To improve the cultural heritage of the border region and to increase public awareness of the importance of the cultural and historic heritage of the region through creating an integrated tourism product - "Archeology and culture".

1,483,998.37 euro, out of which 1,261,398.60euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Dolna Mitropolia Municipality (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit – Motatei Commune (Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Motatei Parish (Romania)

Start date: 13.09.2018

End date: 08.12.2023

Duration: 62 months and 26 days

Dolj in Romania

Pleven in Bulgaria

• Common management plan for restoration and promotion for sustainable economic use of historic and cultural sites;
• Marketing strategy for promotion of tourism product "Archeology and culture";
• Common tourist guide with impressive photography;
• Organization of professional training of experts in cultural and historic heritage in Bulgaria and Romania;
• Conservation, partial restoration and socialization for Roman Ad Putea Road Station;
• Construction works in Church of St. Nicholas Motatei village.

Programme outputs: 1 integrated tourism product created, 1 common strategy for valorising the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses, 500 visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction

Programme results: 500 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project is finalized.

The main project deliverables, namely the Common management plan for restoration and promotion for sustainable economic use of historic and cultural sites and the elaborated Marketing strategy to promote the tourist product Archeology and culture” are uploaded in all three languages on the project website: www.tourism-dolnamitropolia-motatei.com/documents/. The dissemination of the elaborated Common Management Plan for restoration and promotion for sustainable economic use of historic and cultural sites and the Marketing strategy to promote the tourist product Archeology and culture, continued through the project website and the websites of both Municipalities in Dolna Mitropolia and Motatei.

The main investment works on behalf of the LB – Dolna Mitropolia Municipality related to the execution of conservation and restoration works in „Roman Ad Putea Road Station”, Object 1: "Conservation, partial restoration and socialization the Roman roadside station "Äd Putea" and Object 2: "Ad Putea Information and Visitor Center and supporting tourist infrastructure" were started in the beginning of March 2023 and officially receipted in the beginning of December 2023.

Related to B3 investment objective “Construction works in Church of St. Nicholas Motatei village”, the basement works together with the painting works within the church were also fully completed in the beginning of October 2023 and officially receipted in the beginning of December 2023.

During the project implementation, there were organized opening and closing conferences in the two countries combined with the official opening and closing of the construction sites in the two municipalities, 4 seminars in schools with students and 2 information events for representatives of the local and tourism sector in order to present the new tourism product, created within the project.

Following the implemented actions, the project contributed with 593 additional visits to supported sites within the area covered by the project and 565 realized tourist overnights in the CBC region.

To capitalize on the touristic potential of the region (both natural and cultural), by diversifying the touristic offer of the cross-border region, focusing on scientific tourism.

1,473,253.99 euro, out of which 1,252,265.87 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Natural Science Museum Complex Constanta

Beneficiary 2 (B2): History Museum Kavarna

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Naval Academy Mircea cel Batran

Beneficiary 4 (B4): National College Mircea cel Batran

Start date: 04.10.2018

End date: 03.09.2023

Duration: 59 months

Kavarna, Dobrich District in Bulgaria

Constanta in Romania

• Development of 3 tourism products: Astronomy camps, Navigation by stars and Origins;
• Development of the strategy for valorising the natural and cultural heritage through its restoration (where applicable) and promotion;
• Setting-up of a center of excellence that will offer a common image of the region Constanta-Dobrich in order to attract tourists;
• Organization of communication events.

Programme outputs:

- 3 integrated tourism products/services created;

- 1 common strategy, policy or management plan for valorising (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses;

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the CBC area with 47.000.

The project was finalized on 03.09.2023. The following main results were achieved:

Kick-off press conference was organized in Constanta on 23.06.2021 with 38 participants.

Within the work package T1. Creation of tourism products, 180 astronomy lessons were organized in the period February 2021 – May 2022; 62 astronomy observations were organized in the period January 2020 – October 2020. As well, 15 astronomy camps, 7 days astronomy camp, Open Days activities were organized by the project beneficiaries necessary to launch the tourist product “Astronomy camps”. The necessary equipment such as 4K Hybrid Planetarium shows set, mobile and stationery telescopes, astronomy observatory, VR glasses, astronomy packages, tents, sleeping bags and inflatable mattresses were purchased and installed by the project beneficiaries, was used for outdoor astronomy observations. All the lessons were recorded and uploaded on the project website www.unimis.ro, in section Courses. Workshop for the launching of the touristic product “Astronomy camps” was organized in Constanta on 23.06.2021 with 32 participants.

In regard to the second tourist product “Origins”, B3 – Naval Academy “Mircea cel Batran” organized the first offshore sail in the Black Sea on 10.10.2019 within the second touristic product, Navigation by stars and three offshore sails with yola-type sailing boats on 02.08.2021, 03.08.2021, 04.08.2021. Workshop for the launching of the touristic product “Navigation by stars” was organized in Constanta on 02.08.2021 with 52 participants.

In regard to the third tourist product “Origins”, B2 – History Museum Kavarna developed a 3D movie – application of virtual tour, which was uploaded on the purchased virtual reality glasses. Workshop for launching the touristic product was organized by B2 on 12.05.2022 in Kavarna.

In regard to implementation of the work package T2 was developed the Joint strategy for valorising the natural and cultural heritage. The Joint strategy is available at the following link: https://www.unimis.ro/media/downloads/joint-strategy/JOINT_STRATEGY.pdf.

In regard to implementation of the work package T3. “Center of excellence”, the Centre of Excellence was created and registered in the Register of Associations and Foundations. The documents related to registering of the association were presented by the Lead Beneficiary - Decision no. 137/07.01.2022 of Constanta Court – Civil Section, the Certificate of registration no. 32196/212/2021/23.02.2022 and the Certificate no. 10/23.02.2022 for registration of the association to the Special registry.

More information is available at www.unimis.ro.

To improve joint risk management in the cross- border region Calarasi - Veliko Tarnovo by increasing the protection of environment and population against natural and man-made hazards.

949,799.45 euro, out of which 807,329.52 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Territorial Administrative Unit – Calarasi County

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Municipality of Pavlikeni

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Calarasi County Gendarmerie Inspectorate “Brigade General Barbu Paraianu” –

Start date: 06.09.2018

End date: 31.12.2023

Duration: 63 months and 26 days

Calarasi

Veliko Tarnovo

• repair and rehabilitation works to improve the conductivity of the riverbeds;
• purchasing of specialized intervention equipment;
• trainings;
• awareness raising campaigns;
• joint exercises;
• joint partnerships;
• information and promotional activities.

Programme outputs: 325.000 people benefiting from actions of risk management, 325.000 people benefiting from flood protection measures, 9 joint partnerships in the field of joint early warning and emergency response;

Programme results: increased quality of the joint risk management in the CBC area for 300.000 citizens;

The project was finalized on 31.12.2023 achieving the following results:

1. The project beneficiaries purchased all the equipment necessary for the project implementation team;

2. 16 sessions (8 in Pavlikeni and 8 in Calarasi) were organized related to development of Joint Action Strategy, Joint action plan and to signing of joint partnerships;

3. Joint Action Strategy and Joint Action Plan have been developed by the project beneficiaries, translated in English language and printed;

4. Modern intervention equipment for emergency situations has been purchased by the project beneficiaries, as follows:

a) Vehicles with increase crossing capacity – 2 pcs. were purchased by the LB. The equipment was delivered on 20.12.2023;

b) Excavator for maintenance of the riverbeds – 1 pc. was purchased by B2. The vehicle equipped with specialized equipment has been delivered on 03.04.2020;

c) 4x4 off-road pickup truck, 5-passenger, 4-door – 1 pc. was purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 21.01.2020;

d) Inflatable boat (10 passenger recommended) with detachable engine - 1 pc. was purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 21.12.2023;

e) Intervention and rescue boats – 2 pcs. were purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 23.12.2019;

f) Boat trailer – 2 pcs. was purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 12.12.2019;

g) IT workstation - 1 pc. was purchased by B3. The equipment was delivered on 17.12.2020.

5. The Mihalska Reka river and Lomya river watercourses in Pavlikeni Municipality were cleaned. The implementation of the investment activities has been completed and in the period 03-04.12.2020 the Statements of findings for establishing the suitability for acceptance of both sites (Act 15) were signed. Permanent information billboards were placed at a location readily visible at each of the sites in the village of Butovo and the village of Mihaltsi.

6. A network of partnerships among territorial entities involved in civil protection activities was created by signing of 8 partnership agreements:

a) Partnership agreement “Exchange experience and good practices in the implementation of state policy of disasters and accidents and to exchange the best experience in prevention through raising the awareness of the population” signed on 02.03.2023 between Pavlikeni Municipality, Veliko Tarnovo District and Territorial Administrative Unit – Calarasi County.

b) Partnership agreement “Organized information events in schools, care actions in case of emergency situation, first aid” signed on 29.12.2023 between Calarasi County Council & Calarasi County School Inspectorate + Romanian Youth Red Cross Organization (RO) – Regional Education Management Veliko Tarnovo & Bulgarian Red Cross Youth Organization (BG).

c) Partnership agreement “Exchanging best practice, sharing expertise, informing the population regarding the behaviour in case of emergency situations, dissemination of information missions, notification of the population in the area of competence where there are no specialized means or they are not in operation” signed on 28.09.2023 between Calarasi County Gendarmerie & Calarasi County Council (RO) - Police Department - Pavlikeni Municipality & Pavlikeni Municipality (BG)

d) Partnership agreement “Awareness campaign in the public institutions, disseminate information regarding population behaviour in risk situation, organizing of preventing events – first aid” signed on 15.09.2023 between Calarasi Red Cross Organization & Calarasi County Council (RO) - Bulgarian Red Cross Veliko Tarnovo & Pavlikeni Municipality (BG)

e) Partnership agreement “Monitoring and early warning in order to diminish the disaster effects caused especially by floods” signed on 07.09.2023 between Calarasi County Council (RO) – Volunteers Service for Emergency Situation Calarasi (RO) & Pavlikeni Municipality (BG)

f) Partnership agreement “Cooperation and interaction in the field of prevention of the effects of adverse impacts on water” signed on 05.12.2023 between Administration of the Danube River Ports S. A. Giurgiu - Calarasi Agency (RO APDF) & Calarasi County Council (RO) - Danube River Basin Directorate Pleven (BG)

g) Partnership agreement “To reduce the risks caused by floods and other hydro-meteo dangerous phenomena, towards the flora and fauna of sites Natura 2000, controlling and monitoring of the environmental components on the territory of two regions” signed on 16.10.2023 between Calarasi Environmental Protection Agency & Calarasi County Council (RO) - Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water Veliko Tarnovo & Pavlikeni Municipality (BG)

h) Partnership agreement “Enhancing the population safety – organizing awareness campaign, preventing actions in case of natural disasters” signed on 20.09.2023 between Calarasi County Ambulance Service & Calarasi County Council – Center for Emergency Medical Assistance – Veliko Tarnovo & Pavlikeni Municipality.

7. Joint Forces Exercise was organized in Calarasi in the period 15-17.12.2023 with participation of the representatives of all the project beneficiaries as well as of the Calarasi Emergency Situation Inspectorate “Barbu Stirbei” and District Office "Fire Safety and Protection of the Population" in Pavlikeni Municipality and other relevant institutions.

8. Awareness raising campaign was performed. The population living at the territory of Pavlikeni Municipality and Calarasi County was informed and educated on the reaction in case of emergency situation, including floods through the developed and printed following materials:

a) 2.000 leaflets with main information about the project developed by LB, which were distributed to Calarasi Emergency Situation Inspectorate “Barbu Stirbei” and Calarasi County Gendarmerie Inspectorate ”Brigade general Barbu Paraianu”, each institution has the responsibility to disseminate the leaflets among the population of Calarasi County;

b) 3.000 brochures and 3.000 leaflets developed by B2, which were distributed to the people with the aim to inform them about the topics tackled by the project and to involve them in the process of joint efforts against natural disasters. The materials were placed in areas where the flow of citizens is greatest.

To increase the reactive and preventive capacity in case of forest fire or floods in the Giurgiu - Ruse cross - border cooperation area, as well as to improve the cooperation and communication between the governmental and non - governmental organizations in Romania and Bulgaria in the field of emergency situations.

994,135.10 euro, out of 845,014.81 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Giurgiu County Council

Beneficiary 2 (B2):  Bulgarian Red Cross (BRC)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Red Cross Giurgiu Branch

Beneficiary 4 (B4): University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”

Start date: 26.05.2020

End date: 25.12.2023

Duration: 43 months

Ruse in Bulgaria

Giurgiu in Romania

• Training of Trainers on awareness raising and floods preparedness among the general population;
• Organizing one seminar for prevention of the personnel involved in the management of forest fires and floods in the Giurgiu - Ruse area;
• Development of "Info Days" for forest fires and floods in the Giurgiu – Ruse area;
• Flood preparedness of population Ruse and Giurgiu area;
• Organization of Round tables and conferences;
• Providing operational centres with modern communication and intervention equipment for floods and forest fires.                                                        

Programme outputs:

- 4 of joint partnerships in the field of joint early warning and emergency response

- 276.000 - Population benefiting from flood protection measures

- 500.000 - Population benefiting from forest fire protection measures

– 500.000 - Population benefiting from actions of risk management

  Programme results: The quality of the joint risk management in the CBC area

The project has ended on 25.12.2023.

The following progress has been achieved during the project implementation period:

The conferences for launching the project were organized in 2020, online on the 28^th of July by the LB and on the 30^th of September 2020 by the B2- Bulgarian Red Cross.

LB – Giurgiu County Council received on 14.09.2022 two Water trucks (20 tons) with pump which will be used by ESI Giurgiu for interventions in case of floods or forest fires.

On 10.03.2023 took place the reception of the emergency intervention equipment (Respiratory protection devices, thermal imaging integrated in the mask).

A common strategy for intervention and preventive action against forest fires in the Giurgiu - Ruse area was developed and can be accessed at the following link: https://emergencysituationsrobg.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Strategie-rezumat-engleza_en-1.pdf

A joint partnership was concluded on 06.12.2023 between Giurgiu County Council and Giurgiu County Prefect Institution, Ruse Regional Administration, Emergency Situation Inspectorate Giurgiu, Giurgiu Municipality, Comana Municipality, Singureni Municipality, Prundu Municipality, Izvoarele Municipality, Schitu Municipality, Gostinu Municipality and Dve Mogili Municipality.

B2 – Bulgarian Red Cross, participated at the trainings and Info Days organized by Beneficiary 3 – Red Cross Giurgiu Branch and also participated at the signing of collaboration protocols between B3 and institutions responsible for flooding and forest fire intervention in the Giurgiu-Ruse cross-border cooperation area.

During the period 28.02-01.03.2023, B2 organized an Info Day in Ruse which was attended by 58 people, 15 of them from Romania.

During the period 23-24.03.2023 a round table and conference were organized and were attended by 62 participants, 24 of them from Romania.

On 30.03.2023 took place the training of the population according to W.P. 4 - Flood preparedness of the population in the Ruse and Giurgiu area in the municipality of Slivo Pole - the village of Ryahovo and the town of Slivo Pole, as well as in a school in the town of Dve Mogili. Trained persons from the adult population - 49, of which three Romanian citizens, and from the students in high school course - 24 persons.

B3 – Red Cross Giurgiu Branch organized 7 training sessions in the field of flood protection measures. Also organized a round table and a conference (15-16.09.2022) and an event with the institutions responsible for the intervention in the event of floods and forest fires in the Giurgiu-Ruse cross-border cooperation area (29.09-02.10.2022).

During the period 27-28.04.2023 were organized the Info Days in Giurgiu.

The Partnership for training actions and volunteering in flood situations, was concluded on 03.04.2023 between Red Cross Giurgiu Branch and Bulgarian Red Cross, Sport Club of the Fire Safety and Civil Protection Department in Ruse and NGO Association Euroregion Danubius.

The website is updated and it runs at the following address: https://emergencysituationsrobg.com.

B4 – University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev” received the Geographic Information System (GIS) and integrated it into it’s technological environment. This GIS system will help establish a list of areas likely to be affected by forest fires.It was elaborated a bilingual inventory (in Romanian and Bulgarian languages) with areas which can be affected by forest fires in the Giurgiu-Ruse area. Also it was elaborated an assessment of the vulnerabilities and hazards that can be generated by the forest fires in the Giurgiu-Ruse area.

In the period 05-07.04.2023 in Veliko Tarnovo the event titled “Concluding collaboration protocols with the institutions that have attributions in the field of floods and forest fire intervention in the Giurgiu - Ruse cross border cooperation area” was held, organized by the team of the University of Ruse.

On 24^th of November 2024 two joint cooperation protocols were concluded by University of Ruse “Angel Kanchev”, namely:

1. Partnership for the Danube river concluded between University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and Regional administration- Ruse district, Bulgarian Ports infrastructure Company - Ruse, branch Port-Ruse, Regional Historical Museum – Ruse, Giurgiu County Council, National Company Administration of Danube River Ports and County Museum „Teohari Antonescu". This partnership aims at establishing, under the conditions of the law, the general framework of cooperation between the Parties, directed to protection of Danube River and the Danube space from forest fires and floods in the Giurgiu - Ruse region as well as to preservation of the biodiversity, natural and cultural heritage.

2. Partnership agreement for the education of children and young people for sustainable management of forest fires and floods concluded between University of Ruse "Angel Kanchev" and Regional Management of Education – Ruse, Regional Directorate "Fire Safety and Protection of Population, Bulgarian Red Cross, Giurgiu County Council, School Inspectorate-Giurgiu, High School "Ion Maiorescu"-Giurgiu, High School "Nicolae Cartojan"-Giurgiu, Emergency Situation Inspectorate-Giurgiu and Red Cross Giurgiu Branch. This partnership aims at establishing, under the conditions of the law, the general framework of cooperation between the Parties, directed to education of children and young people for sustainable management of forest fires and floods in the Giurgiu - Ruse region.