In 1999 specialists in industrial restructuring on the Pledge Program conducted training of 25 representatives of local government, business and citizens on developing sustainable public-private partnerships. A Pledge project for modernizing telecommunications built the foundations of good partnership between NGOs, local government and business in the region.

As a result of these initiatives on 1 August 2002 the fist NGO in the Municipality of Mineralni Bani was created. To function well it needed energetic and motivated people able to lead the future joint activities.

On the proposal of the leading partner the Union for Revival and Developmentthe following objective became a priority: Strengthening the interaction between Local government and citizens.

- Preparation and involvement of young people in the economic and social issue of the municipality through training and encouraging their efforts

- Improving the communicative skills and building contacts and partnerships

- Ensuring beneficial conditions for tourism development in Mineralni Bani Municipality

- Creating local capacity and developing professional qualifications.

The project was implemented with the financial support of DfID based at the British Embassy Sofia.

For the messages to reach the people , to motivate and involve them in public matters , the efforts of many people should be joined. An address to the citizens was prepared where the project team explained its objectives. Discussion forums, workshops and individual conversations were performed to promote the forthcoming initiatives.

Steps were taken for the idenitifying and involving active citizens, who participated in trainings to build up their skills, and the formation of a network of contacts and partners, as well as involving some organizations as observers and supporters of the processes.

To make the partnership sustainable the Union for Revival and Development signed a memorandum with the main partners: the Center for Development of the Municipality of Mineralni Bani and the Trade Union representative organization. To ensure transparency of the process external organizations such as Regional Administration Haskovo, FLGR and Pledge Program observed the activities.

As a result of the broad information campaign and direct interaction with people, citizens, local government representatives and business people joined the project and a core group of 20 people was formed. They went through 8 courses for computer literacy and thematic trainings. A number of workshops were organized with institutions in the region. Information was collected for the development of a regional Tourism Strategy, ownership of housing property was clarified, activities for attracting investors were undertaken. To develop traditional crafts and identify the local unique features, descriptions of interesting customs, cuisine and traditions were made. A film was produced of the municipality and its strong points. Maps were produced, the mineral water was investigated and its qualities described.

The community is presently working for the preparation of a municipal exhibition entitled Mineralni Bani : Past and present . It will promote the main industries and goods produced in the municipality, traditions, lifestyle, cuisine and local culture. Allthis became possible owing to the partnership between local government, business and NGOs.