SB MANTA Partners Exchange Experience in Sustainable Tourism and Volunteering in Sweden

From 19–21 May 2026, representatives of the SB MANTA project partners and associated partners took part in a study visit to the Skåne region of Sweden. The visit was organised within the framework of the Interreg South Baltic Programme project SB MANTA – “South Baltic Natural and Cultural Heritage Assets Management as Tourist Attractions”. The main aim of the visit was to exchange experience and learn about good practices in sustainable tourism, volunteer engagement, and the management of protected areas. The study visit brought together participants from Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and Sweden.

The programme began with a visit to Söderåsen National Park, one of Sweden’s most impressive protected areas, known for its ancient deciduous forests, dramatic valleys, steep cliffs, and scenic viewpoints. Participants learned about visitor management, nature interpretation, and the role of national parks in sustainable tourism development.

Particular attention was given to volunteer involvement in protected area management. During discussions with Swedish colleagues, participants explored different approaches to engaging local communities and volunteers in conservation, visitor services, and educational activities. The exchange provided valuable insights into how volunteering can strengthen both nature protection and sustainable tourism development.

The study visit also included meetings with representatives of the Kristianstads Vattenrike UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Naturum Vattenriket Visitor Centre. Participants learned how the biosphere reserve combines nature conservation, local community involvement, education, and tourism. The visit highlighted successful examples of cooperation between municipalities, protected areas, local businesses, and volunteers.

In addition to professional discussions, the programme offered opportunities to experience local tourism products, including guided nature excursions and canoeing activities in protected natural areas. These activities demonstrated how nature-based tourism can contribute to environmental awareness while supporting local economies.

The study visit strengthened cooperation among SB MANTA partners and provided new ideas for developing sustainable tourism products and volunteer-based activities in protected areas across the South Baltic region.

EUCC Baltic Office would like to sincerely thank our Swedish partners – Anna Josefsson, Hanna Kuhlau, and Tove Hultberg – for their excellent organisation, warm hospitality, and inspiring programme. Special thanks also go to Martyna Rabska-Osipowicz for her significant contribution to the preparation and coordination of the visit.