A new cycling and hiking route has been launched – “The Heart of the Dniester”

A new cycling and hiking trail – “The Heart of the Dniester” has been launched with the support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the Government of Switzerland, offering cyclists and hikers a unique 42 km experience along the Dniester River. The project is part of an initiative to develop tourism infrastructure in the region, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism and local community development. The cycling route includes segments connecting Pohrebea, Doroțcaia, Pîrîta and Coșnița, and takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes by bicycle and about 10 hours and 30 minutes on foot. The route is accessible from spring to fall in dry weather and can be traveled in both directions. Cyclists and hikers can enjoy spectacular views of the islands and villages in the area, as well as a rich diversity of bird, insect and small mammal species. The route is adequately marked on country roads and local roads, where extra care is advised when driving. “In this region we found both outstanding scenery and a vibrant community. Our discoveries continue and we warmly invite everyone to explore the ‘Heart of the Dniester’, a place with splendid nature and people we have fallen in love with,” says Valeriu Istrati, a tourist trail specialist and founder of Trail Pro. The “Heart of the Dniester” trail is part of a wider network of tourist trails in the region, connecting with the trail from Vadul-lui-Vodă and the trail to Criuleni and Rezina. UNDP and its partners are supporting the development of 17 economic clusters in the Republic of Moldova, developed around specific industries and sectors, facilitating access to markets and resources and ensuring effective community collaboration. The clusters are supported by providing legal support, business infrastructure development, institutional capacity building, equipment procurement, adoption of modern and energy efficient technologies, product certification and branding. The emerging micro-cluster “Heart of the Dniester” is located about 35 km from mun. Chisinau and comprises six administrative-territorial units from Dubăsari and Criuleni districts (or. Criuleni, com. Coșnița, including s. Pohrebea, s. Doroțcaia, s. Slobozia-Dușca and s. Pârâta), part of the Local Action Group “Heart of the Dniester”, with a total population of over 18 thousand inhabitants.