VALENI
MOLDOVA
2023
Contact
Văleni, a picturesque village in southern Moldova, epitomizes the nation’s struggle between modernity and tradition. Situated within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it has become a burgeoning tourist hub, boasting nature, culture, and preserved traditions. Nestled around Beleu Lake, just 20 km from Giurgiulești International Free Port, it’s a mere 3:30h drive from Chișinău, Bucharest, and Odessa.
The village’s landscape, dominated by hills and valleys, includes the protected Văleni Golden Hills on the Prut river valley’s eastern slope. With roots traced back to fishermen from the Carpathian mountains, Văleni’s strategic location on trade routes led to a rich history, giving rise to legends like Petru Rareș’ coronation.
Culturally rich, Văleni boasts the Legend of Petru Rareș, the UNESCO-recognized HORA dance, Eurovision representatives “Grandma & Grandpa on Drums and unique traditions like carpet weaving. Museums, the International Festival “Sweet Flower of Acacia,” and the historic “Cave of the Maiden” contribute to the village’s vibrant cultural identity.
In terms of natural resources, Văleni hosts Lake Beleu and Moldova’s sole UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the Lower Prut, a vital stop for migratory birds. Notable features include the Valeni Golden Hills and the Văleni outcrops, supporting rare steppe plants.
Văleni offers a unique tourism experience, blending cultural immersion, Moldovan wine tasting, and natural adventures. Described as a “hidden gem”, the village has created over 80 accommodation places, reshaping its economy from unsustainable agriculture to sustainable practices.
As Văleni evolves into a dynamic tourism hub, it stands as an exemplar of ecotourism fostering community growth. Despite challenges like COVID and regional unrest, Văleni remains resilient, aiming for innovation and technology integration. The focus on energy efficiency aligns with its goal of providing high-standard tourist services and supporting local development efforts in Moldova’s only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, showcasing the enduring success of building upon authentic traditions in a complex yet captivating world.
HIGHLIGHTS
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SMART Revolution: Blending Tech and Nature for Sustainable Tourism
The “SMART solutions for SMART communities” project unfolds as an ambitious endeavor to transform Văleni into Moldova’s pioneer SMART village, infusing digital innovation and renewable energy solutions into its tourism infrastructure. The strategic initiatives encompass installing the region’s first solar tree at the village center, a symbolic ‘hook’ to raise awareness and serve as a success model for SMART City solutions in rural Eastern Europe.
Public buildings, including the kindergarten and Gymnasium, undergo a green makeover with solar panels and natural material cladding, coupled with a sophisticated sensor system for optimal energy use.
The project extends into tourism, integrating SMART digital sensors along local routes and introducing a digital guide platform, “Proximity Engagement Experiences,” offering immersive encounters with legends and nature. The platform connects local entrepreneurs with companies, facilitating streamlined operations and connectivity. Additionally, rural house owners embrace energy efficiency practices, utilizing natural materials like reeds and rushes in construction.
Aligning with Văleni’s commitment to the European Convention of Mayors for Green Energy, Văleni pioneers an action plan promoting sustainable practices, from alternative energy adoption to replacing plastic with biodegradable materials—a holistic approach that positions Văleni as a model for SMART village development, blending technology and nature for a sustainable future in tourism.
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Văleni's Renaissance: Cultural Conservation
In its endeavor to forge a sustainable and inclusive eco-touristic micro-economy, Văleni, through the “Valeni – Holiday Village” project in collaboration with UNDP Moldova, emerges as a beacon of community-driven tourism development. The City Hall’s comprehensive approach involves providing logistical and financial support to locals for establishing agropensions, fostering the creation of the local brand “Valeni – Holiday Village.” Actively engaged in mentoring villagers to access grants and enhance their offerings, the City Hall spearheads the construction of essential touristic infrastructure, including birdwatching towers and billboards, underlining its commitment to the EU4Cahul program: Key regions. The Village’s participation in the Start-Up City Cahul Accelerator program imparts crucial skills to local tourism operators, emphasizing efficient business management and authentic value addition.
Prioritizing the preservation of local traditions, Văleni strategically integrates cultural elements into the tourism experience offered by each of its eight agro-pensions. The village’s participation in the “Bring your neighbour home” campaign, encouraging diaspora members to bring a neighbor to Văleni, resulted in a significant influx of foreign tourists. The innovative inclusion of the diaspora as “Ambassadors” and active contributors to local policies showcases a multi-level and collaborative approach to community development and inclusive growth.
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Văleni's Renaissance: Cultural Conservation
Văleni’s recent endeavors showcase a profound commitment to cultural preservation and sustainable tourism through three pivotal projects.
Further enriching the cultural tapestry, the village unifies its activities under a cohesive brand. Hosting “sezatoare” storytelling events, it engages the youth with local legends, songs, and dances, propelling them into participation in various festivals. Văleni actively trains locals in immersive cultural techniques, incorporating them into ZONIZ, the virtual guide platform, thus making these experiences accessible to incoming tourists. This model not only sustains cultural heritage but also serves as an inspiration for neighboring rural communities, illustrating how eco-tourism and social innovation can emerge as resilient economic alternatives.
“Rediscover the Lower Prut” is a comprehensive initiative aimed at bolstering local tourism infrastructure. This includes the construction of a 7-meter birdwatching platform, a cultural events stage, and billboards marking the touristic trail, “The road of Petru Rares.” These developments not only enhance the region’s cultural allure but also spotlight its natural beauty.
The establishment of the Valeni History & Ethnography Museum stands as a testament to the village’s dedication to preserving traditions. Housing a Carpet Weaving workshop, this initiative ensures the passing down of ancient techniques from elders to the next generation, particularly the secrets of crafting the Moldovan floral carpet.
