Operations of ecomuseums in the Bieszczady and Beskid Niski Mountains in the light of the surveys

Abstract

The article introduces the principles of ecomuseum operating in the geographical space of the selected European regions. It presents the development of ecomuseums in Poland, especially in the Bieszczady and Beskid Niski Mountains. The following ecomuseums: "Trzy Kultury" -Three Cultures, "Hole" (in the Bieszczady Mountains) and "Beskidzkie Wędrowanie" - Hiking in the Beskids (in the Beskid Niski Mountains) have been selected for the purpose of analysis and evaluation of ecomuseum operating activities. The applied research method was MACDAB method which allowed for the identification of problems related to the ecomuseums' operations and for indicating what would improve the quality of ecomuseums as a single, coherent tourism product.

 The results show that the highest number of points was awarded to the "Trzy Kultury" Ecomuseum while the “Hołe" Ecomuseum scored the lowest. By the adopted criteria all of the analysed ecomuseums were classified in the second group, i.e. as having difficulties in adopting the principles of "the eco-museum model".

In order to improve their operating activities the ecomuseums should develop a closer co-operation between one another and other similar centres in the country and abroad.  What is more, it is advisable to carry out more effective promotional and marketing activities like launching a common website, issuing joint promotional and advertising materials and developing partnerships with schools or entities involved in the organization of tour packages