On 27 April 2023, the third meeting of the Steering Committee of the project ‘SHARING HERITAGE: Preserving Historical Legacy of Pniv Fortress in Ukraine and Ardud Fortress in Romania for Tourism Development’ (2SOFT/2.1/169) took place in Ardud, Romania. The project is implementing by the Tourist Association of Ivano-Frankivsk Region in partnership with Pasichna Village Council (Ukraine), City Hall of Ardud and Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Satu Mare (Romania) under the Joint Operational Programme Romania-Ukraine 2014-2020 and co-financed by the European Union.
The project runs until September 2023. The total project budget is €496,811.12 (approximately UAH 19,974,000), including a grant of €444,195.10 (approximately UAH 17,858,500).
The partners met to discuss current progress and plan upcoming activities. The project focuses on the Nadvirna district, Ivano-Frankivsk region (Ukraine) and Satu Mare County (Romania). Its aim is to create new opportunities for the economic and social development of local communities on both sides of the border by unlocking the tourism potential of their cultural heritage – namely Ardud Fortress in Romania and Pniv Castle in Ukraine – thus ensuring the preservation and sustainable use of these medieval sites.
Ukrainian partners’ achievements were presented by Iryna Novosilska, Project Director. Highlights include:
- Procurement of an outdoor lighting system to be installed around the ruins of Pniv Castle.
- Ongoing work on information and interpretation panels to be placed on site.
- Completion of ground-penetrating radar surveys and creation of a 3D geological model to recreate the castle’s historical appearance.
- Development of scientific and design documentation for urgent conservation and structural stabilization works at Pniv Castle.
- Preparation of design documentation for the construction of the Pniv Heritage Interpretation Centre, envisioned as a new tourist attraction and magnet for visitors.
- Work on the Heritage Management Plan and Interpretation Concept for Pniv Castle.
- Development of a virtual tour/guide for Pniv Castle; content has been prepared and a service provider selected.
- Organization of a study visit to Ukraine and a joint study tour to Ireland (September 2022).
- Production of promotional materials (project banners, T-shirts, mugs, notebooks, backpacks, calendars).
- Preparation of promotional publications and a video about Pniv Castle is underway.
Romanian partners also shared significant progress. Daniela Culici, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Satu Mare County, reported:
- Purchase of planned equipment.
- Hosting of a study visit for Ukrainian partners to Romania and a joint study tour to Ireland.
- Launch of a training series for local stakeholders on using cultural heritage for local development (one training completed, another scheduled for late May).
- Production of promotional items (USB drives, stickers, T-shirts, backpacks, notebooks with project branding).
Ștefan Berci, Communications Expert representing the Municipality of Ardud, presented activities focused on Ardud Fortress itself:
- Procurement and installation of powerful dehumidifiers to ensure proper ventilation and humidity control inside the fortress.
- Installation of ground lighting in the fortress galleries.
- Repair of the main gate and paving with stone blocks.
- Creation of a 3D model of Ardud Fortress.
- Preparation and publication of tourist guides and maps, and ongoing work on a promotional video about the fortress.
Members of the Supervisory Board had the opportunity to inspect the infrastructure elements installed at Ardud Fortress during an informative site visit.
Next steps include two cross-border international workshops involving specialists in heritage and local development, as well as two international medieval culture festivals in Ukraine and Romania, interpreting castle heritage for a wide audience. The project will conclude with an International Forum of Partners United by Heritage, presenting project results, sharing partner experiences, and drawing public attention to best practices in heritage management for small communities.
Contact person – Iryna Novosilska, projects manager, tel. (067) 7383904, e-mail: office@taif.org.ua.
This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the Tourist Association of Ivano-Frankivsk Region and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or of the Joint Operational Programme Romania-Ukraine 2014-2020 management structures (www.ro-ua.net).
The Joint Operational Programme Romania-Ukraine 2014-2020 is financed by the European Union through the European Neighborhood Instrument and co-financed by the participating countries in the Programme.
