Project C4F-ELEVATE primarily addresses the cross-border challenge of an aging population and the resulting loss of traditional knowledge, skills, craftsmanship, and artisanship, which are predominantly held by older generations.
Once a rich shared intangible cultural heritage, including handcraft heritage, is now in decline. The program area has traditionally been connected by unique craftsmanship techniques that reflect the region’s understanding of the natural environment. Historically, communities utilized local materials to create practical and repairable objects for everyday life and special occasions (e.g., baskets for Easter blessings or christenings). The preservation of this handcraft is further challenged by the migration of younger generations to urban areas, leading to the complete loss of traditional knowledge. Those young people who remain in the region often do not see a viable future in handcrafts.
Another significant challenge is the limited integration of heritage into sustainable tourism, despite the vast potential of the program area. Sustainable tourism, which emphasizes authentic experience rooted in traditional cultural heritage, supports sustainable economic development and strengthens the life and identity of local communities. Cross-border cooperation could be enhanced through more collaborative projects that promote mutual connections.
The main goal of the project is to preserve and modernize craft heritage by integrating it into sustainable tourism products. This will contribute to economic development, foster social inclusion, and strengthen the identity of local communities in the cross-border region. The project partners aim to enhance the visibility of cultural heritage, create better economic opportunities for local craftsmen, and promote overall regional development, making the area more attractive to visitors and tourists.
This will be achieved through developing a cross-border strategy for sustainable tourism, connecting craftsmen, tourism providers, and local authorities; organizing workshops and seminars to transfer and enhance knowledge among craftsmen and designers, with an emphasis on sustainable practices and contemporary design; creating an interactive digital map of the craft heritage route; and producing a cross-border collection of high-quality handcraft products that combine traditional techniques with modern trends.
Key impact indicators include: 1 developed strategy for sustainable tourism, 1 created cross-border collection of high-quality craft products, 1 interactive digital map with promotional materials for tourist route, and 1 established network of craftsmen and stakeholders in the cross-border area.
The project will be beneficial for local craftsmen and artisans, SMEs, tourism professionals, designers, students, local authorities, and both domestic and international visitors to the area. The solutions developed by the project will make the region more attractive to tourists, while local residents will enjoy the strengthened cultural heritage.
Cross-border collaboration is central to all aspects of the project. The shared cultural heritage of Slovenia and Hungary can only be effectively developed and promoted through joint efforts. Cooperation enables the exchange of knowledge, collaborative networking, and the creation of a shared tourism product that transcends national borders. The project offers an innovative approach to heritage preservation by combining traditional techniques with contemporary design trends and digital tools. The emphasis on sustainable tourism, supported by an interactive handcraft heritage route and a network of craftsmen, provides a unique solution for preserving cultural heritage and integrating it into the modern economic context.

Project end date:

29.2.2028