Crossing Borders for the Future: How a meadow between Germany and the Czech Republic became a meeting place for diverse communities

The region of the Eastern Ore Mountains, which is located between Saxony and the Czech Republic, was hit hard after WWII and the fall of the Berlin Wall. This caused consequences of economic and social transformation. The corona crisis, closure and opening of the border and the associated uncertainty has resulted in slow re-establishing of connections with the neighboring country and trust in joint initiatives. Crossing borders for the future in Eastern Ore Mountains received a grant from our Culture of Solidarity fund to support regional transformation in terms of nature conservation and cultural education.

The project focuses on nature conservation and cross bordering cooperation through cultural and educational methodologies by bringing together local actors and communities aiming at strengthening this region again. A former place of pilgrimage, which was incorporated into the Czech territory, becomes a meeting place for people to meet, connect, celebrate and honor traditions. An important part of the project is the revitalization of the meeting place with new cultural educational content aimed at different target groups. Great focus is put on how history can impact the region where two different nations and cultures get together to celebrate shared memories and historical practices.

Crossing borders for the future is living the European idea, not only because the borders are now open between the countries, but also because local friendships and relationships unite on the pathway of shared elements. These are common culture, working at the same historical chapel and on landscape conservation, which people find as common interests when getting together. Social participation and democracy are two core principles of this project as it aims at engaging local and international communities into the diverse initiatives.

Coordinator Jitka has explained. This cross border collaboration fosters an environment of open discussions, knowledge transfer, social participation and active citizenship. Looking ahead, the team envisions to have established not only cross border friendships, but also educational programs and tool-kits available for schools interested in nature conservation. A GPS searching game is something that the team wishes to have established after the project is finalized, so that people can discover the region and the local chapel on their own.

Granted: 40052 euros