The project participant: Rural Cultural Center Markovac
Name of the project: Abandoned Orchards
What’s the heart of your pilot in Collab 4 HySust CCI?
As part of this project, we are reviving an abandoned and neglected orchard, with the aim of restoring its lost agricultural value, but also making it a place for cultural and social events in the community. We also want to create a space where the youngest generations will learn about the importance and methods of preserving natural and cultural heritage.
What’s something you’re really proud of achieving so far (with your project inside Collab 4 HySUST CCI)?
We are proud that, in addition to working within the local community (the village of Markovac), we managed to hold an educational art residency, where five young artists from different parts of Serbia gave their creative answers to the questions that we raise with this project. This increased the value and visibility of our work both in the community itself and on a wider scale.
Where do you see your project heading next?
Our goal is to sustain and expand our project in two key ways:
- By intensifying the scientific aspect through research and the cultivation of old, indigenous fruit varieties suited to our climate.
- By strengthening the social and cultural aspects, continuing to engage the community, and involving both the owners and potential new users of other abandoned orchards.
What do you think is the most valuable thing that the Collab 4 HySUST project has brought to you?
We believe that it is important that with this small pilot project we drew attention both in the local and wider community to the importance of the natural and cultural heritage of rural areas, and began to explore the possibilities of preserving and using this potential.
From your experience participa tting in the Collab 4 Hy Sust CCI project, what advice would you give to organizations similar to yours?
Our advice to other organizations in similar situations is to always seek out examples of similar initiatives in their environment when designing new projects. It’s important to connect with colleagues who have implemented these projects and seek their advice and support. Initiatives like Collab 4 Hy Sust CCI offer invaluable opportunities that should not be missed.
Would you like to add something?
No.