PROJECT SUMMARY
Programme name CBC Programme Serbia–North Macedonia 2021-2027 (IPA III)
Call for proposals 1st Call for Proposals, EuropeAid/182708/IH/ACT/Multi
Contract No. and date of signature 001920833 2024 10520 028 004 000 001-5  signed on 26.06.2026
Title of the project “Wings Across Frontiers: New Thematic Route from Serbia to North Macedonia”
Programme priority axis TP 2: Encouraging tourism and cultural and natural heritage
Programme specific objective 2.1: Enhancement of cultural and natural heritage for sustainable tourism development
Project budget Total project value in EUR € 303,908.89 EU contribution in EUR incl. percentage € 258,322.56 (85%)
Grant beneficiaries Lead applicant

Tourism Organization Medvedja (Serbia)

 Co-applicants

SOU “Goce Delcev” Kumanovo (MK); Bird Protection and Study Society of Serbia – BirdLife Serbia (RS); Macedonian Ecological Society – MES (MK)
Project territory North Macedonia

Municipality of Kumanovo

 Serbia

Municipality of Medvedja
Project target groups Bird-watching tourists (environmentally conscious tourists preferring eco-friendly, multi-day experiences in protected natural areas); Local businesses (B&Bs, artisans, food producers involved in tourism); Students and volunteers (youth interested in environmental protection); Tourist guides (experienced and aspiring eco-tourism and birdwatching guides)
Project duration Signed 26.06.2026 | Duration: 18 months (start/end dates to be confirmed upon prefinancing)
Project intervention logic Overall objective (impact): To enhance cross-border cooperation between Serbia and North Macedonia through the valorisation of natural heritage and the creation of a new, sustainable thematic eco-tourism route focused on birdwatching, while conserving natural heritage, promoting biodiversity and fostering socio-economic development through responsible tourism.  Specific objective 1: To develop a cross-border thematic birdwatching route that enhances the region’s natural and cultural heritage through collaboration between key institutions and promotes the region as a sustainable tourism destination. Specific objective 2: To promote sustainable tourism by increasing stakeholder capacities, supporting heritage preservation efforts and fostering cross-border collaboration through knowledge sharing, community engagement and awareness-raising activities.  Expected results: SO1: Cross-border birdwatching route identified, mapped and valorised; thematic route designed, marked and enhanced; Interactive Visitor Centre established; Interactive Web Hub for birdwatching tourism developed; Annual Bird-Watching Festival established as a flagship eco-tourism event SO2: Capacities of local guides and tourism workers strengthened; sustainable tourism workforce development programme implemented; Volunteer Centre established at SOU “Goce Delcev” Kumanovo; afforestation initiative completed (11,000 seedlings); media exploring tour and food & travel bloggers meetup organised
Main activities SO1: 1. Valorisation of the cross-border tourism area; 2. Marking of the thematic birdwatching route; 3. Development of an Interactive Visitor Centre (equipment and furniture); 4. Development of an Interactive Web Hub for birdwatching tourism; 5. Organisation of the Annual Bird-Watching Festival | SO2: 1. Joint cross-border training programme for eco-tourism and birdwatching; 2. Sustainable Tourism Workforce Development Programme; 3. Establishment of Volunteer Centre at SOU “Goce Delcev” Kumanovo; 4. Afforestation initiative in Kumanovo (11,000 seedlings); 5. Media exploring tour along the birdwatching route; 6. Food and travel bloggers meetup