The second international partner meeting of the Back2Woods project took place from 20–23 April 2026 in Rietavas and Klaipėda, Lithuania, bringing together project partners from across the South Baltic region. Hosted by Rietavas Tourism and Business Information Centre and Klaipėda University, the meeting combined project workshops, study visits and networking activities, providing an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation and explore innovative approaches to sustainable forest tourism.
The four-day programme was carefully designed to combine strategic project work with practical learning experiences. Partners discussed the progress of the project’s work packages, coordinated upcoming activities and planned the next stages of implementation. Dedicated workshops enabled participants to align their objectives, share experiences from their respective regions and identify opportunities for further collaboration.
Beyond the project meetings, participants had the opportunity to discover inspiring examples of how forests can become spaces that support both sustainable tourism and human well-being. Study visits included the historic Oginski Estate Forest Park, the innovative Miško Rojus (Forest Paradise), and the unique Lopaičiai Sacred Forest, where partners learned about local initiatives combining nature conservation, education, cultural heritage and tourism development.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the public networking event “Forest as Tourism Destination”, where experts and tourism stakeholders discussed the growing role of forests as destinations that promote recreation, mental health and sustainable regional development. These discussions reinforced the project’s vision of creating attractive and responsible forest-based tourism experiences across the South Baltic region.
The programme also included a visit to Klaipėda University and its Marine Research Institute, offering valuable insights into scientific research and opportunities for interdisciplinary cooperation. The exchange of knowledge between researchers, tourism practitioners and project partners highlighted the importance of integrating science, local communities and tourism development to achieve long-term sustainability.
For BISER, participation in the partner meeting was an excellent opportunity to contribute to the project’s ongoing development, exchange experiences with international partners and gather inspiration for future activities within the Back2Woods project. The discussions and study visits provided valuable examples of good practices that can support the development of innovative tourism products based on natural and cultural heritage.
Equally important was the opportunity to strengthen relationships between project partners. The warm hospitality of the Lithuanian hosts, inspiring discussions and cultural experiences—including a traditional Samogitian dinner—created an atmosphere that fostered collaboration and mutual learning.
The meeting in Lithuania demonstrated once again that forests are much more than natural landscapes. They are places that connect people, improve well-being, preserve cultural heritage and inspire innovative approaches to sustainable tourism. BISER returns from Lithuania with new ideas, valuable knowledge and renewed motivation to continue working with international partners towards the shared goals of the Back2Woods project.
