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Documents

OF THE CHUMAK WAY

Strategic, analytical and conceptual framework that forms the basis for the development of the Tourism and Creative Cluster Kuialnyk Valley

The "Chumak Way" project is based on systematic preparation: territory analytics,
strategic planning, tourism product modeling and development of investment opportunities.
This section collects key documents that define the architecture of cluster development

MAIN DOCUMENTS

Concept of tourism and recreational development
of communities and the Kuialnyk National Park

This strategic document defines the vision and stages of the formation of an integrated tourist and recreational space in the territories of Krasnosilska, Usativska and Ivanivska communities until 2035. It provides information about the conceptual model of agglomeration development, scenarios of economic complexity through a cluster approach, as well as mechanisms for environmental integration and investment attraction. Special attention is paid to the risk management system, the principles of sustainability within the national park, and calculations of added value from the implementation of infrastructure projects in the long term.

About the tourism 
and creative cluster "Kuialnyk Valley"

This document provides a brief presentation of a tourism and creative cluster focused on mental health and innovative recovery through interaction with the nature of the estuary. It provides information about the concept of "Kuialnyk Valley — Cluster4MentalHealth", the project's financial model, expected revenue growth rates for participants, and plans to increase tourist traffic. The presentation describes the impact of the cluster on regional business, the creation of a digital bio-medical ecosystem, and the transition from competition to cooperation between communities, scientists, and entrepreneurs to form a world-class brand.

Final presentation
about the project

 

This document contains detailed results of the first phase of the "Chumak Way" project, covering communities around the Kuialnyk estuary. It provides information about the strategic goals of the initiative, including the creation of modern infrastructure, support for local businesses, and preservation of the region's unique nature. The materials include sociological research, target audience analysis, spatial development concepts, and plans for marking new tourist routes. The report also presents the brand identity, the ecological state of the territory, and the potential for the implementation of "slow tourism" and health practices.

Appendices to the Project for the organization
of the territory of the Kuialnyk National Park

This document is a collection of graphic materials and diagrams that visualize the concept of functional zoning and organization of the national park territory. It provides information about the location and arrangement of recreational areas, a network of ecological trails, as well as the exact location of observation decks for contemplating nature. The materials also reflect the cultural and historical heritage sites of the Krasnosilska, Usativska and Ivanovska communities, including ancient cemeteries, remains of saltworks dams and temples that are integrated into future tourist routes of the cluster.

Results of phase 1
of the Chumak Way project

This document contains detailed results of the first phase of the "Chumak Way" project, covering communities around the Kuialnyk estuary. It provides information about the strategic goals of the initiative, including the creation of modern infrastructure, support for local businesses, and preservation of the region's unique nature. The materials include sociological research, target audience analysis, spatial development concepts, and plans for marking new tourist routes. The report also presents the brand identity, the ecological state of the territory, and the potential for the implementation of "slow tourism" and health practices.

Tourist routes
of the project
Chumak Way

This document is a conceptual and visual guide to the tourist routes of the “Milky Way” project, which reveals the natural, cultural and emotional potential of the territory around the Kuyalnytskyi estuary. It presents author's routes, gastronomic and craft practices, astronomical observations, cycling trips, slow tourism and locations for rest and recovery. The document demonstrates how a new tourist experience of the region is formed through local stories, nature, culture and interaction with the community. For the “Kuyalnyk Valley” cluster, this material is the basis for the development of a modern tourist product that combines impressions, authenticity and human recovery through contact with the territory.

Comparative analysis clustering in Ukraine and the world

This analytical document presents a comparative overview of the development of cluster initiatives in Ukraine and the European Union. It provides information on the sectoral structure of Ukrainian clusters, dominated by IT and the agricultural sector, as well as successful international cases in the fields of tourism and creative industries. The report contains practical recommendations on digital transformation, attracting grant funding through European platforms (ECCP, Horizon Europe), and strategies for integrating Ukrainian projects into global value chains for post-war recovery.

ANALYTICS AND SOCIOLOGY

Analysis of Usativska, Ivanivska and Krasnosilska communities

This report presents an in-depth comparative analysis of the Krasnosilska, Usativska and Ivanivska communities of Odesa region in the context of their sustainable development. The document provides information on the demographic situation, level of infrastructure provision, economic potential and key investment projects of each community. Special attention is paid to the SWOT analysis of the territories, management challenges and strategic goals for 2027-2030, which include the development of logistics hubs, environmental safety of the estuary and digitalization of services to overcome financial vulnerability and increase the tourist attractiveness of the region.

Analysis of the status of communities
in the  Agglomeration

This final analytical report summarizes a comprehensive study of the current state of Krasnosilska, Usativska and Ivanivska communities. The document contains an assessment of the macroeconomic context, an analysis of infrastructure, demographic indicators and management efficiency of the agglomeration territories. It provides strategic recommendations for transformation into an innovative health cluster, the implementation of a single design code for the "Chumak Way" brand, as well as proposals for training personnel in the field of hospitality and digitalization of municipal administration to overcome the inertial degradation of the region

Analysis of hypotheses Concepts and tourist points and ideas of the Kuialnyk Agglomeration

This document summarizes the results of strategic sessions during which local communities, businesses and activists tested hypotheses for the development of the region. It highlights the critical importance of the transition from raw agricultural production to local processing (craft cheeses, honey, wine), as well as the request for the creation of an inclusive space for rehabilitation and mental health. The analysis emphasizes that preserving the ecology of the estuary and developing a modern sewage system are the foundation without which no tourism or economic project within the agglomeration is possible

A humorous version of the report on the results of the strategy session
in the style of Les Poderviansky

This is a creative, adaptive, humorous version of the report (attached to the official version) in the style of a satirical play by Les Podervianskyi based on the results of a strategic session on tourism development and the creation of a cluster as a driver for the development of the Kuialnyk Agglomeration, which unites the Kuialnyk National Nature Park and three communities. It was developed with the aim of quickly familiarizing yourself with the main results and demonstrating that the creative direction is a special priority of the “Chumak Way” Project. Les Podervianskyi's style was chosen because it is believed that his plays are not just texts, but real cultural artifacts. Satire that hits right in the heart.

Results of in-depth interviews with target audiences of the "Chumak Way" project

This document contains a detailed analysis of in-depth interviews with representatives of different segments of the target audience of the Chumak Way project. It provides information about the specific values, barriers and expectations of such groups as families with children, active youth, solo travelers, bikers and gastrotourists. The report reveals key insights: for example, the request for “places of power” without excessive commercialization, the need for safe inclusive infrastructure and the importance of adapting content to emotional triggers (real photos, route maps, description of the atmosphere). The document also defines acceptable price ranges for different tours and formats of interaction with customers through digital channels

A look at the future
of the Kuialnyk Agglomeration

This document proposes a strategic change in the economic model of the Kuialnyk Agglomeration, based on Eric Reinert's theory of activities with increasing returns. It shows how communities can escape the "raw material trap" by moving from grain sales to high-tech agro-processing, developing logistics, and creating unique tourism products. The author calls on community leaders to abandon passive administration in favor of actively stimulating industrial development, where synergy between different sectors of the economy ensures income growth and the creation of quality jobs.

Report
of sociologists on cluster development

This report summarizes the results of a strategic session dedicated to modeling conflicts and lines of cooperation within the future tourism cluster. The document analyzes the confrontation between environmental constraints and business interests, the challenges of the shadow economy, as well as local residents' expectations of privacy. It provides information on potential development scenarios for the region, the role of the national park as an ecological moderator, and the effectiveness of using the image of "Chumak" to promote local craft producers, winemakers, and farmers within a single tourism network.

development of the agglomeration as a tourism and recreational

This document contains the results of a sociological study on the perception of the Kuialnyk Agglomeration as a tourism and recreational destination. It provides a detailed portrait of a typical tourist, his motivation, level of spending and the main barriers that prevent him from visiting the estuary. The report analyzes the attitude of local residents towards tourism development, assesses the effectiveness of current communication channels and offers specific recommendations for promoting the region, in particular through infrastructure development, thematic weekend tours and the involvement of influencers to raise audience awareness

Science parks as a model
of cooperation between business, NGOs and the state

This document is a technical catalog and "resource map" that systematizes tourist locations and ideas developed during strategic sessions in the agglomeration communities. It provides information about specific overnight accommodations, recreation facilities, gastronomic locations, and cultural institutions in the Usativska, Ivanivska and Krasnosilska communities. The report contains a detailed description of promising tourist products, such as the airfield in Naberezhne, Cossack rites in Marynivka, and craft festivals, and also offers a toolkit for designing new routes based on the region's existing potential.

Results of the survey of target audiences
of the "Chumak Way" project

This document presents the results of a quantitative survey of the target audience, which complements the qualitative research of the Chumak Way project. It provides information about the frequency of travel of Ukrainians, priority formats of recreation (active, beach, health) and financial expectations of respondents. The report analyzes the key motivations of travelers, such as a change of scenery and detox, and also identifies the main barriers: lack of time, safety concerns and lack of information about locations. Special attention is paid to the values of travel choice, among which the uniqueness of impressions and social responsibility dominate, which justifies the need to create seasonal routes

development
of communities
in the  Agglomeration

This document outlines the strategic vectors for the development of Usativska, Krasnosilska and Ivanivska communities within the Kuialnyk Agglomeration. It provides information about the specialization of each territory: the logistics and industrial potential of Usativska community, the recreational and health and cultural focus of Krasnosilska community, as well as the agro-industrial and environmental prospects of Ivanivska community. Particular attention is paid to the idea of creating an interdisciplinary Science Park for research in the fields of medicine, green energy and archaeology, as well as the development of a network of inter-estuarine tourist routes with viewing points and recreation areas

Presentation "Kuialnyk:
balance search »

This document analyzes the results of the strategic session, focusing on finding a balance between different interests within the Kuialnyk Agglomeration. It provides information on ways to overcome conflicts between environmental protection, the privacy of local residents and the demand for active recreation for tourists. The report examines the SWOT matrix of the cluster, the risks of "free riders" and the shadow sector, and suggests using the image of Chumak and storytelling as tools for building a strong brand. The document emphasizes the role of the national park as a platform for dialogue, where contradictions are transformed into drivers of regional development

development in the Agglomeration through the eyes of residents

This report presents the results of an in-depth sociological study based on surveys of local residents and potential visitors to the region. The document provides information on specific requests from tourists for a comfortable vacation, community expectations from the development of the recreational area, as well as a list of priority infrastructure facilities: from basic amenities to a network of bicycle routes through the villages of Ilyinka, Severynivka and Kubanka. The study emphasizes the need to introduce modern digital promotion tools, such as QR codes and audio guides, and emphasizes the importance of environmental caution when developing new tourist locations.

Competitive analysis
of the project "Chumak Way"

This document presents a comprehensive study of the competitive environment for the “Chumak Way” project in the domestic and international markets. It provides insight into the cluster’s unique niche at the intersection of wellness, nature, and culture, as well as a comparative analysis with key Ukrainian locations (Shabo, Shatsk Lakes, Carpathian Retreats) and global routes (Jordan Trail, Alsace Wine Route). The report identifies strategic points of differentiation, such as a digital core with GPX routes and microservices, assesses competitors’ price segments, and proposes the “slow tourism” model as a key advantage for attracting tourists in the post-war period

PARK TERRITORY and ROUTES

Restrictions
and zoning
(Kuialnyk Estuary)

This document is a regulatory guide describing the legal and environmental framework for economic activities around the Kuialnyk Estuary. It provides information about the strict restrictions established by the laws "On Resorts" and "On the Nature Reserve Fund", as well as the specifics of the zoning of the Kuialnyk National Park (reserve, regulated recreation, etc.). The document explains in detail the procedure for obtaining licenses for the use of peloids (muds), the need to undergo an environmental impact assessment (EIA) for investment projects, and compliance with a 100-meter coastal protection strip, where any capital construction is prohibited

TOP-10 Flora
of the Kuialnyk Agglomeration

This document is a thorough study of the cultural and historical foundation of the region, covering the period from antiquity to the present day. It provides information about the archaeological heritage (Usativska and Yamna cultures), the Cossack era, and the role of the Chumach fishery, which has become the symbolic core of the cluster. The report describes unique objects, such as the 300-year-old Adamivska pear, ancient Cossack cemeteries, the architecture of the imperial period, and the history of mud therapy. A special emphasis is placed on the modern artistic reinterpretation of the estuary through festivals (e.g., "Art-pole") and film projects, which transforms Kuyalnik into a living space of cultural dialogue and ecological thinking

Analytical report
of spatial development experts for the 1st quarter

This analytical report is dedicated to the spatial development strategy of the territories around the Kuialnyk estuary. The document contains a detailed analysis of legislative restrictions on the use of protected lands, the results of the study of local business potential and a SWOT analysis of the development concept. It provides information on the implementation of the “slow tourism” model, the principles of functional zoning of territories, as well as graphic diagrams of infrastructure development, including recreational zones, eco-trails and service blocks. Special attention is paid to the balance between tourist attractiveness and the preservation of the unique ecosystem of the national park.

Birds of the
Kuialnyk Estuary

 

​This document is an illustrated guide to the ornithological diversity of the Kuialnyk Estuary, presenting key bird species that form the unique ecosystem of the territory. It collects both common and rare and protected species listed in the Red Book of Ukraine, with descriptions of their habitat, behavior and threat factors. For the Kuialnyk Valley cluster, this material is an important tool for shaping the value of the territory: it emphasizes the status of the estuary as a natural environment of international importance and reveals the potential for the development of ecotourism, birdwatching and popular science routes. The document helps to transform the natural wealth of the region into a structured experience for tourists, partners and researchers.

Cultural and historical code
of the Kuialnyk Agglomeration

This document is a thorough study of the cultural and historical foundation of the region, covering the period from antiquity to the present day. It provides information about the archaeological heritage (Usativska and Yamna cultures), the Cossack era, and the role of the Chumak fishery, which has become the symbolic core of the cluster. The report describes unique objects, such as the 300-year-old Adamivska pear, ancient Cossack cemeteries, the architecture of the imperial period, and the history of mud therapy. A special emphasis is placed on the modern artistic reinterpretation of the estuary through festivals (e.g., "Art-pole") and film projects, which transforms Kuyalnik into a living space of cultural dialogue and ecological thinking

Routes of the
National Nature Park "Kuialnyk"

This document is a visual-analytical guide to tourist routes of the Kuyalnytskyi National Park, which combines the natural, historical and cultural heritage of the Kuyalnytskyi estuary. It presents ecological trails, unique landscapes, medicinal mud, salt mines, bird watching sites and local legends that form a holistic image of the region and its tourist identity. For the Kuyalnytskyi Valley cluster, this material is an important tool for the development of ecological and cultural tourism, as it helps to transform the natural potential of the territory into a clear, valuable and attractive tourist experience.

MARKETING, BRAND and CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Brand positioning
of the project

"Chumak Way"

This document is the strategic basis for the visual and content identity of the project. It provides insight into the core of the brand, which combines the authentic history of Chumak with modern creative practices, gastronomy and wellness. The presentation details brand messages for different segments (families, outdoor tourists, yoga audience), describes the mission of the cluster as a "place of power" and defines visual landmarks where stars become signposts for new meanings of travel in Ukraine. The document serves as a roadmap for creating an emotional connection with travelers who value authenticity and harmony with nature

C oncept moodboard of the brand "Tastes
of the Kuialnyk Valley"

This document presents the concept of the brand “Tastes of the Kuialnyk Valley”, which positions local products as “a territory that can be taken with you”. The moodboard reveals the brand’s visual strategy, which is based on “quiet premiumness”, artisanal authenticity and respect for origin. The concept involves the use of natural materials (kraft, glass, wood, burlap), botanical illustrations of the Kuialnyk flora and vintage typography. Products — from honey to craft cheeses — are considered not just food, but as cultural artifacts and premium souvenirs that convey the history, salt and spirit of the steppe landscape.

Marketing strategy
of the project "Chumak
 Way"

​This document is a comprehensive roadmap for the promotion and development of the tourism and creative cluster. It provides information about the ambitious concept of “Chumak Space”, which turns a trip to the region into an ecosystem of transformative experiences. The strategy describes in detail marketing tools for attracting investments, plans for creating a “Partner Directory” and implementing a loyalty program for visitors. Particular attention is paid to the stages of project implementation: from online promotion of pilot routes in the short term to scaling the infrastructure and full integration of the cluster into regional development strategies in the future

The trademark
"Tastes of the Kuialnyk Valley"

This document details the strategy and visual system of the “Tastes of the Kuialnyk Valley” trademark, which unites local producers into a single ecosystem. It provides information about the purpose of creating the brand — from shaping the gastronomic face of the region to supporting craft craftsmen through the creation of added value. The report describes the concept of a “booklet tag” with a poetic description of the Valley, a system for scaling the brand along with the development of the cluster, as well as packaging principles, where each product (honey, cheese or herbal teas) becomes a cultural artifact that conveys the character and history of the territory

Logobook of the project "Chumak Way"

This document (logobook) is the official visual identity guide for the Chumak Way project for 2025. It provides information about the concept of the logo, which symbolizes the combination of historical memory (constellation, path) with modern community development. The logobook contains clear instructions on the use of graphic elements: basic and adaptive versions of the logo, color system, typography rules (use of the Cyntho Next font) and examples of identity placement on media (mockups). The document is designed to ensure brand integrity, a professional look for communications, and an inclusive approach to the visual representation of the cluster

Craft Producers
and Creative Industries

This document is a study of craft producers and representatives of creative industries of the Kuyalnyk agglomeration, which shape the local economy and identity of the territory. It collects real cases of entrepreneurs, craftsmen, artists and local brands - from cheesemakers and winemakers to artists, artisans and cultural initiatives, with a description of their activities, products and development potential. For the Kuyalnyk Valley cluster, this document is the basis for building an ecosystem: it allows you to integrate local producers into the system, form a unique product of the territory and create added economic value. It is through such participants that a living, authentic history of the region is formed, which becomes a key element of the experience.

Interview
"
The Chumak Way
by Yuriy Shevchenko
"

This document is dedicated to the philosophy and practical activities of Yuriy Shevchenko, who revives the traditions of oxen farming as a holistic system of worldview. From it you can learn about the rethinking of the image of the oxen not just as a carrier of salt, but as a socially responsible entrepreneur and a carrier of intercultural dialogue. Special attention is paid to working with oxen: the author proves their importance for ecological thinking and offers innovative methods, such as “ox therapy” for mental recovery, which makes historical heritage a relevant tool for modern rehabilitation and community development

Долина Куяльник | синій колір фрейм прямокутник

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Tourism and Creative Cluster "Kuialnyk Valley" © 2026

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This website was created by the public association "Tourism and Creative Cluster "Kuyalnik Valley" within the framework of the project "Tourism and Creative Cluster "Chumac's Path", which is funded by the Swiss-Ukrainian project "Cohesion and Regional Development of Ukraine", UCORD Project, implemented with the support of Switzerland by NIRAS Sweden AB. Responsibility for the content of this document lies solely with the public association "Tourism and Creative Cluster "Kuyalnik Valley". The views of the authors of the document do not necessarily reflect the views of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation or NIRAS Sweden AB.

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