Via delle Cascate: Driving Local Jobs and Development

CISP is pleased to announce the launch of the new and ambitious "Via delle Cascate" project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and made possible through the invaluable collaboration of local partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This initiative represents a significant step forward in CISP's commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive tourism in central and north-western Bosnia and Herzegovina, a goal our organisation has been dedicated to for many years.

"Via delle Cascate" aims to enhance the rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage of a remarkably beautiful region, while simultaneously generating tangible employment opportunities for the communities that reside there. The itinerary, stretching for approximately 300 kilometres, traces a captivating path through pristine waterways abundant with magnificent waterfalls, connecting historically significant towns such as Bihać, Jajce, and Travnik, and encompassing the untouched beauty of the Una National Park, in the vibrant heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

CISP's recent mission to the region provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the richness of the locations involved and to meet with local authorities and community representatives. The warm welcome and the shared understanding of objectives have further strengthened the synergy that drives this new initiative. A key element of the project will be the provision of direct funding to around thirty local stakeholders, a measure designed to incentivise the establishment and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector, promote the creation of new jobs, and enhance the overall appeal of the region for visitors seeking less conventional routes.

This intervention is organically integrated into CISP's global strategy, which seeks to position sustainable tourism as a genuine driver of development, providing concrete support to institutions and local communities in their socio-economic growth. "Via delle Cascate" presents a tangible opportunity for young people in the targeted areas who aspire to build their future in their homeland. By capitalising on local cultural, natural and historical resources and creating a responsible, high-quality tourism offering, the project intends to provide new professional prospects, counteracting the emigration of talent and anchoring aspirations within their own context.

In the words of Deborah Rezzoagli, Head of the Eastern Europe and Asia Geographical Area:

"With 'Via delle Cascate', we are not simply commencing a new project, but celebrating the continuation of a fruitful journey, undertaken years ago with the invaluable synergy of AICS and the Italian Embassy in BiH. This is a steadfast path towards genuinely sustainable development, which aims to nurture the growth of individuals as much as the community fabric of the areas involved. The profound connection with civil society, local authorities, and all those who have accompanied us for so long, coupled with the enthusiasm of the new local stakeholders who have already joined with such eagerness in recent days, stands as its most eloquent testament."