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The project idea developed as a result of the negative context typical of many Central
European areas, characterised by problems related to marginalisation (of a geographical,
economic, social and cultural nature) depopulation and demographic changes due to
the progressive ageing of the local population, along with the serious lack and
inadequacy of area development policy. For several years rural areas have suffered
from major difficulties and problems in terms of competitiveness, attractiveness
and unemployment. On the other hand, the areas concerned have enormous natural,
cultural and historical assets and a wealth of local crafts. These resources, if
properly exploited, could become the real economic driving force for these areas.
The main goal and priority of the project is to increase the competitiveness and
attractiveness of these rural marginal areas, which have unexploited tourist potential,
through the setting up and implementation of new area governance tools and the drawing
up of new pilot projects within the sector of sustainable tourism. The most important
project activities are based on the drafting of a new scheme for governance of these
territories, testing this model through the use of pilot projects and capitalising
on the results and output achieved. This capitalisation will be carried out by establishing
the “Vital Villages” Association, a transnational organisation, and by organising
training activities involving exchange of the best practice. Moreover, the project
will involve major efforts in the field of communication, organising extensive promotion
of the areas involved and the tourist facilities promoted within the project. The
project partnership is made up of Universities, guaranteeing a scientific approach
to definition of the model, and of bodies and development agencies in the area expressing
the real needs and problems of rural villages, identifying their power to intervene
and capacity in these areas.
The total amount of the project is € 2.495.572,00.
The European Regional Development Found contribution is € 1.977.169,20.
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