The aim of the project is to show that the modern ICT technologies can be used for the wider popularization and the attraction of more tourists in the museums and the CBC area.

479,655.05 euro, out of which 407,706.78 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): University of Ruse Angel Kanchev (Bulgaria);

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Rousse Regional Museum of History (Bulgaria);

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Regional Historical Museum - Silistra (Bulgaria);

Beneficiary 4 (B4): Lower Danube Museum Calarasi (Romania);

Beneficiary 5 (B5): Iron Gates Region Museum (Romania).

Start date: 08.12.2018

End date: 07.10.2021

Duration: 34 months

Ruse and Silistra in Bulgaria

Calarasi and Mehedinti in Romania

• State of the art virtual reality cameras with LIVE streaming capabilities will be used in museums;
• Touch screen terminals will be deployed in the museum;
• A special game application will be developed (NFC/QR codes in the museums);
• 3D mappings shows in Romania and Bulgaria;
• Development of developing of the “Path of the Danube museums” strategy.

Programme outputs:

- 2500 more visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attraction;

- 6 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;

Programme results: 2500 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project implementation was finalized on 07.10.2021.

All five beneficiaries finalized the technical specifications of the Live Streaming equipment and acquisitioned the systems for LIVE streaming.

The Digital Corners, basic milestones of the Integrated system for LIVE streaming were fully equipped. Each Digital Corner on behalf of all five project beneficiaries consists of an Interactive information kiosk, photo-booth, hologram projector display, visitor chairs, multimedia projector and white screen. Thus, a total of four 360-degree hologram projector displays (LB, B2, B3 and B4) and thirteen 270-degree (LB, B2, B3, B4 and B5) displays are in use and presenting a limited amount of 6 3D models at the premises of each project beneficiary. Nevertheless, the Integrated VR system is now operational and can be used as tourist attraction at the premises of all 5 project beneficiaries.

A contract for the development of the project webpage was signed by the LB and the webpage was elaborated and is available at https://live.robg.eu/ . Further on, a Project Facebook profile was created and information about all project events was posted: https://www.facebook.com/liverobg .

LB, with the assistance of all partners, finalized the development of the "Path of the Danube Museums" joint strategy. The main aspects of the strategy were presented during the 1st Project Round Table in Ruse, as well as during the 2nd Round Table in Calarasi. The developed joint strategy is available at the project webpage – https://live.robg.eu/strategy/ .

The following events were organized:

- First Project Round Table on the 16th and 17th of June 2021 in Ruse. The event was attended by representatives of all project partners and representatives of many culture organizations and museums from Bulgaria and Romania, the local administration of several municipalities, business organizations, etc. Achievements and activities of the projects were promoted through this event to the Bulgarian audience.

- The second Project Round Table in Calarasi, Romania was organized and conducted on the 23rd and 24th September 2021. The event was attended by representatives of the local and national administrations, museums, cultural and educational organizations from Bulgaria and Romania. Achievements and activities of the projects were promoted through this event to the Romanian audience.

- The Project Final Press-conference was organized on the 24th of September 2021, in Calarasi, Romania;

- LB held a project closure press-conference on the 2nd October 2021, in Ruse, Bulgaria,;

- on the 1st and 2nd of October 2021, LB and B2 organized and implemented the planned 3D mapping projection show in Ruse, Bulgaria. The event was held in the evenings both days and was attended by many spectators. The huge media coverage of the event helped promote the project and its activities, with moments from the mapping shows being shown in the national televisions.

-on the 4th and 5th of October 2021, a 3D mapping projection show in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania was organized by the LB and B5. The event was successful and was attended by several hundred people. The Final Project press-conference was held on the 5th of October 2021 in Drobeta - Turnu Severin;

The implementation of the project resulted in the development and integration of six integrated tourism products, represented by the online platform and camera setups for streaming of recorded video and live events, the establishment of the digital corners with a total of 18 information kiosks, 5 photo-booths, etc., the development and installation of 13 270-degree and 5 360-degree hologram displays with 40 3D models from all partners, the interactive online information system (https://info.robg.eu), the Museum Quest 3D interactive mobile game and both 3D mapping projections.

The overall objective of the project is to enhance the existing cultural potential which is undervalued and underutilized in order to strengthen the economy and increase the number of tourist visits and overnights by developing modern cultural attractions.

474,841.50 euro, out of which 403,615.26 euro, ERDF

Target at the half of the implementation period: 73,740 euro for LB and 45,537 euro for B2

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Historical Museum Tutrakan

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Lower Danube Museum Calarasi

Start date: 28.11.2018

End date: 27.04.2022

Duration: 41 months*

*In accordance with MA decision no.38411 from 15.03.2019, the implementation period of the project was suspended for 5 months, starting with 11.02.2019. Further on, through three Addenda to the Subsidy contract, the project implementation period was extended, as follows: Addendum no.2/20.03.2020 with 8 months (until 27.06.2021), through Addendum no.3/03.06.2021 with 7 months (until 27.01.2022) and last extension of the project implementation period was through Addendum no.4/14.01.2022 with 3 months.

Silistra (Bulgaria)

Calarasi (Romania)

• Development of information and VR exhibition spot Tutrakan Epic;
• Improvement of tourist environment and VR exhibition spot – Calarasi;
• Development of a Tourist strategy;
• Creation of two integrated tourist products;
• Creation of tourist information portal;
• Publishing of catalogues and brochures related to the cultural sites and events.

Programme outputs: Increase in expected number of visits to supported sites of cultural and natural heritage and attractions with 15,000; 2 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 15,000.

The project implementation was finalized on 27.04.2022. During the project implementation, the following main activities and results were reazlized:

Two workshops were organized for children by B2 - Lower Danube Museum Calarasi – on the 19^th and 30^th of July 2021 with 26 participants and between the 9^th and 10^th of December 2021.

The exhibition, "On a River Distance" has been presented during July 2021 in Calarasi, reaching 38 participants.

B2 carried out the simplified procedure for the supply of software with VR content and specialized equipment for the project "Heritage of Gumelnița Civilization viewed from a 3D and 2D perspective". Within the frame of this contract, the Museum was supplied with specilaized VR equipment, thus contributing to the attractiveness of the Museum for additional visitors.

The joint strategy, ”Tourist strategy and at least 3 tourist packages targeted at different target groups, divided by age, interest and social position” was elaborated and is available at https://cbsrd.tutrakan.tours/category/tourist-packages/.

Following the supplied VR equipment within the Historical Museum Tutrakan, the 2nd exhibition “Interbellum Urban Life” have been presented during July 2021 in Tutrakan.

The 2 tourism products developed within the project are represented by the both VR systems equipped at the premises of the both project beneficiaries within the museums in Tutrakan and Calarasi.

The 360 VR movie/production has been developed and accepted by the Beneficiaries, the trailer of the production is available on web portal https://cbsrd.tutrakan.tours/not-just-a-story-in-the-museum/, while the full footage will be presented with special equipment purchased within the project at the two museums.

The web portal is updated with information related to the project and is available at: https://cbsrd.tutrakan.tours/home/ .

The main objective of the project is to increase the tourist attractiveness of the Vidin-Oltenia cross-border region and to promote the local natural beauty and cultural values by using the modern creative industries and creating an innovative cultural event.

211,000.50 euro, out of which 179,350.42 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Sinfonietta - Vidin (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): „Oltenia” State Philharmonic Orchestra (Romania)

Start date: 13.11.2018

End date: 12.11.2019

Duration: 12 months

Vidin in Bulgaria

Dolj in Romania

• Forming a Joint Symphony Orchestra
• Preparation, conducting and promotion of Music Festival
• Creation of a “Music Guide”
• Creating a Strategy for Promoting the Musical Culture and the Development of Music Tourism

Programme outputs: 2 integrated tourism products/services created and 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: 600 tourist overnights in the CBC region;

The main objective of the project is to improve the sustainable use of natural heritage and resources and cultural heritage for Nature Park Rusenski Lom and Comana.

508,730.23 euro, out of which 432,420.68 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Directorate of Nature Park Rusenski Lom (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Association Ecologic Center Green Area Giurgiu (Romania)

Start date: 08.11.2018

End date: 07.01.2021

Duration: 26 months. The project implementation period was extended with additional 8 months (making it from 18 to 26 months) via Addendum no. 1 from 07.05.2020.

Ruse in Bulgaria

Giurgiu in Romania

• Elaboration of GIS for 2 National Parks (NPs) and Natura 2000 sites in the area of eco corridor Comana-Lomovete;
• Strategical planning activities in the area of eco corridor Comana-Lomovete;
• Ecosystem cross border awareness and connectivity between the 2 NP and Natura 2000 sites.

Programme outputs: 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: 1000 tourist overnights in the CBC region and 4 NATURA 2000 sites from the cross-border area with coordinated management tools

The project is completed.

A launch press conference was organized to present and promote the "Green Management" project.

Both partners purchased all necessary equipment agreed in the application form: two Medium to Rough Terrain Access Vehicles (SUVs), one for each partner, a laptop computer for GIS work and file storage for LB, housing archive for LP, camcorder with wildlife photography accessories for B2.

The service of creating a GIS of the Rusenski Lom Nature Park for both beneficiaries is now available for public and private needs in the GIS/GIS section of the directorate's website: https://rusenski-lom.bg/.

After the last public consultation, considering the development of the plan, LB accepted the Management Plan II from the contractor and forwarded it for further review to the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Water and is awaiting the evaluation of the Ministry for the final acceptance of the Management Plan.

The service for Management Plan (MP) from LB is at the end, a preliminary version is available on the Rusenski Lom Nature Park website in the Documents section (https://rusenski-lom.bg/).

On behalf of B2, a public meeting with local stakeholders was organized in the Komana Natural Park on 21.09.2020. The public discussion with interested parties included a presentation of the proposed management measures for the Canis Aureus (Jackal) species included in the Action Plan. Also, on October 1, 2020, under the contractual provisions, the "Inventory Study - Detailed mapping of the jackal population and non-invasive plant species and habitats of community interest, in the context of species mobility, in the Comana Natural Park" was completed.

Services related to ecosystem awareness and connection between Rusenski Lom Nature Park and Comana Nature Park and Natura 2000 sites and exotic and invasive species survey were completed by the two beneficiaries in October 2021. The activity is based on an existing joint management plan proposal for the Comana and Lomovete cross-border corridor, an action plan for the jackal (Canis aureus) in the Comana Natural Park and the protected natural areas with which it overlaps, there being a revised strategy for a visit to the Comana Natural Park and a report on the Comana Natural Park, which includes background information and survey results.

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.