Itinerant

The ITINERANT project is a cross-border initiative promoting sustainable tourism in the Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve. It connects protected areas and local communities through a joint approach to spatial and visitor management.

The project is based on the recognition that different parts of the Alpine border region face distinct challenges. On the Slovenian side, these are primarily the impacts of mass tourism, while on the Italian side they include depopulation and the abandonment of mountain areas. ITINERANT brings these challenges together within a common cross-border framework and seeks solutions grounded in respect for natural and cultural heritage and the carrying capacity of the area. The project contributes to a more balanced distribution of visitors in the Julian Alps and to the long-term preservation of the area’s values for future generations.

Project objectives

The main objective of the ITINERANT project is to develop and test sustainable approaches to managing visits in mountain areas that:

• promote a better distribution of visitors and reduce pressure on the most congested areas,
• support the development of sustainable cross-border itineraries,
• strengthen cooperation between protected areas and local communities,
• raise awareness of the importance of nature conservation and responsible behaviour.

The project is aimed at visitors to mountain areas, local communities, and protected area managers facing similar visitor management challenges.

Key activities

Within the ITINERANT project, partners are developing and implementing a range of thematic and pilot activities, including:

• the development and promotion of sustainable cross-border itineraries in the Julian Alps,
• pilot activities aimed at testing new approaches to visitor management,
• cross-border exchange of knowledge and good practices between protected areas,
• communication and awareness-raising activities for visitors and local communities,
• the involvement of young people in activities related to nature conservation and spatial management.

Role of Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park participates in the ITINERANT project as a project partner. Its role focuses on:

• contributing to the development and design of sustainable cross-border itineraries,
• implementing pilot activities within the park area,
• participating in project communication and promotional activities,
• organising and implementing a cross-border camp for young conservation volunteers and educational activities for secondary schools,
• exchanging knowledge and experience with stakeholders in the Slovenian and Italian parts of the Julian Alps in the field of visitor management and nature conservation.

Through these activities, Triglav National Park (TNP) contributes to the development of long-term and balanced solutions for managing visits in protected areas.

Significance of the project for the TNP area

The ITINERANT project supports the long-term preservation of natural and cultural heritage in the TNP area by promoting responsible and well-distributed visitation and strengthening understanding of sustainable interaction with the area among visitors and local communities.

The project results provide an important basis for further sustainable visitor management in the Julian Alps Transboundary Biosphere Reserve.

Duration and partners

The ITINERANT project is implemented within the framework of the Interreg Slovenia–Italy 2021–2027 Programme and involves partners from Slovenia and Italy, including protected areas, local authorities, and professional institutions.