The first ecological trail for people with disabilities in Belarus is being built in the Rossony district

This project is being implemented by the state environmental institution "Eco-Rosy". In the initial stage, financial assistance was provided by the European Union, which allocated 39 thousand euros; currently, the work is being continued with own funds.

An ecological trail for people with disabilities will be created on the territory of the "Sineshche" republican landscape reserve, specifically in the area of the picturesque Volobo Lake. The construction of a wooden ramp, which will allow wheelchair users to reach the water's surface without obstacles, is nearing completion. The next step is the construction of two piers, from which it will be easy to transfer to a floating pontoon. This will allow for enjoyable boat trips on the lake.

– We plan to plant plants listed in the Red Book, which grow in the reserve, along the boardwalk. Unfortunately, wheelchair users cannot access the depths of the forest, but thanks to the creation of the ecological trail, they will be able to see rare specimens such as club moss, pyramid bugleweed, and singleleaf pondweed, as well as water caltrop. Although it is not a very large area, it allows for familiarization with the species diversity of the wild nature of northern Belarus. The forest excursion is combined with recreation on the lake. The water route on the lake will be about 1.5 km long, – explains the director of the "Eco-Rosy" State Environmental Institution, Alexander Matsulevich.

The project also includes the arrangement of a hotel in the village of Zaborie. All facilities for disabled guests are provided here as well, and the necessary equipment has been purchased. Volunteers from various cities in Belarus are currently working at the site. It is planned that the hotel will be able to receive its first guests by the New Year holidays.

It is also important that the ecological trail is inspected by those for whom it is being created. Thus, the wooden boardwalk has already been evaluated by wheelchair users from Lithuania and Belarus, who have made their comments.

– Everyone notes that the idea is good, and there will be quite a few people willing to come here. Now we are thinking about creating a special fund that will allow disabled people to rest here for free. We are also trying to earn money ourselves. As it turns out, money can be obtained from the garbage left by tourists. We started doing this last year, collected and handed over more than a ton of glass and plastic bottles, – says Alexander Matsulevich.

He has many ideas. It is possible to organize 3-day excursions on a mini-ferry; the local places are amazing, nature itself heals the body and soul of a person. In the future, the lake shore will be divided into functional zones, where parking spaces will be designated, and canopies and tables will be installed. Today, a fee is charged for recreation in the заказник, which allows for the protection of the territory and the creation of conditions for tourists.

Great attention is paid to the development of "green routes" and the creation of infrastructure for people with disabilities. At one time, Western partners held several seminars in the Rossony region, informational materials were published, and objects were selected that are being adapted for wheelchair users.

– The main thing is not even to build, but to ensure that the created infrastructure is in demand. We maintain contact with disability societies and feel their interest and support. There are also wealthy people ready to help financially. This is inspiring! I think in the summer we will invite the first wheelchair tourists to the opening of the ecological trail in the protected areas of the Rossony region, – says Alexander Matsulevich.

Tatyana Pasternak, "Vitebskiye Vesti". Photos by the author.