaBikeand started from the Hutovo Blato Nature Park, in front of the Park Motel on Karaotok.
From Hutovo blat to Neum
About forty cyclists from the countries of the region successfully overcame the attractive and demanding long section 51 kilometerswhich follows the historical route of the Ćiro narrow-gauge railway.
After driving through the recognizable karst landscape, the participants arrived at the final destination in I don’t knowwhere they were greeted by a lively and meaningful atmosphere.
A program for children, families and the local community
This year’s bicycle race was part of a wider fun and educational event dedicated to preservation of nature, waters, wetlands and marine ecosystems.
It is a manifestation, to meet the celebration World Environment Daywhich is celebrated on June 5, was organized by the Office of the President of the Government of Herzegovina-Neretva County with the aim of raising environmental awareness and protecting natural values.
While the cyclists rode towards the sea, a program for children, families and the local community was held on the waterfront in Neum.
Through interactive and creative workshops, the youngest learned about environmental protection, water, plants and animals. Among the workshops were:
- “Plant flowers, reduce trash”
- “We learn about nature through play”
- “Picture-stones”
- “Musician”
The performance of the children’s group caused special enthusiasm among the visitors Kindergarten Neumwho performed a traditional Herzegovinian dance Lingio. He was in charge of the musical atmosphere during the day Tambourine ensemble Mostar.
An event within the COASTRUST project
The entire event was realized within the project COASTRUSTco-financed through the program Interreg Euro-MED.
The project is aimed at the sustainable use, protection and restoration of ecosystems and the active involvement of citizens in the preservation of biodiversity, especially in areas exposed to human influence.
In addition to the Office of the President of the Government of HNŽ, the key international partners in the project are: Regional Development Agency of Dubrovnik-Neretva County (DUNEA), University of Roma Tre, Andalusian Federation of Cities and Provinces (FAMP), Institute for Nature Protection in Albania, Foundation for Sustainable Development SUBMON, Nature Trust Malta and numerous associated partners, including Municipality of Neum.
Support from institutions and partners
Successful realization of the bicycle race “From the swamp to the sea” it was achieved with the support of institutions and partners who invest in the promotion of active stay in nature and sustainable tourism.
They gave support to cycling Office of the President of the Government of HNŽ, Municipality of Neum, Tourist board of HNŽ, HT Eronet and Capriolo SC Mostar.
The organizers thanked all participants, partners and the local community for their response and cooperation, saying from Neum that sport, tradition and environmental protection can together send a strong message about the value of Herzegovina’s natural resources.
(www.jabuka.tv | Photo: Herzegovina Bike)
