The main Forum task was dedicated to transforming culture-historical heritage into a factor of sustainable development in the region of Smolyan and Zlatograd municipalities. Within the last session an agreement (common policy) was signed that outlines joint initiatives within culture-historical heritage. Four out of eleven approved projects were selected for funding in the total amount of 101 000 BGN. Forum project fund:
- "Celebrations of Delyo chieftain - theatre play, reconstituting death of Delyo chieftain" - Delyo Chieftain Association';
- Culture-historical heritage catalog for region of Smolyan - movable monuments of culture - Regional Historical Museum "Stoyu Shishkov" in Smolyan;
- "Initial socialization of two archeological objects: Kaleto fortress (Smolyan) and cult object in White Stones area (Zlatograd) - first phase of Zlatograd Municipality;
- Forum Logo "Rhodopes - voice if all times" - Smolyan Municipality.
The work within this pilot initiative was carried out according to the methodology of forum approach (5 sessions) in the following phases:
- - Establishing regional policies for valorization and effective management of culture and historic heritage;
- Developing methodology for establishing regional strategies in the area of culture and historic heritage management;
- Funding concrete projects, developed and selected within the Forum sessions.
The Forum process is an active tool for joining citizens, business, local governments and state institutions as equal partners in discussions. It is applied in over 25 municipalities for developing local communities. For the first time this Swiss approach presenting direct democracy will be implemented in the area of culture and historic heritage management at regional level.
save document (PDF)