The prospects for strengthening cooperation between the countries of the Carpathian region will be the subject of the "Europe of the Carpathians" conference, scheduled for Saturday, July 25 in Smerek near Wetlina in the Bieszczady Mountains. This is the next meeting in the series, organized by Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Marek Kuchcinski.

The conference will provide an opportunity for the exchange of views and experiences and discussions with the participation of parliamentarians from Poland and other Central and Eastern European countries, members of the European Parliament, representatives of local governments, universities and non-governmental organizations. Planned topics for discussion panels include environmental protection in the sustainable development of the Carpathians, as well as various aspects of modern Carpathian tourism.

In the highest of the Bieszczady shelters - "Chatka Puchatka" on Połonina Wetlińska - conference participants will be able to learn about the concept of tourism development in the Subcarpathian province, as well as the functioning of the shelter itself. Meanwhile, on Sunday, July 26, they will have the opportunity to walk one of the tourist trails of the Tarnica massif.

The "Europe of the Carpathians" conference series was launched in 2010. Sessions were held in Krynica ( 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014), Krasiczyn (2012, 2013) and Ukraine, among others. The purpose of this initiative is to deepen cross-border regional cooperation, monitor progress in the implementation of the Carpathian Convention, and take joint action for the sustainable development of the Carpathians.

PROGRAM
Saturday, July 25, 2015.

10 am    Opening of the conference

10.15 am    Panel I: Environmental protection in the sustainable development of the Carpathians (raw materials, infrastructure, energy, society, climate)

11.45 am    Panel II: Contemporary faces of Carpathian tourism (economic cooperation, flavors, customs, heritage, trails)

1 pm    Panel III: Mountains that connect. Carpathian inspirations. Prospects for cooperation

2:15 pm    Conclusion of the conference

Hotel Carpatia Bieszczadian Guesthouse, Smerek near Wetlina
Open to the media

5:30 pm    Presentation entitled Vision of tourism development in Podkarpackie voivodeship
Shelter "Chatka Puchatka" on Połonina Wetlinska
Open to the media