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English Protection of biodiversity and promotion of tourist potential
Blidinje Nature Park in Bosnia and Herzegovina recently celebrated its first ever "Narcissus Fair," a unique event that brought together natural perfumers from various regions to showcase the areas's fragrant raw materials. The fair, organized by Blidinje Nature Park and supported by the NaturBosniaHerzegovina project, aimed to introduce the local and county government officials, as well as the general public, to the natural potential of the area.
From May 25th to 28th, participants engaged in workshops, including the production of oil perfumes and an enfleurage workshop in the Rakitno field of narcissus. They also attended an exhibition of natural perfumes called "Fragrant Signatures." The event was led by Nada Šarić, a distiller, master of enfleurage, and organic food producer, who expressed her satisfaction with the fair's success despite challenging weather conditionsacross the three days.
The fair facilitated a creative and educational environment for natural perfumers, enabling them to use local materials and connect with the region's unique plants. Participants from Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina engaged in training led by Professor Slobodanka Poštić, mentored each other, and explored the natural beauty of Blidinje Nature Park.
Belma Tuzović-Mujkić, a guitar professor from Music High School Sarajevo, expressed her excitement at combining music notes with perfume notes, emphasizing the stimulating environment for all participants. The fair garnered widespread praise, with Jožica Bajc Pivec, a participant from Slovenia, describing the event as unforgettable due to the intoxicating smells of essential oils, music, and the warm hospitality of the hosts.
The fair's success has generated a desire among both organizers and participants to hold the event again next year. Mayor of Posušje Municipality, Ante Begić, visited the fair and promised continued support for the project, aiming to establish it as a traditional annual event. Iva Milas, secretary of the Prime Minister of the Government of the West Herzegovina Canton, also participated in oil perfume making during the fair's Open Day.
The Narcissus Fair not only showcases the unique fragrances of Blidinje Nature Park but also contributes to the promotion of sustainable tourism in the area. Through the NaturBosniaHerzegovina project, as well as other projects in the Balkan and Mediterranean area, CISP is committed to protect natural areas and foster socioeconomic growth also turning sustainable tourism into a tool for peoples’ development.
With the successful debut of the Narcissus Fair, Blidinje Nature Park has added another dimension to its allure, combining its abundant natural beauty with the creativity and artistry of natural perfumers. This event promises to become a highlight on the park's annual calendar, attracting visitors from near and far to experience captivating scents and the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in the heart of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For the locals, yet another opportunity to get to know and protect their own land while learning new skills.
