The European Commission and Europa Nostra announced the winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2023, and two projects from Romania are on the list: Via Transilvanica and Pathfinders of the Waters, Danube Delta.

In total, 30 outstanding heritage achievements from 21 countries have been awarded Europe's top honour in the field this year.

Via Transilvanica, Romania's longest hiking trail, is one of the winners in the Citizens' Engagement and Awareness-raising category. The 1,400 km trail connects as many as 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites. It is a project of Tășuleasa Social, a local non-profit engaged in educational, social, environmental and cultural activities for over 23 years. 

There is also a Via Transilvanica Guide, which covers trip planning essentials, including backpacking, encounters with wildlife, detailed maps, accommodation options and route descriptions.

"In one of the most stunning regions of Europe, the remarkable trail Via Transilvanica serves as a vital connection between the community and diverse facets of heritage, encompassing not only the built heritage and intangible traditions but also the region's food heritage. The project has fostered a strong sense of place, deepening people's connection to the trail and its surroundings. Working alongside public stakeholders, NGOs and other organisations, the project has reached out to over 7 million people. It has also highlighted accommodation that helps protect built heritage while attracting sustainable tourism, thus bringing economic benefits," the Awards' Jury said.

Read more about the Via Transilvanica project here.

Pathfinders of the Waters, Danube Delta is a winner in the Education, Training and Skills category. The initiative uses the traditional canoe (lotca) as a means to promote the value of local heritage and the acquisition of new skills among children. It also aims to raise awareness about the relationship between humans and nature.

The project comprises a practical traditional boat construction workshop, a comprehensive methodology, open educational resources, a digital platform and dedicated events for the Pathfinders of the Waters children's network. At the project's helm was the Romanian canoe legend Ivan Patzaichin, who won 30 titles at the Olympic Games, World and European Championships.

"This engaging grassroots project is led by passionate local leaders and is beautifully depicted in joyful photos, illustrating the participants' enthusiasm. Involving individuals from five ethnic minorities, the activities of the Pathfinders of the Waters project contribute to the cultural integration of children from diverse backgrounds. The canoe is both the physical focus of the project and also a potent symbol which helps foster understanding of the broader ecosystem of the Danube. The project seeks to link countries along the Danube, acknowledging the shared riverine heritage common to many communities in Europe. This also demonstrates the replicability and relevance of the project for other regions," the Awards' Jury commented.

Further details about Pathfinders of the Waters, Danube Delta are available here.

Heritage supporters can now vote online to decide who will win the Public Choice Award 2023, entitled to receive a prize of EUR 10,000.

All winners will be celebrated at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony to be held in Venice on September 28. The entire list is available here.

The call for entries for the 2024 edition of the Awards is now open, and applications can be submitted online.

irina.marica@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Via Transilvanica)