Thanks to EU funds, Drniš gets a breath of new life and a potential slice of the tourism cake.
Anyone who has ever been to or even passed through Drniš will likely have been left with a very pleasant impression. First mentioned in writing as far back as the late 1400's and once occupied by the Ottomans, this historic town in the rugged mountains of inland Dalmatia, located between Knin and the popular coastal town of Šibenik, boasts a wealth of natural heritage and jaw-dropping beauty that is sure to tickle the curiosity of any passer-by.
As beautiful as inland Dalmatia is, and despite the fact that tourists are slowly starting to discover its stunning beauty, it remains living firmly in the shadow of its coastal cousin. With that in mind, the town of Drniš is making moves in order to place itself on inland Dalmatia's budding tourist map, with a little help from the EU.
As SibenikIN writes on the 20th of May, 2018, Drniš has been granted over five million kuna from European Union funds for the financing of the ''Natura Drniš'' project, which deals with the sustainable development of natural heritage under the Natura 2000 Ecology Network. The total value of the project stands at 5.606.793 kuna.
Through this project, six kilometre pedestrian and bicycle trails through Promina are planned by the end of 2019, as well as the placement of proper signalling and urban equipment along the entire length of the trail. Additionally, the renovation of the hostel in the old school in Bogatić Miljevački, which will provide accommodation for twenty people, two bike rental terminals, as well as four mountain and eight electric bikes are planned.
In addition to infrastructure activities, the project also envisages numerous educational and informative activities, such as creating interactive pictorials on the theme of conservation of natural heritage and environmental protection, educational workshops for children which will aim to tackle the topic of the sustainable development of natural heritage, volunteer workshops for drywall construction, and more. Aside from educational activities, many other promotional and information based activities will also find their place within the scope of this praiseworthy project.
The aim of the project proposal is to increase the number of visitors to Drniš and the sites which are under the protection of the NATURA 2000 ecological network through the valorisation of what this beautiful area boasts, natural heritage, a smart move which would subsequently result in further development and a significant increase in the local population's economic activity.
The signing of the grant agreement has been scheduled for Tuesday, May the 22nd, 2018 in Drniš.