The main objective of the project is to improve the common risk management in the cross-border area covered by the two municipalities: Călărași and Belene.

987,468.06 euro, din care 839,347.84 euro FEDR

Beneficiar Lider (BL): Municipalitatea Belene (Bulgaria)

Beneficiar 2 (B2): Municipalitatea Călărași (România)

Start date: 15.09.2018

End date: 14.03.2021

Duration: 30 months

Pleven (Bulgaria)

Calarasi (Romania)

• Preparation of the workshop "Best practices in crisis prevention in the cross-border region";
• Development of an online platform to provide information for crisis prevention and management;
• Creating the risk management capacity in Belene and Călărași.

Program achievements: 82,891 people benefiting from risk management actions, flood protection measures and forest fire protection measures, 1 joint partnership in the field of joint rapid prevention and emergency response

Program results: Improving the quality of joint risk management in the cross-border area

The project obtained the following results:

Both project partners purchased during the implementation period of the project the necessary equipment for dealing with emergency situations caused by fires, natural disasters, accidents and floods:

Belene Municipality

- 1 Work platform;

- 1 Backhoe loader;

– 3 phase diesel aggregate AKSA;

- 1 Drone with camera;

– 5 Motor;

– 1 Garbage Transportation Machine;

– 5 Manual snow removal machine;

- 1 Tractor with trailer;

– 5 Motor Brush cutters.

Calarasi Municipality

– 1 Work platform;

- 3 Bobcats;

- 1 Frontal loader;

- 2 Snow removal vehicles;

- 1 Water removal vehicle.

A joint partnership agreement between Belene Municipality and Calarasi Municipality was drafted in Belene during the workshop held in the period 28-29.08.2019 and signed by the mayors on 05.12.2019. The partnership concluded between both project partners does not include actions and procedures for collaboration in the field of “early warning and joint intervention” during the sustainability period.

   The online platform (https://sos-robg.eu/) for providing information for crisis prevention and management - fires, natural disasters, accidents and floods has been implemented and is populated by the two municipalities, Belene and Calarasi.

   The workshop "Best practices in crisis prevention in the cross-border region" was organized in Belene.

Financial status:

According to the information available in the system, after the project implementation period ended, the progress of the project towards its financial objectives is:

•        LB requested from FLC the amount of 497,186.49 euro, out of which FLC certified the amount of 382,245.97 euro, representing 76.18% from LB’s total partner budget of 501,778.87 euro.

•        B2 requested from FLC the amount of 468,884.31 euro, out of which FLC certified the amount of 349,489.96 euro representing 71.96% from LB’s total partner budget of 485,689.19 euro.

Considering the amounts certified by FLC, the financial execution for the project is 74.10% from the total project’s budget of 987,468.06 euro having certified expenditures for the total amount of 731,735.93 euro.

Project overall objective is to make recreational fishing and derivatives activities promoting cultural tangible and intangible heritages a cross border branded touristic product improving sustainable use of natural heritage and resources and cultural heritages.

498,151.73 euro, out of which 423,428.96 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Living Nature Foundation (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Branch of It’s Possible Association (Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Tourist Fishing Club (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): Association for Cross Border Cooperation and Development Danube Dobrudja (Bulgaria)

Start date: 15.09.2018

End date: 14.03.2020

Duration: 18 months

Teleorman, Calarasi, Giurgiu (Romania)

Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Silistra (Bulgaria)

• Elaboration of one Study regarding joint recreational fishing touristic destinations
• Identification and definition of 3 joint recreational fishing touristic packages branded FISHNAT (including logo, complementary cultural programs), based on the study and consultation with the main stakeholders in the area;
• Development of informative materials on environmental protection and preservation;
• Elaboration of a Joint marketing strategy for recreational fishing touristic packages and the brand FISHNAT;
• Organization of workshops for joint entrepreneurship development for native population linked to recreational fishing tourism;
• Organization of a FISHNAT festival – as a touristic event/product gathering recreational, sport and professional fishing;

Programme outputs: 7 integrated tourism products/services created; 1 common strategy, policy or management plan for valorizing (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses; 156,000 Increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction

Programme results: 156,000 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project is finalized.

Results:

- The project website was developed: https://fishnat.eu/ ;

- 3 touristic packages branded FISHNAT for the following routes: Teleorman - Veliko Tarnovo; Giurgiu – Ruse; Calarasi – Silistra are available on the project website;

- 1 Joint Study for the Romania-Bulgaria region regarding areas for recreational fishing, inventory of fish species, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, accommodation and dining units in the area of interest of the project in Romania and Bulgaria (available on the project website);

- 1 tourism product – The FISHANT festival. The first edition of the festival was held in Calarasi during 20-22th of September 2019. Photos and information are available on the following link: https://fishnat.eu/en/events/ .

506,313.73 euro, out of which 430,366.65 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): TAU - Baneasa Commune (Romania)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): TAU - Agigea Commune (Romania)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Shabla Municipality (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): Berkovitsa Municipality

Start date: 14.09.2018

End date: 13.03.2020

Duration: 18 months

Constanta in Romania

Montana and Dobrich in Bulgaria

Programme outputs:2 integrated tourism products/services created, 2 common strategies, policies or management plans for valorizing (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses

Programme results: 1.500 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project has been finalized on 13.03.2020.

The following results have been achieved:

1. 8 press conferences organized:

- on 12.03.2019 in Baneasa (20 participants);

- on 20.09.2019 in Baneasa (20 participants);

- on 07.02.2020 in Shabla (21 participants);

- on 14.02.2020 in Agigea (20 participants);

- on 21.02.2020 in Berkovitsa (30 participants);

- on 25.02.2020 in Baneasa (21 participants);

- on 27.02.2020 in Shabla (15 participants);

- on 09.03.2020 in Berkovitsa (28 participants).

2. Common Assessment of the sustainable tourism potential completed on 28.06.2019 and translated in Bulgarian and English language.

3. Strategy for sustainable tourism completed on 10.12.2019, as well as the Marketing Plans completed on 23.01.2020. Both documents were translated in Bulgarian and English language.

4. 3 study visits were organized:

- in the period 17-21.12.2018 in Agigea&Baneasa, 17 participants;

- in the period 22-24.01.2019 in Berkovitsa, 21 participants;

- in the period 29-31.01.2019 in Shabla, 19 participants.

5. JOYRIDE Network created. The Cooperation Agreement was signed by the legal representatives of all PP and the coordinators of Tourist Information Centers on 12.03.2019. Also, in the same day it was signed the Cooperation Agreement of the Technical Secretariat of the JOYRIDE Network Project.

6. 13 Tourist Trails completed and accepted by the project beneficiaries:

- 3 tourist trails - LB: Touristic trail from Baneasa area and Canaraua Fetii forest and natural reservation landscapes to St. Apostol Andrei cave and Monastery and Tropaeum Traiani monument and fortress; touristic trail from Baneasa natural reservation area, towards lake Oltina and Bratca forest mixt reservations areas and leading to lake Bugeac and Esechioi mixt natural reservations; Enogastronomic tourist trails connecting the vineyards from Baneasa, Ostrov, Oltina, Aliman areas;

- 3 tourist trails - B2: natural landscapes in the Marine dunes with their protected botanical areas; tourist trail connecting Agigea and Cumpana communes and the marble Roman Sundial in an ancient Roman rural area; tourist trails around the Agigea lake zoological reservation;

- 4 tourist trails - B3: natural areas around protected “Durankulak lake” and archaeological sites on the big island; natural areas around protected “Shabla lake” with historical data and legends; natural areas, historical data and legends around Shabla tuzla, history of the lighthouse and fortress Karia; natural areas, underwater archaeology and the legend of pirates around the village of Tyulenovo;

- 3 tourist trails - B4: Mountain route – touristic trail starting from Tourist Info Center, leading to peak “Kom”, passing through a deviation for “Blue pool”; mountain route – touristic trail, starting from Tourist Info Center, leading to “Haidushki waterfalls”; touristic trail, starting from Tourist Info Center, passing through house-museum “Ivan Vazov”, leading to “Kale fortress”.

7. 2 Eco-Ranger Camps organized: in Agigea&Baneasa in the period 17-20.11.2019 and in Berkovitsa in the period 26-29.11.2019. Eco-Ranger Forum in Shabla organized in the period 09-11.12.2019.

8. Instructive workshop regarding certification ISO14001–environment management organized by all project beneficiaries:

- LB: 13-14.02.2020 in Baneasa, 20 participants;

- B2 – 07.02.2020 and 10.02.2020 in Agigea, 20 participants;

- B3 – 06.02.2020 in Shabla, 12 participants;

- B4 – 27.02.2020 in Berkovitsa, 9 participants.

9. Instructive workshop regarding certification in eco-tourism organized by all project beneficiaries:

- LB: 11-12.02.2020 in Baneasa, 20 participants;

- B2 – 05-06.02.2020 in Agigea, 20 participants;

- B3 – 07.02.2020 in Shabla, 12 participants;

- B4 – 27.02.2020 in Berkovitsa, 9 participants. 

10. JOYRIDE Tourist Guidebook completed by LB, being developed and translated in English and Bulgarian language and distributed among project beneficiaries.

11. Tourist Map completed by the LB and translated in English and Bulgarian language and distributed among project beneficiaries (including electronic map on CD).

12. Web page www.baneasa-joyride.ro created, as well as social media accounts:

https://www.facebook.com/Baneasa-Joyride-100373714910913/?modal=admin_todo_tour

https://twitter.com/BaneasaJ

https://www.instagram.com/baneasajoyride/  

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.

The project aim is to animate and revitalize the cross border area by stimulating tourism and at the same time to contribute to preserving the cultural heritage of a historical region in which two nations coexist (Romania and Bulgaria).

1 410 770.00 euro, out of which 1 199 154.49 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Administrative Territorial Unit Harsova town

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Municipality of Dobrichka

Start date: 12.09.2018

End date: 11.09.2022

Duration: 48 months

Constanta (Romania)

Dobrich (Bulgaria)

• Development of a joint strategy for valorization of the cultural heritage
• Organization of the cross border festival: “Dobrogea cu bundita si prestelca”
• Organization of a training in the field of cultural tourism
• Promoting and ensuring the visibility of the Folk Festival “Songs and Dances from Sunny Dobrudja”
• Modernization of the House of Culture Harsova through endowments specific to cultural activities
• Modernization and endowment of Community Center "New life 1941" in Cherna and Community Center "Light - 1940" in Lovchantsi 

Programme outputs: 1 common strategy for valorizing the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses; 1 integrated tourism products created

Programme results: 46,676 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project is finalized.

Lead Beneficiary - Territorial Administrative Unit Harsova has finalized the modernization of House of Culture from 24.06.2022.

The Beneficiary 2 has finished the implementation of the works activities for Modernisation and endowment of Community center "New life 1941" Cherna and Community Center "Light - 1940" Lovchantsi, the works being completed from 04.11.2019 and 13.02.2020.

Both beneficiaries completed the development of the common strategy for capitalizing on cultural heritage and uploaded it on the project website (https://cbc-culture.eu/en/home/), as well as on the official pages of the beneficiaries. The joint strategy for the valorization of the cultural and natural heritage by restoring and promoting it for sustainable economic uses was approved by the local councils of the beneficiaries.

As part of the project, a joint tourism project was developed that involves the organization of two cross-border festivals. BL organized the event "Dobrogea with Bundița and Prestelca" between 07.08.2022 and 07.10.2022, where approximately 3,000 Romanian and Bulgarian people participated. B2 organized the event "Songs and dances from sunny Dobrogea" between 24.06.2021 - 26.06.2021, where approximately 300 Romanians participated. The events promoted traditions and customs determined by major life events or the seasons and holiday cycle, and also featured some interactive cooking demonstrations on traditional foods, how to prepare them, and special ingredients.

To support the sustainable socio-economic development of the cross-border region by enhancing the tourism potential related to the development and marketing of competitive tourist products.

1,219,951.26 euro, out of which 1,036,958.56 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): General Toshevo Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit – Murfatlar Town

Start date: 12.09.2018

End date: 30.04.2022

Duration: 43 Months 19 Days

Dobrich in Bulgaria

Constanta in Romania

How is it going to happen?

• Training and enhancing the capacity of local communities. Conducting of thematic camps;
• Creation of common tourist products. Conducting of tourist forums and exhibitions;
• Realization of studies, research, information system, tourism development strategy.

Programme outputs: 4 integrated tourism products/services created, 5,000 expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction, common strategies, policies or management plans for valorizing (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses - 1.

Programme results: 3,500 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project was finalized on 30.04.2022. The following results were achieved during the project implementation:

Two round tables of representatives of youth councils and young volunteers were held in General Toshevo (03.05.2019) and Murfatlar (31.05.2019). Both events were addressed to the young people and their needs to better understand the cross-border cultural features of Dobrudja area and their relevance for cooperation and tourism promotion.

Two summer thematic camps were organized in 2019 - one in General Toshevo and Balchik (01-06.07.2019) and the second one in Murfaltar and Mamaia/Constanta (04-09.09.2019). Both camps included cultural-related visits to museums and historical sites, tourist tours, workshops related to traditional and popular art and crafts, exhibitions, sport and leisure activities, networking.

Seminar “Intangible cultural heritage - conservation, promotion, development and opportunities for organizing festival and event tourism” was held in General Toshevo and Balchik in the period 23-24.10.2020.

Seminar “Possibilities for development of thematic tourism connected to the cultural-historic heritage, wine, traditional cuisine and traditional music and crafts” was held in Murfatlar in the period 18-19.07.2021.

Tourism forum “Cultural and historical heritage and tourist attractions in Municipality of General Toshevo” was organized by the LB in General Toshevo in the period 10-11.09.2021.

Tourism forum “Cultural and historical heritage and tourist attractions in Municipality of Muratlar” was organized by B2 in Murfatlar in the period 24-25.09.2021.

2 studies of tourism potential and opportunities for tourism development for each municipality and a strategic plan were developed. On the basis of the developed studies, it was created the Common strategy for the development of tourism in the cross-border region General Toshevo – Murfatlar, available at the following link:

http://robg453-tour.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Common-Strategy.pdf.

The both project beneficiaries developed multilingual tourist guides for General Toshevo and Murfatlar, available on the project websites at the following links:

http://robg453-tour.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/tourist_guide.pdf

https://www.murfatlarulturistic.ro/en/travel-guide/travel-guide.html

Two connected websites were developed: http://robg453-tour.eu/ and https://www.murfatlarulturistic.ro/ro/, available in three languages (Bulgarian, Romanian and English).

Two informative films were developed by the project beneficiaries:

1.       Information film about the natural and cultural-historical heritage of General Toshevo Municipality and Murfatlar Municipality, available on the following links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUC3oge642I&t=443s  

http://robg453-tour.eu/  

2.          Information film about the natural resources of Murfatlar Municipality and General Toshevo Municipality, available on the following links:

https://youtu.be/rTBdryfLcuY

https://www.murfatlarulturistic.ro/

The following investment objects were modernized and reconstructed during the project implementation:

Lead Beneficiary – General Toshevo Municipality

1. Community cultural centers in Spasovo and Kardam villages

The investment included the reconstruction and modernization of the buildings and the surrounding area of the cultural centers in the two largest villages of General Toshevo - Kardam and Spasovo. Reconstruction preserves the purpose of the buildings and all premises. The investment included major overhaul of buildings, electrical installation, heating, ventilation, plumbing and sewerage installations. To improve the functionality of public cultural centers, furniture and modern equipment were be delivered. Park equipment and accessories are provided for the adjacent areas.

a) Reconstruction and modernization of the building and the surrounding area of Cultural Center “Probuda-1941” Kardam. The works are finalized and the building is put into operation – Certificate for entering the building into exploitation no. 021/25.08.2020;

b) Reconstruction and modernization of the building and the surrounding area of Cultural Center “Otets Paisii-1897”- Spasovo. The works are finalized and the building is put into operation – Certificate for entering the building into exploitation no. 010А/26.05.2020.

2. History museum - General Toshevo.

The investment provides repair activities in the adjoining space / yard / of the museum and the supply of park equipment. Part of the museum courtyard is shaped like an open exhibition of exhibits and archaeological finds. The specifics of the construction works do not require a technical project. The construction works were carried out on the basis of a bill of quantities. The implemented works have been accepted with delivery-acceptance protocol from 06.11.2019.

3. Advertising Totems.

At the entrances / exits of General Toshevo municipality two totems were be installed along the main road Dobrich-Kardam-Negru Voda-Constanta. The Kardam-Negru Voda Border check-point is one of the main points of the border between Romania and Bulgaria and has a very intense traffic. The installed totems were accepted with delivery-acceptance protocol from 21.10.2019.

Three temporary billboards were elaborated and installed at the investment objects.

Beneficiary 2 – Territorial Administrative Unit Murfatlar Town

1. Expansion and renovation of the local Cultural centre. The investment included reconstruction and modernization of the Cultural centre (House of Culture) - Murfatlar and supply of equipment for the House of Culture. Construction activities included: demolition and construction of an extension and repair of the existing center, repair and extension of the roof, changing rooms, sanitary facilities, etc. Access platforms and parking around the Cultural centre have been built. The cultural center was equipped with furniture, modern information and audio-visual equipment. A hall was equipped for seminars and promotions. The works are finalized and the building is put into operation - Minutes of reception at the end of the works no. 3998/20.04.2022.

2. Creation a theme park (in the existing park). Theme Park - the following works were executed: restoration of infrastructure, arrangement of green spaces, hedge was planted, works were performed on foundations, playground and pergolas, installations, outdoor lighting. The works are finalized and the building is put into operation - Minutes of reception at the end of the works no. 3999/20.04.2022.

3. Rehabilitation of the Heroes' Monument. Rehabilitation of the marble cover and plinth; rehabilitation of the surroundings. The works are finalized and the building is put into operation – Minutes of reception at the end of the works no. 3997/20.04.2022.

To preserve, promote and develop the culture of the partnering municipalities and successfully pass it to future generations.

1,411,373.15 euro, out of which 1,199,667.16 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Municipality of Elena (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Municipality of Medgidia (Romania)

Start date: 13.09.2018

End date: 30.11.2021

Duration: 38 months and 18 days

Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria

Constanta in Romania

• Organization of painting camps in Elena and Medgidia;
• Organization of workshops in Medgidia;
• Development a common strategy for valorising and promoting the cultural heritage and boosting of cultural tourism;
• Organization of Culture Festival in Medgidia;
• Development of joint tourist packages.

Programme outputs: 5 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: 500 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project was finalized on 30.11.2021.

The following results were achieved:

- The construction works for rehabilitation of the old school in Elena to be turned into new Picture Gallery were finalized, building was officially opened for the public on 03.09.2021;

- The Common strategy for valorizing and promoting the cultural heritage and boosting of cultural tourism was elaborated in Bulgarian language and translated in Romanian and English languages;

- 4 joint tourist packages for the destination Elena, Bulgaria - Medgidia, Romania: “Art”, “Cultural historical heritage”, “Festivals” and “Religious tourism” were prepared and the summaries of the tourist packages were translated in Romanian and English language;

- The 1^st edition of the Painting Camp was held in Elena, between 20-23.08.2019;

- The 2^nd edition of the Painting Camp was held in Elena, between 07-10.07.2021;

- The 1^st edition of the Painting Camp was held in Medgidia, between 26.07-04.08.2019;

- The 2^nd edition of the Painting Camp was held in Medgidia, between 19-28.08.2021;

- The 1^st edition of the Culture Festival was held in Medgidia, between 02-05.05.2019;

- The 2^nd edition of the Culture festival was held in Medgidia, between 09-12.09.2021;

- Beneficiary 2 signed the contract for organizing of art workshops on the following themes: painting on water; cutting and painting on wood; cutting and painting on ceramics; cutting and painting on cardboard. 10 workshops (out of 12 workshops) were already held in Medigidia. Also, the contract for elaboration of the promotional materials was signed and the promotional materials were developed and delivered;

- Audio guide system for the gallery was developed. There were prepared 200 texts for the paintings, which the gallery have, which were also translated in Romanian and English. The texts were recorded and presented to the Lead Beneficiary. Each device have recordings for the exponents in 3 languages - Bulgarian, Romanian and English. The recordings are available on the website of the gallery, section Culture corner, 360 virtual tour. The visitor can click on each painting and to hear the recorded information. The audio guide devices were delivered with the delivery–acceptance protocol from 22.07.2021;

- Web based platform “Culture corner”, web-site and logo for the picture gallery were developed - the web site of the picture gallery is available at https://artelena-robg.eu/. The web site contains information about the tourist packages, the project and the activities, which were implemented, the gallery - 360 virtual tour, information movie, etc. The visitors of the gallery can reach the web site with the delivered kiosk. The platform Culture corner is part of the web site artelena-robg.eu. The platform contains 360 tour of the gallery, information movie, and the 4 tourist packages with short movie for each package. The service has been implemented and accepted with delivery-acceptance protocol from 06.08.2021 and delivery-acceptance protocol for stage "training" for the future work with the web-site, web based platform and logo from 06.08.2021;

-           Conference for popularizing the tourist packages among the tourist agencies was hold. The event was organized on 03.08.2021 in Elena. More than 20 representatives from tourist companies from the CBC region took part in the event;

- The final press conference was organized by B2 on 26.11.2021 in Medgidia. 21 persons attended the event.

To promote the cross-border region of Silistra and Călărași as a tourist and cultural destination by developing the cultural infrastructure and creating attractive tourist packages.

1,499,992.54 euro, out of which 1,274,993.65 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 12,882 euro for LB and 11,826 euro for B2. Both partners avoided decommitment at the decommitment deadline (LB executed 99.23% from the target, B2 executed 75.31% from decommitment target).

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Silistra Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Territorial Administrative Unit – Călărași County

Start date: 08.08.2018

End date: 31.08.2023

Duration: 60 months and 24 days;

Calarasi (Romania)

Silistra (Bulgaria)

•   Rehabilitation of the building of the Art Gallery owned by Silistra municipality;
•   Rehabilitation of the old building known as “Demetriade House” in Călărași;
•   Joint strategy for tourism development;
•   Tourism products and services;
•   Touristic route “The cultural heritage of Old buildings in Silistra-Călărași;
•   Website;
•   Information and publicity activities.

Programme outputs: 3 integrated tourism products/services created, 1 strategy for valorizing the cultural and natural heritage

Programme results: increase of the number of overnights in the CBC area with 2.000.

The project is currently in the 52th month of implementation out of 60 months and 24 days with the following results:

LB - Silistra Municipality - has concluded the contract for the rehabilitation of the Art Gallery from Silistra, with a deadline for finalizing the works on 01.02.2023.

A creative camp in Srebarna for paintings of the unique natural sights of the Srebarna Reserve was organized between 26.08.2019 – 01.09.2019

B2 - Călărași County Council - the execution of the investment objective "Rehabilitation of the old building known as "Casa Demetriade" in Călărași" has been completed. The reception of the works was on 05.04.2022.

The strategy for valuing the cultural and natural heritage has been finalized and is available on the website of both beneficiaries: http://www.silistra.bg/files/2022/26.04.2022-1034898a06888d2031cbb08fe031d38a1.pdf

https://www.calarasi.ro/index.php/proiecte/proiecte-in-derulare/item/367-proiectul-dezvoltarea-produselor-turistice-si-reabilitarea-mostenirii-culturale-robg-491-este-un- project-of-the-county-council-calarasi-in-partnership-with-the-municipality-of-silistra-according-to-the-financing-contract-no-87284-30-07-2018

Within the project, a web portal was developed through which all cultural events, natural beauty and tourist products will be promoted. It can be accessed at the following address: http://tourism-silistra-calarasi.com/en/home/

The overall objective of the project is to ensure rapid interaction and cross-border cooperation in case of emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.

937,151.73 euro, out of which 796,578.96 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Mezdra Municipality (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Mehedinti County Gendarmerie Inspectorate (Romania)

Start date: 13.09.2018

End date: 12.09.2022

Duration: 48 months

Mehedinti (Romania)

Vratsa (Bulgaria)

• the development of well-structured joint action plans and strategies;
• coordination of joint initiatives, such as: exchange of know-how, training, exchange of resources and equipment;
• permanent monitoring of the current situation and identification of potential risks;
• involving the population by providing information about appropriate behavior and possible risks so that they can be avoided and minimized;
• introducing measures and rules to prevent natural and man-made hazards at local and cross-border levels;
• the implementation of the early warning system, where this would lead to specific preventive actions;
• modernizing the tools and equipment needed to carry out specific tasks and actions;
• reconstruction of the landslide area. 

Programme outputs: 1 joint partnership in the field of joint early warning and emergency response, 22,000 people benefiting from risk management actions and flood protection measures, 385,000 people benefiting from forest fire protection measures.

Programme results: increasing the quality of joint risk management in the cross-border area.

The project is completed and all project related activities have been completed.

LB, the Municipality of Mezdra, has completed the implementation of work activities for the consolidation and reconstruction of an area where landslides are registered, along the route of the road connecting the villages of Zverino and Ignatitsa. The use permit was issued on February 28, 2020 by the National Directorate for Construction Control in Bulgaria. LB completed the information campaign among representatives of the municipal administration, representatives of the state administration at the local level, municipal structures, teachers from schools and kindergartens. LB also developed the "Strategy and Joint Action Plan" in case of disasters.

B2, Mehedinti County Gendarmerie Inspectorate, purchased the following equipment for extinguishing forest fires: two 4x4 pick-up vehicles for actions in the field of extinguishing forest fires; a 6X4 multipurpose vehicle with crane; a mobile container for transporting materials (sand); a mobile container for transporting fire-fighting equipment; firefighting equipment, two glucometers, two first aid kits and a drone.

Also, within the project, on 23.08.2022, a joint partnership between the Municipality of Mezdra and the Inspectorate of Gendarmes Mehedinti was concluded in the field of early warning and response to emergency situations.

The project website is functional and can be accessed at: https://jeand-robg.eu/

To encourage the preservation of natural resources and cultural traditions through the development of integrated tourist products as models for sustainable use of natural, historical and cultural heritage of the cross-border area.

1,097,962.10 euro, out of which 933,267.78 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Videle Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Lyaskovets Municipality

Start date: 12.09.2018

End date: 31.12.2022

Duration: 51 months and 20 days.

Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria

Teleorman in Romania

• Preserving, promoting and developing the historical, natural and cultural heritage;
• Preparing and development of a joint strategy and management plan for tourist attraction;
• Supporting the joint marketing and promotion of the cross border tourist product “Tales";
• Development of a cross-border tourism network.

Programme outputs:

- 1000 more visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction;

- 1 integrated tourism product/service created;

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

Programme results: 1000 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project implementation was finalized.

Within the frame of Activity T1 “Development of a cross border tourist product based on local traditions, history, natural and cultural heritage”, the Tourist strategy development was finalised.

The developed app is a common way of promotion, so people transiting the cross-border region are aware of upcoming events. The app has also been promoted at the main festivals organised within the project and to tour operators. It can be accessed at the following link: http://turism.primariavidele.ro dar and on Google Play (name: VideleTour).

The main investment objectives within the project are represented by Reconstruction of town park in Videle and two project sites in Bulgaria, namely Lyaskovets Town Park – “Eco-zone for recreation, arts and sports in the town of Lyaskovets” and “Reconstruction of the open space and green park around the Community centre in the village of Kozarevets into a zone for creative attractions”. Thus, the two investment sites in Lyaskovets were finalized in December 2020 and the Reconstruction in the Town Park Videle in August 2022.

Following the complete finalization of the sites from both sides of the border, , B2 organized 5 festivals: the festival "The Magic of Bulgarian Traditions", the Culinary Fest in Lyaskovets, the Culinary Fest in Kozarevets, "Festival of the chicken soup in the village of Kozarevets" and the festival entitled "Historical Event".

Тhe LB managed to organize 6 festivals: Food Sculpting Festival, Folklore Fest, Balkan Barbecue Festival, Festival " Zarezan", the festival under the title "Marin Preda" and a school children's camp.

As a result of the main events organized within the project, a total of 1789 tourist overnight stays were registered in the cross-border region of Videle - Lyaskovets and 1 common integrated tourism product was created, represented by the three renovated parks.

The improvement of theoretical and practical preparedness of volunteer emergency response units and the enhancement of the coordination and efficient reaction in case of disaster in the cross-border area.

892,443.58 euro, out of which 758,577.02 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB):Municipality of Tutrakan

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection – Ministry of the Interior (BG)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations - Ministry of Internal Affairs (RO)

Beneficiary 4 (B4): National Association of Volunteers in the Republic of Bulgaria

Start date: 12.09.2018

End date: 11.11.2022 - finalized

Duration: 50 months

Pleven, Veliko Tarnovo and Silistra in Bulgaria

Dolj and Constanta in Romania

• Risk analysis of the cross border area;
• Procurement of complete protective suits for firefighting and training tower;
• Development of a volunteer emergency response plan for common actions;
• Development of a joint training program for volunteer emergency response units;
• Conduct theoretical and practical trainings in Bulgaria and Romania.

Programme outputs:4,779,754 people benefiting from actions of risk management, 4,591,666 people benefiting from flood protection measures, 4,779,754 people benefiting from forest fire protection measures, 5 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 from inappropriate (2.00) to satisfactory (3.00)

The project was finalized on 11.11.2022.

During the entire project implementation period, the following results were achieved:

B2 finalized the elaboration of the risk analysis of the cross-border area as follows:

1) Analysis of the scale, frequency, geographical concentration, seasonality and prerequisites for disastrous events in the cross-border area;

2) Analysis of regional and municipal plans for disaster preparedness and emergency response for a pilot region (Silistra District and Calarasi County);

3) Joint report on the emergency response preparedness in the cross-border area.

The analysis is uploaded on the project web page, available on the following link: https://volunteering-robg.com.

Within the frame of Activity T.3 “Development of a Joint Training Program for Volunteers”, a voluntary emergency response plan for common actions was prepared by the experts of B2 and B4. Eventually, it was sent for approval to B3.

Further on, a contract for the development of the joint training program for volunteer emergency response units was signed and, subsequently, five three days workshops were performed in an online format because of the COVID-19 restrictions.

B3 - IGSU finalized the procurement and construction of the mobile training tower in the beginning of September 2021, in Constanta.

LB succeed to finalize the construction works for the establishment of a Training center for volunteers in Belitsa. The constructed Training Centre in Belitsa is represented by the following main spaces:

1.       Ground floor –Entrance, Lobby (Bar) , Multifunctional dining hall (Restaurant), Corridors, Storage room, Staircase, Toilets for visitors, Kitchen

2.       First floor – 2 Conference Rooms, Hall, Dressing Room, Bathrooms, Medical Cabinet, Sport Hall, Fitness Room, Office space and 8 Bedrooms;

3.       Second floor – 11 Bedrooms;

Following the finalization of the entire process for developing of the of a Joint Training Program for Volunteers, the project beneficiaries reported also the concluding of 5 joint partnerships at project level in the field of joint early warning and emergency response.

Within the frame of the WP 4 “Conduct theoretical and practical trainings”, there were organized the 6 the practical trainings in Belitsa and 2 practical trainings in Constanta with more than 216 volunteers from Romania and Bulgaria. More information is available on the project web site, accessible in all three languages on the following link: https://volunteering-robg.com .

The overall objective of the project is to improve joint risk management in the cross-border area. The current project aims to achieve reduction of the vulnerability of the environment and to prevent the consequences of social and economic disaster caused by flooding or fires in the border region.

910 542.10 euro, out of which 773 960.78 euro ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 24,500 euro for LB, 12,000 euro for B2

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Montana Municipality

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Motatei Village

Start date: 08.09.2018

End date: 08.03.2020

Duration: 18 months 1 day

Montana Municipality

Motatei Village

• Conducting a comparative legal analysis on the Romania and Bulgarian legislation regarding disaster management
• Development of analysis of the current disaster management plans and responsible institutions
• Elaboration of study on local and European best practices in the field of natural disaster management and structural improvement
• Development of In-depth Guide to Citizen Disaster Preparedness
• Delivery of specialized risk management equipment in Montana and Motatei

Programme outputs: 51437 people benefiting from actions of risk management, 1 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 51437 citizens

The Project has been finalized on 08.03.2020 with the following results:

- The comparative legal analysis for the Romanian and Bulgarian legislation in accordance with the risk management, has been developed;

- The analysis of the actual disaster plans for management and the responsible institutions has been elaborated;

- The study on local and European best practices in the field of natural disaster management and structural improvement has been developed and the In-depth Guide to Citizen Disaster Preparedness has been elaborated, printed and disseminated among the target groups, during the events organized within the project;

- All of the services and equipment contracts within the project have been awarded and fulfilled. The equipment has been delivered (backhoe with hydraulic kits, cups and picnotes on behalf of B2 and Tipper with hydraulic crane, 2 pick-up 4x4 trucks, one with a single cab and one with double cab, also Backhoe loader, 2 Mini front loaders and Agri tractor with trailer on behalf of LB);

- The project website is still under development and can be accessed at http://eqsol.eu/en/

The main objective of the project is to contribute to the touristic development of the Giurgiu-Ruse area by providing local stakeholders with a comprehensive strategy to enhance the visibility of the two counties as visiting destinations and by facilitating the formation of a network of interested actors that would provide their input to the development of the strategy.

416,588.17 euro, out of which 354,099.94 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): “CEDCA” Association

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Business Support Centre for Small and Medium Enterprises – Ruse

Start date: 08.09.2018

End date: 07.11.2019

Duration: 14 months

Ruse in Bulgaria

Giurgiu in Romania

• Documentation of cultural and natural heritage in the Giurgiu-Ruse area;
• Sustaining and promoting tourism in the Giurgiu-Ruse area;
• Realization of studies, research, information system, tourism development strategy;
• Organization of stakeholder workshops;
• Development, elaboration and dissemination of Joint Strategy.

Programme outputs:

- 1 integrated tourism product/service created;

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

Programme results: 500 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project implementation was finalized on 07.11.2019 and the following objectives have been achieved:

Two launching conferences of the project on behalf were organized.

The web site has been developed and its available at the link: www.tourdev.eu .

A final “Study for popularisation of landmarks and locations in the Giurgiu-Ruse region and for documentation for cultural and natural heritage in the Giurgiu-Ruse area” was completed from LB and B2 and is available in all three languages on the project web site: www.tourdev.eu/joint-study/ .

In addition, both beneficiaries organized and performed in total 6 workshops – 3 in Ruse and 3 in Giurgiu, dedicated on the development and content of the Joint Strategy for the Touristic development of the Giurgiu-Ruse area, attended from 255 stakeholders, The elaborated Joint Strategy and management plan for valorizing (including raising awareness) the cultural and natural heritage is uploaded and is available on the project web site: www. http://tourdev.eu/joint-strategy/ .

B2 elaborated 10 videos for promoting the natural heritage in area Giurgiu – Ruse available on the web site: www.tourdev.eu/videos/ .

Furthermore, promotional activities were carried out by the project partners, including elaboration one travel guidebook and one photo album.

Following the implementation of the project activities, 1 integrated tourism product was created, represented by the developed joint study, the project website and the printed travel guidebook and photo album.

Tourism and cultural heritage will be addressed within the project through developing traditions existed in Contesti and Tsarevets (traditional dance) and also identifying new traditions that define the 2 areas.

1.499.556,90 euro, out of which 1.274.623,36 euro ERDF;

Lead Beneficiary (LB):CONTESTI VILLAGE;

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Tsarevets City Hall, Svishtov Municipality;

Start date: 24.08.2018;

End date: 23.05.2023;

Duration: 57 months;

Velikovo Tarnovo;

Teleorman;

• Elaboration of the Study "Exploring other common traditions ";
• Organization of workshops for identifying joint tourism products;
• Organization of dance festivals;
• Creation of the Centre ”Dance School” Contesti;
• Creation of the Centre for Culture and Education in Tsarevets;
• Organization of information and publicity activities;

Programme outputs: Increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction with 1.800;

6c.1 - Number of integrated tourism products/services created – 4 number;

Programme results: Increase of the number of overnights in the CBC area with 1.800;

The project implementation period ended on 23.05.2023.

Lead Beneficiary – TAU Contesti Commune:

- The construction works for "Dance School" Center in Conțești are finilized;

- The study "Exploring other common traditions" was developed in 3 languages ​​(Romanian, Bulgarian and English);

- Two festivals "Tradition and dances - bridge over the Danube" were organized, one from 24.03.2023 to 26.03.2023 and the second one from 07.04.2023 to 09.04.2023.

Beneficiary 2 - Tsarevets City Hall, Svishtov Municipality

- B2 completed the renovation works and set up the Center for Culture and Education in Tsarevets, on 01.07.2019;

- On 01.08.2019 and 05.07.2022 two workshops to identify traditional activities were organized, at the Center for Culture and Education in Tsarevets;

- On 01.08.2019 and 06.08.2022 2 tourism product identification workshops were organized at the Center for Culture and Education in Tsarevets;

- Two festivals "Tradition and dances - bridge over the Danube" were organized. The first one took place on the 1^st of 08 2019 until 04.08.2019 in Tsarevets, and the second starting 03.08.2022 until 06.08.2022, in Tsaravets.

More information about the project and the organized festivals can be found on the project's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089669984374

The overall objective of the project is to promote cooperation among institutions and people by using the cultural and natural resources in a sustainable touristic way.

1,364,438.31 euro, out of which 1,159,772.56 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Varshets Municipality (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): The Oltenia Museum in Craiova (Romania)

Start date: 30.08.2018

End date: 29.03.2022

Duration: 43 months

Dolj in Romania

Montana in Bulgaria

• Cultural tourism;

• Balneal-climatic services;

• Scientific/academic tourism;
• Promotion and information platform;
• Awareness campaign.

Programme outputs: 4 integrated tourism products created, 1 Cooperation agreement & a strategy of cooperation, 11,663 visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction.

Programme results: 16,100 tourist overnights in the CBC region

The project is finalized.

The project is finalized.

The Cultural-Tourist Conference of the project was organized in the period 30.06 – 02.07.2021 by B2, in Craiova. It was attended by 45 participants.

A press conference was organized, attended by the officials of Dolj County Council and Varshets Municipality and mass media representatives from Craiova and Varshets. During the conference, a demonstration of the operation of the new interactive equipment from the Department of Natural Sciences (hologram, interactive totems, virtual assistants and interactive table), purchased within the project, took place.

The Paleontology Conference of the project was organized in the period 15.03.2022 – 16.03.2022 by the LB, in Varshets. The conference was attended by the officials from Dolj County Council and Varshets Municipality and mass media from Craiova and Varshets. All participants received promotional materials.

It was completed the installation of the equipment at the 3 sections of the Museum of Oltenia (B2). In April 2021, artefacts from the 3 sections of the Museum of Oltenia were 3D scanned and along with the 3D objects scanned by Varshets Municipality are displayed on the hologram and on the 3 interactive totems. Also, a database with pictures & clips from Craiova and Varshets was created.

3 exhibitors were purchased, which are now displayed at the 3 sections of the Museum of Oltenia and are promoting the 3 types of tourism - cultural, academic and balneal.

The works on the investment objective: “Paleopark, Fence and Information Centre with Exposure Area”, were completed. The site "Paleopark, Fence and Information Center with Exposure Area" was put into operation with the issuance of Certificate no. 10/14.10.2021 by Chief Architect of Varshets municipality.

The Cooperation agreement (translated in Bulgarian and Romanian) with strategy of cooperation, between the partners was signed after the official opening of the Paleopark on 15.03.2022. The Strategy was prepared in English language. Both documents are available on the project website at the following links:

https://newdestinationsrobg.ro/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/1-Cooperation-Agreement_BGRO.pdf

https://newdestinationsrobg.ro/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/3-Cooperation-Strategy_ROBG-471_EN.pdf

The “Common Tourist Information Center” part of the investment objective, namely “Paleo Park and Information Center with Exhibition Area in Varshets”, consists in distribution of promotional materials in order to present the cross-border tourist offer for the three types of tourism, developed within the project. In addition, tourists can watch the movies developed under the project. This is a common service, and it is coordinated with info-desks in the Oltenia Museum sections, which displayed these materials.

The presentation film and two virtual tours are uploaded on the website of the project and can be accessed at the following link:

https://newdestinationsrobg.ro/en/home/.

The final conference of the project was organized by LB in town of Varshets on 17^th of March 2022 with 55 participants, promoting the results achieved during the project implementation and the new developed tourist products and services: Cultural tourism, Balneal-climatic tourism, Scientific / academic tourism and Common Tourist Information center.