Hidden Natural Heritage of the Cross-Border Area for Young Generations

The project GOmini – Hidden Natural Heritage of the Cross-Border Area for Young Generations addresses a key challenge of the cross-border area of Gorizia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia: the low recognition and underestimation of certain green and aquatic habitats, which, despite their small size, play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. These habitats, including coastal wetlands, rocky cliffs, forest floors, agricultural landscapes, and urban areas, are under various environmental pressures, such as urbanization, pollution, and invasive species, yet they hold great potential for sustainable tourism, environmental education, and the strengthening of cross-border identity. The project aims to raise awareness among residents and visitors of all ages and to promote behavioral changes that contribute to nature conservation. The overall objective of the project is the valorisation and increased societal recognition of small green and aquatic habitats in the cross-border area, with particular emphasis on inclusive and bilingual education and the use of digital tools. The project will promote nature observation at the micro level, showcasing life across all environments – from urban areas to wetlands, forests, and meadows – linked to local cultural and natural heritage. Activities will also contribute to the development of integrated tourism products based on the area’s natural and cultural resources and to the promotion of inclusive services, accessible even to less privileged groups, enhancing residents’ well-being. The project’s innovation lies in combining science, art, and active public participation. Within eight cross-border guided tours, participants will explore microhabitats, observe small organisms using digital microscopes, and create short video and audio recordings. The collected material will be professionally processed and included in a natural history documentary presenting the hidden nature of the cross-border area, complemented by expert explanations of flora, fauna, and ecological processes. In parallel, a popular science publication will be produced to serve both as an accompanying document and as independent educational material, freely available online and accessible to tourism organizations, schools, and other educational institutions. Direct project impacts include increased visibility and societal value of small habitats, produced film material and publications, heightened awareness of local biodiversity and the importance of nature conservation, greater citizen participation in scientific research, and the promotion of sustainable tourism. Residents, schools, local communities, NGOs, and tourism institutions will be direct beneficiaries, and the results will contribute in the long term to the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of the cross-border area. The project is based on cross-border cooperation, as natural and cultural ecosystems do not recognize political boundaries. At the same time, enhancing and promoting these resources requires combining the expertise of specialists with the involvement of citizens on both sides of the border. For this reason, wherever possible, areas spanning both territories will be selected, such as the Karst /Kras, the Collio/Brda, and the urban area of Gorizia. Joint events and bilingual materials will enhance understanding of the area, promote sustainable practices, and strengthen cross-border identity. The GOmini project thus brings scientific knowledge closer to the public in an innovative and inclusive way, encourages active citizen participation, and fosters appreciation of nature, even in the smallest and often overlooked habitats.