Borderless Bites & Forest Treasures
Background & Location
The “Borderless Bites & Forest Treasures” fair took place on 13 September 2025 in Debar Municipality, North Macedonia. Organized for the first time, the fair was set amid biodiverse forests and rich cultural landscapes, highlighting sustainable tourism, non-timber forest products and traditional crafts. Visitors explored rare forest species, tasted local culinary heritage, and experienced cross-border cooperation, promoting biodiversity-friendly livelihoods and raising awareness of the European Green Belt’s ecological and cultural value.
Objective
The “Borderless Bites & Forest Treasures” fair aimed to advance the vision of the European Green Belt Initiative by promoting ecological connectivity, sustainable regional development, and conservation of natural and cultural landscapes along former border areas. The celebration sought to raise public awareness about biodiversity, sustainable harvesting of non-timber forest products,and nature-based tourism opportunities in North Macedonia and cross-border regions. Overall, the fair aimed to foster cross-border cooperation, strengthen local livelihoods, and inspire continued engagement with the European Green Belt vision.
Approach & Results
The “Borderless Bites & Forest Treasures” fair brought the European Green Belt to life in Debar on 13 September 2025. 20 vibrant stands showcased local nature-based tourism, forest products like jams, teas, mushrooms, and honey, and traditional crafts. Visitors could taste, shop, and learn firsthand about sustainable livelihoods and biodiversity-friendly practices.
A highlight was the interactive cooking workshop led by the Radika DE Women’s Association, where 30 participants prepared traditional dishes using forest ingredients. Visitors sampled herbal teas, syrups, and wild-harvested foods, connecting culinary heritage with nature conservation. The cultural program added rhythm and color, featuring live music, dances, and youth performances, engaging over 30 students in celebrating local traditions.
More than 150 visitors attended, gaining knowledge of the European Green Belt, sustainable practices, and opportunities for future engagement. 5 local stakeholders expressed interest in cross-border projects, strengthening cooperation in eco-tourism and non-timber forest products.
The fair ended on a joyful, festive note, with laughter, music, and shared tastes of the forest. By blending education, culture, and hands-on experiences, the event turned conservation into a lively celebration, showing how cross-border collaboration can protect nature while honoring local traditions.
Photo gallery of the European Green Belt Days celebration
