Wild tulips, pink flamingos, corals and the unique natural landscape of the Kuyalnyk Estuary — these were the highlights of the presentation of the results of the “Chumatskyi Shliakh” initiative. Guests were welcomed by a photo exhibition dedicated to Kuyalnyk by Odesa-based artist Ihor Herzhyk, as well as a tasting of products from local producers from the communities surrounding the estuary.
The “Chumatskyi Shliakh” initiative is implemented by the NGO “Odesa VAU” with the support of Switzerland under the Swiss-Ukrainian UCORD Project. It is part of the “Revival Clusters” grant programme, which supports the development of partnerships among communities, civil society organisations, local authorities and regional development agencies around shared regional priorities in six pilot regions of Ukraine.
The NGO “Odesa WOW”, the Kuyalnyk National Nature Park, and the Ivanivka, Krasnosilska and Usativska communities in Odesa Region have joined forces around a shared goal: developing tourism and creative industries while preserving the Kuyalnyk Estuary.
In her opening remarks, UCORD Project Leader Maryna Bryl emphasised that the team had successfully completed a challenging, multi-stage competitive selection process to secure UCORD grant support. She noted that the key expectation was not only to deliver a high-quality outcome, but also to create something that would genuinely respond to the needs of local communities and the region.
Natalia Tabaka, Head of the State Agency for Tourism Development, emphasised that the initiative goes beyond promotion, laying an economic foundation for the development of local communities: “Communities are taking a long-term development approach rather than simply seeking one-off donor support. This creates tools for the continued development of their territories.”
Serhii Kononenko, Director of the Odesa Regional Development Agency, noted that the “Chumatskyi Shliakh” initiative is already extending beyond the regional level: “This project can rightfully be considered a project of national significance, as it is not only about developing tourism, but also about shaping a new economy around a unique natural area.”
The “Chumatskyi Shliakh” project has laid the foundation for a new model of territorial development around the Kuyalnyk Estuary, bringing together tourism, creative industries, local entrepreneurship and nature conservation. As part of the project, a Concept for the Tourism and Recreation Development of the three participating communities and the Kuyalnyk National Nature Park was developed, along with a Territorial Organisation Plan for the national park. The project also resulted in the creation of the “Kuyalnyk Valley” tourism and creative cluster.
The project team carried out extensive work:
- The project team carried out extensive work:
- conducted more than 50 field visits to the participating communities;
- conducted 14 in-depth interviews;
- held 6 focus groups;
- organised 6 strategic sessions;
- documented the area’s historical, natural and cultural heritage;
- mapped dozens of sites, local producers and creative industry representatives;
- based on this work, developed tourism routes, eco-trails and a vision for positioning the area as a modern wellness and recovery destination.
The project has laid the groundwork for developing local value chains — from gastronomy and craft production to cultural events, tourism services and mental well-being and recovery practices. As part of the initiative, tourism products have already been developed, promotional tours, fairs and local events have been organised, and cooperation with media outlets, brands and cultural communities has been initiated.
The project’s approach is grounded in the principles of smart specialisation, sustainable development and the preservation of the Kuyalnyk Estuary ecosystem. In the longer term, this is expected to contribute to the growth of small businesses, the creation of new jobs, attracting investment, and establishing a recognisable territorial brand as a destination for recovery, culture and meaningful engagement with nature.
The presentation concluded with a roadshow to the Kuyalnyk Estuary and the Krasnosilska community, one of the project’s partner communities. Participants had an opportunity to see first-hand the area’s tourism potential and the local initiatives emerging around Kuyalnyk.
The “Chumatskyi Shliakh” project is about more than tourism. It is about collective action to preserve the Kuyalnyk Estuary and build a new ecosystem of cooperation, development and trust.