xavier

Estonia

Introduction

The two-year activity plan of the project included 12 cultural events aimed at raising awareness of invisible problems among women and families.   

A new annual festival – The Women’s Nights Film Festival (NÖFF) – has been added to the cultural calendar of Rapla County and the county has received more resonance nationwide, which promotes the region as a good living place.

The main objectives of the project is to stimulate exchanges of ideas, to enliven the cultural life and reduce deprivation of people living in the rural areas.

Presentation of the project

The Women’s Nights Film Festival NÖFF is a festival, which celebrates women in all their diversity and glory. NÖFF showcases the work of women on both sides of the camera. Women are the center of our stories either as filmmakers, performers, or main characters in the stories.

The Women’s Nights Film Festival NÖFF was established in 2019 when the small Estonian town of Rapla opened a brand-new black box type cinema. The festival was founded by the Entrepreneurial Women NGO in Rapla County. The NGO was established in 2009 and today consists of 90 members.

Why have a film festival concentrating on women, women filmmakers, and stories about the experience of being a woman? Research shows that the film industry is still a very sexist industry. Research has shown that 99% women working in the film and TV industries have experienced sexism. This correlates to the fact that by role, women comprise the minority amongst directors, writers, producers, editors, and cinematographers. Thus, the portrayal of women in film is still very stereotypical and unrealistic. Studies show that in films with at least one woman director there are substantially more women employed in

other key behind-the-scenes roles. Women support women.

Women deserve to be heard and seen on screen and behind the camera. NÖFF offers a platform for professional women authors, artists, performers, and filmmakers, may they be only just starting out in the industry or are well known already. NÖFF is offering quality content, entertainment, and profound discussions to broaden mindsets and keep building for a better tomorrow for womanhood.

Since the beginning, the festival’s aim has been to draw the attention on the different kinds of social topics:

NÖFF 2019 was the very first festival and was dedicated to the complicated subject of domestic violence.

NÖFF 2020 was all about motherhood.

NÖFF 2021 took a closer look on the very important subject of environment and women.

NÖFF 2022 took us on a journey with significant women in history.

NÖFF 2023 was focusing on mental and physical health of women.

 NÖFF 2024 will be all about women and power.

The screening of films is supported by Mrs. Tiina Lokk-Tramberg and her Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival team.

https://poff.ee/en/about/tallinn-black-nights-film-festival/

Emblematic character of the project

The Women’s Film Festival NÖFF was a completely first-time event in the county. In addition, it was a unique event all over Estonia. Such a film festival has never been held anywhere in Estonia before, although similar festivals take place in other parts of the world.

One of the important goals of the project, in addition to showing films, is to do good marketing for the region, but also to draw attention to how many young people from Rapla County are active on the Estonian film scene today, and several people engaged in photography and music have attracted international attention.  Several female directors, actors and producers are also associated with Rapla County.

Most of the members of the NGO are involved in the project. The project has resulted in strengthening the network of entrepreneurs in the county, and higer level of involvement among active people to support cultural events. As this is a project aimed at cinematography, we are also mapping the possibilities of distributing cinematography in the region. Whenever possible, we promote young people who have grown up in the county.

In turn, as the organization of major cultural events will certainly boost the region’s economy (catering, accommodation, etc).

Similar to the Entrepreneurial Women in Raplamaa NGO project, other applicants in the area of ​​action groups could organize events that have a slightly larger audience and highlight actual social issues. Our association of entrepreneurs has been a role model for several other associations of entrepreneurs established in Estonia.

Pictures

Ettevõtlikud Naised Raplamaal MTÜ

Raplamaa Partnerluskogu MTÜ

LAG Raplamaa Partnership

Rapla County, Estonia

Estonia

Introduction

On March 22, 2017, HTÜ Tootmine OÜ (from 2018 the company’s new name is Hiiumaa Köök ja Pagar OÜ) opened a bakery in a new building and with new equipment. As a result, it became possible to continue industrial bread production on the island of Hiiumaa, which goes back to 1909. By 2023, the entire company’s sales revenue has doubled. The company is the largest food producer in Hiiumaa and cooperates with other food producers on the island: catering and tourism companies and the municipality. Hiiumaa Köök ja Pagar offers work for bakers, cooks, confectioners all year round – the company employs 50 people. Whenever possible, locally grown raw materials are used in the production: beef from Hiiumaa in pate and stew, berries, pumpkin, apples, rhubarb grown in Hiiumaa in bakery products, cakes and desserts. The continuation of the company’s activities on the island is important both from the point of view of the balanced development of the island, and from the point of view of food safety, which has become a particularly important issue in recent years.

Presentation of the project

The aim of the project was to continue the traditions of food production in Hiiumaa. Hiiumaa Köök and Pagar bakery production used a production building that was built in the 1950s. The production building was unsuitable for food production and the equipment had depreciated. In 2015, the company prepared a business plan as well as a construction and technological project. Grant applications were submitted for the purchase of equipment, LEADER programme measure 1 “Enterprise development” to support the construction works of a new production building and the construction of a heating, ventilation and cooling system that meets the modern energy efficiency requirements. All grant applications were approved.

The new production building was opened on March 22, 2017.

As a result of the project, food production and especially the tradition of bread baking in Hiiumaa could continue. The company’s sales revenue in 2023 is over 3 million euros. Half of the total production is sold in Hiiumaa and the other half in mainland Estonia and Saaremaa. The representative product of Hiiumaa Köök and Pagar is Hiiumaa Leib – rye bread fermented with natural sourdough, based on a recipe from the Hiiumaa farm. In addition, the most well-known products are yeast-free rye bread, farm bread, Tootsi cake, honey cake, Hiiumaa sylt and pate. The company employs 50 people all year round.

Hiiumaa Köök and Pagar runs local food sales days, organizes and participates in fairs, represents Hiiumaa at fairs.

Emblematic character of the project

Continuation of food production and food traditions on the island are one of the main tasks of the LAG.

By the decision of the general meeting, LEADER supported the construction of the production building with 160,000 euros that is more than average LEADER project. This highlights the impact of this building for the people of the island.

Hiiumaa Köök and Pagar baking ovens are equipped with a heat recovery system and there is a solar park on the roof of the production building that contribute to the climate goals. In addition to the production building, all of the company’s product packages have undergone renovation. Hiiumaa Köök ja Pagar representative store is Coop Tormi Konsum, where oven-warm bakery products arrive several times a day to the delight of buyers.

The project enriches the sortiment of food products for local people, provides a large number of jobs, and makes the name of Hiiumaa island more known and loved in all Estonia.

Pictures

Local business

Hiidlaste Koostöökogu 

LAG Hiiumaa Cooperation Network

Estonia

Latvia

Introduction

The project “UPSIDE-DOWN HOUSE IN SMĀRDE PARISH” has created a new and unique tourism attraction in Latvia. What is an upside-down house? It can be considered a two-story family house with a kitchen, living room, bedroom, children’s room, bathroom, and toilet, and even an attic. From the outside, the house appears as if it has turned upside down, resting on its roof, creating the illusion that the floors are suspended in the air while all the usual items inside the rooms are in their normal positions. Not only is all the furniture inside the house upside down, but the construction includes a slight slope, which creates unprecedented sensations and challenges the sense of balance. The project has created a new and exciting tourist attraction but also contributed to the development of local entrepreneurship and generated three full-time job positions.

The project was developed at “Guntiņas” in Smārde Parish, Tukums County…

As a result of the project, a unique tourism service was created in Latvia, which is available all year round. In order to attract more customers and supplement the offered range of services, in addition to this newly created service, other offers have been created – mirror maze, tornado vortex, mini golf, in 2024 an upside-down garage with a car and various tools will be created.

As a result of the project, 3 new jobs have been created for local residents, including local youth are also employed in the summer. In 2023, the income from the facility will exceed 150,000 euros.

Emblematic character of the project

Priority – Innovations in the diversification of tourism services, reduction of seasonality

Within the framework of the strategy, the partnership especially supports projects that result in a new product or service that has never existed before. As a result of this project, a new service has been created on the scale of Latvia, because this type of tourism offer has never existed in our country. In addition to innovation, this project solves the main problem of the Latvian tourism industry – seasonality. The newly created service is not seasonal in nature – it is available and equally well enjoyed throughout the year. This is very important, because seasonality in tourism in Latvia is the main problem and it is a big challenge for entrepreneurs to create services that are not seasonal in nature.

Of course, in the summer, when it is vacation time and the number of tourists is higher, the number of visitors to the Upturned House is also higher, but when autumn comes, the Upturned House is visited by groups of students, work teams and other individual travelers. In order to attract visitors, the entrepreneur also organizes various thematic events for Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and also includes rooms for private events – birthday celebrations, seminars, etc.

Needs and challenges – creation of new jobs for local residents, promotion of the local area and promotion of recognition, creation of all-season tourism services,

The project has significantly contributed to the development and recognition of the local area, because:

1) The object popularizes the local area and promotes its recognition, because tourists from Latvia and abroad come to the area because of this unique object,

2) Tourists, in addition to this object, visit neighboring tourist objects, cafes, shops, accommodation in the area, thus other entrepreneurs also benefit,

3) The service is open all year round, it is not seasonal in nature, there is no similar service in the territory of Latvia;

4) The entrepreneur cooperates with other entrepreneurs by offering an expanded service offer and promoting the growth of local businesses (cooperation with the “Classic Car & Motorcycle Garage” museum, SIA “Šlokenbekas pils” and SIA “Apsīte” for catering service),

5) Providing local residents with 3 jobs,

6) The entrepreneur is actively involved in the activities of the local community, supports the local government within the framework of various events organized by the municipality – for example Smārde festival, Tukuma Rose festival.

7) The entrepreneur works in an environmentally friendly manner and cooperates with the Nature Protection Board, as the object is located in a specially protected natural area – Ķemeri National Park.

This project is a wonderful example of how a small amount of funding (65,000 EUR EDFLA) can have a big effect and solve important problems and challenges of the local area.

The experience is both about “catching” an idea (the businessman got the idea while visiting a similar house in Estonia and decided that he could create something like that on his small piece of land in the countryside), about cooperation with other entrepreneurs, about service development, change and creation of new offers for tourists it would always be interesting and the service would also be in demand in autumn, winter and spring.

Very good cooperation has also been established between the entrepreneur and the LAG, the municipality.

Thanks to the fact that this is a new (innovative) tourism service in Latvia, the entrepreneur did not need to spend a lot of money on marketing, because the media and tourism agencies themselves sought out the entrepreneur and wanted to tell the public about him and advertise.

The ability to see and transform what you see into your idea. Teaches how to realize an idea, ask for help if needed, be open and use opportunities!

Pictures

Partnership for Rural and the Sea

Latvia

Bulgaria

Introduction

The famous artist from Stara Zagorje, Academician Svetlozar Nedev, organized and held a month of cultural, historical and natural heritage in the municipality of Opan under the motto “My Homeland” for the “Hristo Botev” Secondary School in the village of Opan. During the month, the following took place:

– four creative workshops in which the children got to know their past, natural features, folklore traditions, customs and costumes of the region and transformed and preserved them in paintings;

– children’s art festival with an exhibition of children’s works reflecting the cultural and historical heritage, traditions and customs in the municipality of Opan.

Presentation of the project

The project was implemented in the village of Opan, municipality of Opan. The children’s art festival with the exhibition and the creative workers took place with the students in the village of Opan. The event aroused strong interest and desire to participate in a large number of children, from whom two groups of twenty children were formed in each creative workshop. All participants in the creative workshops enriched their knowledge of the local cultural heritage and folklore and got acquainted with various painting techniques. There were 4 creative workshops:

– landscape painting: the participants got to know old typical houses in the settlement, which they turned into their drawings. They learned in a fascinating way important features of landscape painting;

– naturalistic painting: students got to know the history of burial mounds in the municipality of Opan and learned techniques for painting natural landscapes;

– abstract painting: the children learned how, through this approach, to create landscapes and reflect the cultural and historical heritage in the municipality;

– cultural – historical and folklore traditions: the participants in the workshop got to know the local folklore customs, traditions, costumes, after which they recreated them in their paintings.

To fulfill the main goal of the project, drawing materials were purchased for each of the creative workshops and for the children’s art festival with the exhibition, sound equipment for conducting the children’s art festival and advertising materials for the presentation and promotion of the activity and the results of the project.

The main objective of the project “Open for Opan” is to encourage the inclusion of the local population in common initiatives to preserve and popularize the local cultural, historical and natural heritage in the municipality of Opan.

The specific objectives of the project were:

– revealing the richness of the local cultural, historical and natural heritage by organizing and holding a month of cultural, historical and natural heritage in the municipality of Opan under the motto “My homeland”;

– promotion and preservation of the local cultural, historical and natural heritage in the municipality of Opan by organizing creative art workshops and a children’s art festival with an exhibition;

– increasing public interest through the exhibition of children’s works, reflecting the cultural and historical heritage, traditions and customs in the municipality of Opan.

The project “Open for Opan” is tailored and fully prepared in accordance with the set goals for the provision of non-grant financial assistance under sub-measure 7.1 “The territory of MiG Galabovo – Opan unites us” of the Strategy for VOMR of SNC “MIG GALABOVO-OPAN”.

Emblematic character of the project

The project is a priority for LEADER and in our strategy, because children and their development are a priority of society and LAG will work in their interest. Children are always and traditionally at the center of Bulgarian values. This is not a small amount to begin with, but more actions follow from our side, this is the foundation we intend to build on.

Childhood loneliness is becoming a new social problem. The project aims to improve the child’s development with the help of art, reveal and promote creative potential, improve motor-motor functions, develop heuristic problem-solving skills, promote self-expression, engage problem children and therapy through art, get to know different cultures forms, promoting tolerance.

With the implementation of the project proposal and learning of different painting techniques, getting to know the richness of the local cultural, historical and natural heritage, positive relationships with peers and social skills encouraged through play and entertainment were also built.

The project can be implemented in other places in Bulgaria and in Europe, thus contributing on a larger scale to improving the development of children.

It can be developed as a cooperation project under sub-measure 19.3 “Preparation and implementation of cooperation activities of local initiative groups” of measure 19 “Community-led local development” of the 2014-2020 PRDP.

Together we can handle anything and we mustn’t forget that.

Pictures

“ATELIER 1 FOR CULTURE AND ART” Foundation

LAG Galabovo – Opan

Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Introduction

The project “Harmanli – culture, traditions and customs” protected, preserved and restored the historical, cultural, natural and rural identity of the territory of Harmanli Municipality. A film was shot on the project, which covered the main events included in the cultural calendar of Harmanli Municipality. An LED video wall was purchased and installed on the building of the Community center (Chitalishte)”Druzhba – 1870″, which is located in the central part of the city. 82 pieces of traditional folk costumes were purchased, and a Folk festival “Trakiyska shevitsa”(Thracian embroiderer) and celebrations of Epiphany were organized.

Presentation of the project

The project was implemented on the territory of Municipality of Harmanli.

The overall goal of the project was to create conditions for the development of tourism and the related conservation, preservation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage on the territory of the LAG Harmanli.

Specific objectives of the project:

– Increasing the tourist attractiveness of the territory by reviving, presenting and popularizing traditions, customs and folk celebrations, performed by living human treasures that represent the local heritage of Municipality of Harmanli;

– Preservation of the historical and cultural identity of the territory of the LAG Harmanli by documenting, reviving, filming and popularizing traditions, customs and celebrations based on the local heritage;

– Motivating, encouraging and supporting the performances of young performers and women from amateur and professional groups in the field of folklore on the territory of the LAG Harmanli;

– Enriching the cultural calendar and stimulating the development of cultural tourism in Harmanli through authentic presentation and promotion of intangible cultural heritage.

The knowledge and skills of the bearers of intangible cultural heritage are passed down from generation to generation. Having survived over the centuries, they reach us and oblige us to take targeted care for their preservation and transmission in the future. Holders of the intangible cultural heritage – dance and singing groups for authentic folklore, culinary arts possess extremely valuable knowledge and skills, which must be protected and conditions for their transmission must be created, and on the other hand be used as a unique resource for the development of cultural tourism .

The project, previously consulted with the local community, fully corresponds to the Strategy for community-led local development of the LAG Harmanli and to the Municipal Development Plan of Harmanli Municipality.

The project was also entirely aimed at young people, who had the opportunity to touch the “living human treasures” defining the historical and cultural identity of Harmanli Municipality.

Through the LED outdoor broadcast screen purchased under the project, an opportunity was given for the year-round presentation of local customs, celebrations, traditions and folklore to residents, guests and tourists of the municipality. To restore and authentically present customs, celebrations, rituals and folklore from the region, 82 traditional folk costumes were purchased.

The most significant local and authentic customs, rituals and folklore from Harmanli and Thrace were presented within the framework of the organized Folk festival “Trakiyska shevitsa”(Thracian embroiderer) and celebrations of Epiphany. The project created benefits for residents of more than one settlement and presented the color of traditions, customs and manners of the entire municipality.

As a result of the implementation of the project, almost 20,000 people from the municipality were given the opportunity to express themselves and access cultural heritage, documenting and preserving the authentic wealth of the region. The film “Harmanli – culture, traditions and customs” produced under the project was presented to the local community, was broadcast on the LED screen installed under the project and is available on the Harmanli Municipality website –

Emblematic character of the project

The project meets the main objective of the Strategy for community-led local development of the LAG Harmanli and the LEADER priorities in the Strategy: Achieving a sustainable and balanced development of the area with diverse employment opportunities and based on effectively developed agrarian, processing and business sectors, as well and rural tourism related to the local cultural and historical heritage and territorial identity, through Priority 4 Building territorial identity, Specific objective 1 – Increasing the attractiveness of the territory and creating an identity.

The project can be implemented by any local initiative group, taking into account the traditions, local culture and customs of the specific LAG, aiming to increase the tourist attractiveness of the territory, through the revival of traditions, crafts, traditional productions and the development of new products through local , folk knowledge and ways based on local heritage and preserving the historical, cultural and natural identity of the territory.

Pictures

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqBd3AyaafE&t=5s – връзка към изработения филм „Харманли – култура, традиции и обичаи“

Municipality of Harmanli

LAG Harmanli

Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Introduction

We live in an extremely dynamic century in which all people must have equal opportunities and chances for life. In our hectic everyday life, we meet individuals with different destinies, from different ethnicities, with different social status, and it is important to learn to live and work TOGETHER with them.

The project “Together we learn and create” brought together children of different ethnicities from the municipality of Svilengrad. For 3 years, they studied, created, played and formed friendships TOGETHER. Joint performances, various holidays, sports events, concerts, exhibitions, educational camps, etc. were held. Children’s free time during vacations was made meaningful and negative public attitudes were overcome. Equipment, sports teams, scenery, dolls, bicycles,  musical instruments, folk costumes, uniforms, etc. were purchased. In 2021 and 2022 7 (seven) educational camps were held, in which more than 200 children participated.

All kindergartens, as well as children from various schools, sports clubs and NGOs participated in the project.

A total of 1,937 children participated in the various activities, and 399 of them are representatives of vulnerable groups.

The project was implementedby the leading organization Municipality of Svilengrad together with the partners: Football Club “Euroroma”, “Sports Club-Izida-Svilengrad”, Football Club “Svilengrad 1921”.

Presentation of the project

Project location:

The activities of the project were realized on the territory of the municipality of Svilengrad, Bulgaria. All 5 kindergartens took part in the performance, as well as children from various schools, sports clubs and NGOs.

Elements of context:

Ensuring access to quality education and socio-economic integration are among the main priorities for the development of the municipality of Svilengrad. Through the implementation of the project, an important, socially significant problem for the territory is solved.

Objectives:

The main objective of the project was to help children from marginalized groups to become full-fledged citizens and achieve social and creative realization.

Implemented activities and achieved results:

1. Encouraging communication between children of different ethnicities through joint educational activities. Creation of an art studio “Under the rainbow” in Kindergarten “Detelina” and holding classes on safe driving on the roads.

2. Encouraging communication between children by conducting joint performances:

– Theatrical studio “Fairy magic” in Kindergarten “Detelina”;

-“Spring holiday” and “Christmas holiday” in Kindergarten “Radost”;

– “Enchanted nature” holiday in Kindergarten “Zornitsa”;

– “Tell me a story” holiday at the “Sun” Kindergarten .

3.”I love the Bulgarian language”: the additional preparation for acquiring knowledge of the Bulgarian language and conducting a thematic holiday “I love the Bulgarian language” in the Kindergarten “Snezhanka”. Holding a “Festival of letters” in Kindergarten “Radost”

4. Preservation and development of cultural identity. Conducting joint cognitive sub-activities related to the lifestyle and culture of the Bulgarian ethnic group, with the aim of the easy inclusion of children from marginalized groups. The Music Studio was established in the Kindergarten “Detelina” and several feasts were held in different Kindergartens.

5. Encouraging communication between children of different ethnicities by holding sports events. The purpose of this activity was to support the spiritual, physical and social development of children, as well as a healthy lifestyle. Sports holidays were held in Kindergartens “Radost”, Sports holiday “Fun wonderful games ” in Kindergarten “Zornitsa”, Holiday “Funny sport” in Kindergarten “Snezhanka”. Sports Week and 4 tournaments were held.

6. “Let’s sing and dance together”. Holding a concert on a large stage in the “Prosveta 1870” Primary School with the participation of children from all kindergartens from the municipality, included in the project and organizing an exhibition of the works that the children created during their studies in the studios.

7. Creation of a football group at FC Euroroma, project partner.

8. Creation of a dance group “The differences of cultures”.

9. Organization of educational camps. Organization and conduct of foreign camps for children from different ethnic communities.

10. Conditions have been created for the development of communication and creative skills and the equipment of the Multifunctional Room in the Kindergarten “Detelina”.

The role of LEADER in the project

The project was implemented under the Strategy for CLLD of LAG Svilengrad Areal with support of the Operational Program “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth” 2014-2020 (ESF+), as part of implementation of CLLD and LEADER approach.

Emblematic character of the project

In the modern world, education plays an important role in both the life of an individual and society. This is one of the most important factors for the progress of individuals, as well as a key criterion for the economic growth and democratic development of the country and the world.

LAG Svilengrad-Topolovgrad is an association that works to increase the quality of life, including the quality of education, in the municipality of Svilengrad. The project “Together we learn and create” provides conditions for the early integration into the education system of children and students from marginalized groups, ensures conditions for access to quality education, improves material conditions, increases the number of integrated students, preserves and develops their cultural identity and ensures environment to overcome negative public attitudes.

The project solves an old and significant problem in a new and interesting way. This emblematic problem is among the leading ones for our territory, and at the same time its solution is among the EU’s development priorities. Through the implementation of the project, an accessible educational environment for active social inclusion is created. The project can serve as a model for Bulgarian schools to build a tolerant environment – one in which the next generations will be built. Through creativity, sports and games, children forget differences and together create a better learning environment. The main idea is to use the already accumulated experience for the development of integrated and inclusive communities in which the children of the future and of a united Europe study, create, play sports and grow.

Pictures

Municipality of Svilengrad

LAG Svilengrad – Topolovrag

Bulgaria

Germany

Introduction

The regional initiative “Faszination Mosel” aims to position the Mosel as Germany’s leading gourmet region sustainably. The measures and projects initiated for this purpose, such as “100 Life Towers for the Mosel,” “Biodiversity Week,” and the “Mosel Heroes” award, are based on a participatory approach involving all relevant stakeholders, including residents, local food producers, cultural creators, tour guides, businesses, and policymakers (bottom-up principle). The regional initiative serves as the central marketing platform and network to connect and link these stakeholders, fostering new collaborations, innovative event formats, and ultimately, fresh innovations for the future of the Mosel. The goal is to inspire people through these projects to develop a deep understanding of the region’s traditions and practices, particularly in the context of the wine culture landscape of the Mosel. Ultimately, the aim is to create appreciation and awareness of the importance of the wine culture landscape as a cultural heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Through intermunicipal cooperation, boundaries are broken down within the Mosel region. This not only strengthens the cohesion of the people but also establishes a sense of “Mosel pride”.

Presentation of the project

The projects initiated and sustainably launched by the “Faszination Mosel” brand family since 2020 span across the entire Mosel wine-growing region. The Mosel region boasts a rich cultural history and is renowned for its world-class wine. Nevertheless, there is a need to preserve its cultural heritage, promote sustainable development, and position the region as the leading gourmet destination in Germany. The “highlights” of this unique wine culture landscape, with its biodiversity, dry stone walls, regional products, cultural diversity of the people, associations, and institutions, should be showcased in the “storefront,” valued, and made significantly visible. The measures initiated by the regional initiative “Faszination Mosel” on various topics in recent years have strengthened cooperation and coordination among stakeholders in the region and are already bearing fruit in projects like “100 Life Towers for the Mosel,” “Biodiversity Week,” “Mosel Heroes” award, “Art by the River,” “Cider Awards,” “Distillation Days,” and more. The engagement of the people in the Mosel region is crucial – they need to get involved, participate, and breathe life into these projects. The regional initiative has created a platform that brings together relevant stakeholders in the region, fosters new collaborations, and promotes innovative event formats. This has helped enhance cooperation beyond municipal boundaries and establish a sense of “Mosel pride” in the population. Additionally, it draws attention to the Mosel region, motivating people to stay, invest, and live there. Another significant benefit is the strengthening of the regional economy. LEADER plays an important role in the “Development and Expansion of the Faszination Mosel Brand Family” project in terms of funding, support, and networking. The regional initiative received financial support from LEADER in 2020 to implement its activities. Furthermore, LEADER provides resources and expertise to effectively support the projects. LEADER also assists in connecting the regional initiative with other relevant stakeholders in the region and beyond, facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices. Additional projects related to the “Innovation and Sustainability in the Mosel Region” are in the planning stage and are set to be realized with LEADER funding, such as co-working spaces/Workation Mosel, hospitality 2.0, innovation circles, coaching for dry stone wall construction, value chains (regional products), and more.

The emblematic character of the project

The region of LAG Mosel is a very large area that involves overcoming vast distances. At the same time, the river valley, viticulture, and pronounced tourism connect the people. It is a major concern of LAG to strengthen the region internally and promote networking and cooperation. We aim to enhance thinking and acting in regional contexts and connect people through innovative ideas. The project “Building the Brand Family Fascination Mosel” addresses, on the one hand, the politics, administrations, and institutions in the region, but especially the people in the region, on the other hand. LAG Mosel has given itself the guiding principle “Sustainable-Innovative-Connected.” The project contributes to all three characteristics. It focuses on important issues such as the preservation of biodiversity, regional architectural culture, and the strengthening of the cultural scene. Collaboration with international partners in France and Luxembourg is also important. As the “borderless Mosel Valley,” there is regular exchange with the LAGs from the source to the mouth. The innovative feature of the project is the continuous bottom-up process. The Regional Initiative Mosel wants to empower and support people to engage in their homeland. It works hand in hand with the Local Action Group. Competitions such as “100 Life-Towers for the Mosel” raise awareness about biodiversity and simultaneously strengthen the sense of community in the region. This makes the “Life Trees” in the regions, which now number well over 100, a visible sign of cohesion in the region and a symbol for the protection of biodiversity.The ideas for projects and initiatives come from the people in the region. The project’s approach is transferable to other regions. The process of site marketing and the formation of a regional brand should not be top-down but bottom-up. Expensive ads, posters, or campaigns do not involve people; instead, listening and the joint implementation of projects do. In the spirit of a “grassroots initiative,” the project manages to bring together very different people and connect them through joint actions.

Pictures

Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeJ9toqhwLU

 Homepage: www.faszinationmosel.info

Social Media:

 www.facebook.com/faszinationmosel/

www.instagram.com/faszination_mosel/

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va9K9EWBfxo6OgDLhz11

Photos: https://daten.kv-bks-wil.de/s/XrZMAaxcsjfqCW6

Cyprus

Introduction

Cyherbia Botanical Park maybe is one of the biggest thematic park in Cyprus. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll while learning about Cypriot herbs and engage in educational activities with game sheets provided for children. The park also features a distillation room where essential oils are extracted. Also, park has 9 themed organic herb gardens, the only maze in Cyprus, the Woodland shaped like the outline of Cyprus, and the lavender meditation labyrinth.

Presentation of the project

Project location: Avgorou The aims of Cyherbia Botanical Park are centered around creating a haven of natural beauty and immersive experiences for their visitors. They strive to exceed expectations by curating unforgettable moments, providing exceptional service, and fostering a deep connection to nature. With a commitment to sustainability, they aim to minimize the ecological footprint and inspire environmental awareness. By embracing inclusivity and diversity, they harness the power of different perspectives to foster innovation and creativity. The ultimate goal is to ignite a sense of wonder, rejuvenation, and connection in every individual who steps into our botanical paradise, leaving them with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the wonders of the natural world. Cyherbia Botanical Park ensures accessibility for all, with wheelchair-friendly pathways, disabled parking, and facilities such as disability toilets and baby changing facilities. Also, every year has a plenty of big annual events, interesting seminars, educational and fun workshops. Families from all over the island look forward to attending again and again, as every year the festivals are different from the years before. Some events are the lavender festival, the fairy festival, holloween and pumpkin carving, cristmas crafts workshop, easter hunt in the maze and many others. Natural products made from the park’s herbs and oils are available for purchase both in the Botanical Shop and online. LEADER helps them to renovate the park with new kitchen, new storage room, new natural product store and new facilities for the staff.

Emblematic character of the project

This project embraces inclusion, diversity, and sustainability, making a positive impact on the environment and inspiring change. A new ecosystem has been made in the area. The synergistic force of the team at Cyherbia Botanical Park is the result of our harmonious blend of talents, dedication, and collaboration.

Pictures

CYHERBIA BOTANICAL PARK ltd

Larnaca and Famagusta District Development Agency

CYPRUS

France

Introduction

In 2008, the Air des Balkans cultural association launched a festival featuring gypsy and Balkan artists. Thanks to support from the LEADER programme, they have been able to develop the festival and build up a real cultural programme throughout the year for the whole area the festival and build a truly year-round cultural programme for an entire community of community. Between 2014 and 2022, 3 successive projects have been launched to create and strengthen the association’s cultural action and make it a strong asset to the region’s dynamism. Through these successive projects, the association and the festival are now contributing to local tourism, quality of life and, above all, the local economy, quality of life and, above all, access to culture in rural areas for local people and schools.

Presentation of the project

The adventure of the Welcome in Tziganie festival began in 2008 with the creation by the L’Air des Balkans association of a festive and cultural event during which gypsy and Balkan artists would perform a festive and cultural event featuring Gypsy and Balkan artists.

the spotlight. The festival takes place every year in Seissan (32), in the heart of an open-air theatre.

Since its inception, Welcome in Tziganie has remained true to its objectives: to help people discover and promote the cultural riches to as many people as possible, create links between gypsy populations and the local the local population, energise the department during the pre-festival season, and create a real local dynamic. The 3 projects supported by the LEADER programme were :

– Setting up an annual season to mark the 10th anniversary of the festival in 2017 by offering cultural events in the area, and redesigning the festival’s communication plan.

– Purchase of a marquee and a staircase to improve conditions for the festival’s audience and festival artists.

– A rural touring project focusing on Gypsy culture, with 3 main strands: cultural, with a programme of shows; educational, with workshops in artistic practice; and cultural, with a programme of shows, with a programme of shows, educational, with workshops in artistic practices, and tourism, with a focus on local heritage. The Val de Gers community of communes, in which the project is taking place, did not have cultural association or festival on this scale. By developing its project throughout the community of communes, the association brings the villages to life culturally all year round by highlighting heritage and creating synergies with the department’s major cultural, institutional and community partners and associations in the department (media libraries, schools, leisure centres & CLAE, music schools of Masseube – Seissan, cinemas, the departmental tourism committee, secondary schools, the CAF, secondary schools, the Astrada in Marciac, etc.).

Key figures :

– 58 meetings and events over the 2 cultural seasons, 2021/2022 & 2022/2023 (artist residencies creative workshops, activities in Auch’s QPV district, school workshops, introduction to Balkan music Balkan music, concerts and storytelling, summer concerts, storytelling walks, performances and concerts in the heart of the bastides)

– 6,000 festival-goers during the 2017 festival

– 8,000 to 10,000 people involved in the annual 10-year festival season project

– 20,000 to 50,000 people used the marquee at other events

The emblematic character of the project

Renowned for the richness and quality of its melodies, its positive energy, its cheerfulness and spontaneity, Welcome in Tziganie has become one of the highlights of the season spontaneity, Welcome in Tziganie has become one of the highlights of the Occitan festival season and a must-see event for aficionados of Gypsy and Balkan music, gypsy and Balkan music. The three successive projects have responded to a number of local issues specific to rural areas rural areas:

– Providing a high-quality, collective and innovative cultural offering Reinforcing social cohesion throughout the region,

– Encouraging citizen participation through artistic projects and practices,

– Organise outreach activities (workshops, meetings with artists, training courses, etc.) artists, training courses, etc.) that raise awareness among new audiences and/or are linked to local issues (strengthening social links, getting young people involved in society) participation of young people)

– Organise cultural events on a regional scale, bringing together different local and/or combining several approaches (social, environmental, sporting, tourist, etc.), sports, tourism, etc.)

– Create a local dynamic

– Adapting venues to cultural practices

– Highlighting local heritage.

In short, the major challenge taken up by this 3-part project is above all the development of the development of a strong, locally-rooted cultural player that is now a marker for the region in terms of tourism and a major driver of local dynamism, and a major driver of local dynamism. There are real economic and, above all, privileged access to the culture of other countries. This project is an example of what successive support from the LEADER programme to a small community festival that has developed, strengthened its links, partnerships and local actions, its local activities.

Pictures

L’Air des Balkans

GAL Pays Portes de Gascogne – Pays d’Auch

Occitanie