GEOTOUR & IRSE 2012.pdf - Fakulta BERG - TUKE

GEOTOUR & IRSE 2012
Factors such as dimensions of preserved excavations, their construction or land topography
will influence a choice of suitable design assumptions. Another crucial factor is traffic
accessibility and location in relation to neighbouring towns or cities. This is what makes it
possible to say how and how long it takes to reach the destination and thus determines
attractiveness thereof.
BECOME FOND OF YOUR HERITAGE – EXEMPLIFIED BY MIRSK COMMUNE CASE
Mirsk Commune was one of the Communes, which decided to take a risk and undergo an
investment project related to restoration of areas degraded by excavation activity and make
use of post-mining structures located within the areas. The Commune managed to acquire
funding and is currently implementing a project under funding of the District Operational
Programme for Lower Silesia Province “Restoration of areas degraded by mining activity
within Mirsk Commune and construction of a tourist route – Tracing evidence of old times
ore mining”. The aim of the project is to transform areas degraded by centuries of excavation
activity into tourist attractions – of high tourist value arising from the values of restored
natural environment but most of all from a very interesting past of a given region, which
origins and development are inseparably connected with mining and metallurgy of tin and
cobalt ores. Properly protected, adequately prepared and described relicts of old time mining
works preserved within the area subject of the project, including in particular, preserved
ensembles of underground excavations (out of which the oldest ones were originated already
in 16 th century) combined with an interesting land topography, landscape and environmental
values, shall be undoubtedly a big attraction, especially in relation to new branches of
tourism, which are growing fast all over the world such as “industrial tourism” and
“geotourism”. After undergoing necessary protection works, well-preserved ensembles of
underground excavations may be made accessible for sightseeing to present remains of pit
shafts, adits, properly displayed heaps, cleaned and attached information boards, will mark the
“Tourist Route”. In particular, location of the areas amidst beautiful landscape, meaning
where the power of nature turns into a piece of technical culture, is of a high significance.
Open space and additional recreation values increase tourist value of such structures and
strengthen impressions of visitors. Such solution allows to understand and underline the need
for ecological site development, need of adjusting activities undertaken by people in industry
production areas with the rights of nature, respect towards values and requirements of the
natural environment.
For the purpose of the project, a feasibility analysis which gives a close consideration to a
multi-dimensional impact of the project on local development of the Commune, has been
prepared:
a/ economic perspective
Financial analysis showed estimated number of tourists to visit the planned tourist route
“Tracing evidence of old times ore mining”. It has been estimated that the number of visitors
in the first year after completion and commissioning of a given structure for use, will amount
to 7100 people and the number will increase by 20% every year. There is no doubt that if
tourists buy an admission ticket (however in case of the project in question and due to rules
applicable to project funded under the District Operational Programme, Mirsk Commune will
not be allowed to charge an admission fee for the first five years), but also purchase some
snacks, souvenirs, use accommodation and local restaurant and other catering facilities. By
using services rendered by the local business, visitors will increase demand, which then
contributes to improvement of a financial standing of the Commune (additional sale in shops
results in increased trade and tax contributions incoming into State Treasury, which are later
partially allocated to the Commune and then enable implementation of new projects), and its
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