In the heart of Europe, a quiet revolution is underway along the Danube River, where the forces of nature and culture are converging to breathe new life into small cities. This transformation is part of the EU Interreg project DANUrB+ (Danube Urban Brand), a collaborative effort involving six European countries, including Serbia. The project’s ambitious goal is to revitalize small cities along the Danube through sustainable tourism and cross-border cooperation, with a particular focus on integrating natural and cultural heritage.
At the forefront of this initiative is Biserka Mitrović, a researcher from the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture. Mitrović and her team have been working on developing action plans that blend the rich cultural heritage of these regions with their natural beauty, creating eco-cultural routes that not only attract tourists but also foster sustainable development.
One of the standout examples of this approach is the city of Golubac, located in the Eastern part of Serbia. Golubac, like many small cities in the region, has been grappling with a declining population. However, the action plan developed for Golubac offers a beacon of hope. By combining the city’s natural and cultural heritage, the plan aims to create new, authentic tourist products and routes. “The idea is to shape a unique identity for Golubac that leverages its natural beauty and historical significance,” Mitrović explains. “This not only attracts tourists but also creates economic opportunities for the local community.”
The methodology behind these action plans is meticulous and inclusive. It involves a thorough analysis of strategic regional and local planning documents, field studies, and extensive engagement with local stakeholders through meetings, workshops, and surveys. This participatory approach ensures that the plans are not just theoretical but are grounded in the realities and aspirations of the local communities.
The commercial impacts of this research are significant, particularly for the energy sector. As these small cities become more sustainable and self-sustaining, there is a growing demand for green energy solutions. This shift towards eco-friendly tourism can drive investments in renewable energy infrastructure, creating a ripple effect that benefits both the environment and the local economy.
Mitrović’s work, published in the Proceedings of the International Conference of Contemporary Affairs in Architecture and Urbanism-ICCAUA, translates to English as ‘Proceedings of the International Conference on Contemporary Issues in Architecture and Urbanism,’ highlights the potential for similar initiatives across other regions. The action plans developed through DANUrB+ serve as a knowledge base and methodological model for building self-sustaining communities, offering a blueprint for future developments in sustainable urban planning.
As we look to the future, the integration of natural and cultural heritage in small cities along the Danube could set a new standard for sustainable tourism. This approach not only preserves the unique identity of these regions but also ensures their economic viability, creating a win-win situation for both the environment and the local communities. The work of Mitrović and her team is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping a more sustainable future.