The overall objective of the project is to improve the sustainable use of cultural heritage through valorization of the traditional Rroma culture in touristic products.

421,236.74 euro, out of which 358,051.22 euro ERDF

The eligible budget per partners is as follow:

LB: 212,213.99 euro, out of which 180,381.89 ERDF

B2: 100,355.43 euro, out of which 85,302.11 ERDF

B3: 108,667.32 euro, out of which 92,367.22 ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Cross Border Association E(quilibrum) Environment (C.B.A.E.E)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Association „Regional partnerships for sustainable development - Vidin (Bulgaria)

Beneficiary 3 (B3): Regional Development Agency and Business Center 2000 (Bulgaria)

Start date: 01.09.2018

End date: 29.02.2020

Duration: 18 months

Vidin and Montana in Bulgaria

Dolj and Mehedinti in Romania

• Study regarding the branches of traditional Rroma culture;
• The common strategy “Valorisation of Rroma culture from cross border area in touristic products” will be elaborated on base of various studies;
• 4 Corners for the promotion Rroma culture created;
• Organization of 2 Cross border Caravans “Discover Rroma treasures!”;
• Organization of 4 workshops “Learn about the Rroma culture” for children;
• Organization of 4 Rroma Culture Festivals “Enjoy the Rroma culture”;
• Participation at 2 tourism fairs;
• Promotional campaign.

Programme outputs:

- 2 integrated tourism products created;

- 1 common strategy for valorizing the cultural and natural heritage through its restoration and promotion for sustainable economic uses;

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

Programme results: 1,000 tourist overnights in the CBC region.

The project implementation period ended on 29.02.2020and the following objectives have been achieved:

Studies regarding the branches of traditional Rroma culture (for districts Dolj and Mehedinti in RO and Montana and Vidin in BG), were developed. They are available on the following link: https://rromatreasures.eu/ro/studierea/ .

LB developed a Strategy, identifying common routes in cross border project area for Rroma culture and methods for their valorisation in touristic products. The Strategy is accessible here: https://rromatreasures.eu/ro/produsele-proiectului/strategie/ .

Each beneficiary purchased the equipment for the corners : CBAEE (LP) arranged 2 corners, for Dolj and Mehedinţi counties, RPSD - Vidin (PP2) arranged 1 corner for Vidin district and RDA&BC 2000 (PP3) arrange 1 corner for Montana district. The 4 Corners culture were arranged in each county and district from project area to increase continuously the interest over the main project results and documents developed and over the Rroma culture and cultural habits.

The Project web site is available @ https://rromatreasures.eu/ . Further on, a smart application for cell phone was developed by the LB by gathering the information also from the other partners. The application is very useful for the tourists because the many information regarding the project area and its friendly structure. The smart application is elaborated in Romanian, English and Bulgarian and can be downloaded and used for free from Google Play or App Store, through the name: rromatreasures.

Furthermore, the project beneficiaries have performed all main events foreseen as for example: two workshops from total 4 named “Learn about the Rroma culture” for children performed in October and November 2019 and two Caravans dedicated on discovering the Rroma treasures within the cross – border region. In addition, four Rroma Culture Festivals “Enjoy the Rroma culture” were performed. It generated various number of participants and interest on them. Photos from the performed events could be seen on the following link: https://rromatreasures.eu/en/gallery/ .

As a part from the information and publicity measures implemented by the project are the elaboration of one 50 minutes movie, which include images, interviews and information gathered during the project events. The film was in process of elaboration. In addition, during the project events, 600 professional pictures were made - 300 in Romanian project area and 300 in Bulgarian project area. Further, the captured pictures were transformed and included within a Catalogue providing short information about the most representative creators, traditions, events from common routes identified.

Further and not the last, the LB team participated to the National Tourism Fair of Romania - Romexpo, in Bucuresti in period 13-16.11.2019. Also, the rroma culture from project area was represented by rroma dancers. In the forum, were presented the rroma culture of the project target region. B2 rent a stand and participated at the International Tourism Fair in Sofia, organized between 13-16.02.2020. LB and B3 team members participated to this event, promoting the project activities, results and distributing project promotional catalogues. Also, during the Fair participated the rroma dancers and artisans from the cross-border area, covered by the project.

Regarding the achieved results produced following the project implementation and contributing to the Result indicator at Programme level “Number of tourist overnights in the CBC region”, through the organization of all types of project events, the project granted a contribution from 1172 overnights.

To cover the risk prevention management and to solve potential and existing problems in these areas by using the joint forces of the two neighboring countries instead of each country using only its own resources.

800,216.15 euro, out of which 680,183.72 euro ERDF

Lead Beneficiary (LB): Dobrichka Municipality Administration (BG)

Beneficiary 2 (B2): Calarasi County Emergency Situations Inspectorate “Barbu Știrbei” (RO)

Start date: 13.03.2019

End date: 12.12.2022

Duration: 45 months

Dobrich in Bulgaria

Calarasi in Romania

• 1 Strategy and Action plan for common activities against the flood and other natural disaster
• 1 Joint network of partners for joint early warning and emergency response, including 1 action plan;
• Purchase and equipment delivery for Dobrichka Municipality for mitigate the negative impact of the natural and other disasters;
• Purchasing of specific equipment for Calarasi Emergency Situations Inspectorate.

Programme outputs:

456.859 persons benefiting from actions of risk management

456.859 persons benefiting from flood protection measures

11 joint partnerships signed in the field of joint early warning and emergency response

Programme results:

456.859 persons will benefit by the quality of the joint risk management in the CBC area

The project was finalized on 12.12.2022. The following results were achieved during the project implementation:

1. In regard to implementation of WP I1 “Purchase and equipment delivery for Dobrichka Municipality for mitigate the negative impact of the natural and other disasters” on behalf of the LB, the tender procedure for purchase of equipment was finalized by signing the contracts for 5 lots for purchase of specific equipment on 13.05.2021. The equipment have been already delivered and accepted by the LB, as follows:

a) For Lot 1 “Acquisition of Roller container with gasoline generator and pneumatic telescopic hook installed in it” – the equipment was delivered and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 17.02.2022;

b) For Lot 2 “Acquisition of Drone” – the equipment was delivered on 24.08.2021 and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 25.08.2021;

c) For Lot 3 “Acquisition of Specialized fire and rescue equipment” – the equipment was delivered and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 17.02.2022;

d) For Lot 4 “Acquisition of Inflatable boat with outboard engine and echo sounder” – the equipment was delivered and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 27.09.2021;

e) For Lot 5 “Acquisition of All-terrain vehicles” – the equipment was delivered on 24.08.2021 and accepted by the Lead Beneficiary on 25.08.2021.

2. In regard to implementation of WP I2 “Purchasing of specific equipment for Calarasi Emergency Situations Inspectorate” on behalf of B3, the contracts for equipment purchase have been signed and the equipment was delivered to the beneficiary as follows:

a) Contract from 03.09.2019 for purchase of intervention vehicle. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 06.09.2019;

b) Contract from 11.11.2020 for purchase of network server with operating system license. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 23.11.2020;

c) Contract from 11.11.2020 for purchase of workstations with operating system license and Office type package licenses. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 23.11.2020;

d) Contract from 11.11.2020 for purchase of office package licenses. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 23.11.2020;

e) Contract form 11.11.2020 for purchase of external video surveillance system. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 25.01.2021;

f) Contract from 07.01.2021 for purchase of wall screen. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 27.01.2021;

g) Contract from 06.10.2021 for purchase of UPS 10 000 VA and UPS Workstation. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 25.10.2021 and 26.10.2021;

h) Contract from 06.10.2021 for purchase of display panel, monitors and video projector. The equipment was delivered to the beneficiary on 22.10.2021 and 26.10.2021;

i) Contract from 06.10.2021 for purchase of fixed TETRA radio terminals. The equipment was delivered on 14.10.2021;

g) Contract from 07.10.2021 for purchase of operational intervention vehicles. The equipment was delivered on 23.11.2021;

k) Contract from 03.12.2021 for purchase of printers and multifunctional devices. The equipment was delivered on 31.12.2021;

l) Contract from 03.12.2021 for purchase of switch management 48 ports and rack 42U 800x1000 mm. The equipment was delivered on 31.12.2021;

m) Contract from 24.02.2022 for purchase of 5 Portable TETRA network terminals. The equipment was delivered on 24.03.2022;

n) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Sound system, including amplifier, diffusor and microphone system - receiver and 2 microphones. The equipment was delivered on 05.08.2022;

o) Contract from 23.06.2022 for purchase of Metal sliding door locker and Mailbox. The equipment was delivered on 04.07.2022;

p) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Work station, including Windows operating system license, Microsoft Office License and License editor, CDR (CORELL) file reader. The equipment was delivered on 08.08.2022;

q) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Notebooks – 2 pcs, including Windows operating system license (2 pcs) and Microsoft Office License. The equipment was delivered on 08.08.2022;

r) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Laptops - 11 pcs, including Windows operating system license and Microsoft Office License. The equipment was delivered on 08.08.2022;

s) Contract from 07.07.2022 for purchase of Audio alarm system. The equipment was delivered on 25.07.2022.

3. The common Strategy and the common Action plan were elaborated and accepted by the LB in May 2020. The documents were translated in English and Romanian language and printed in 100 trilingual copies in March 2021.

4. The first Joint simulation exercise was organized by the LB in the period 29-30.08.2022 in Dobrichka municipality and the second Joint simulation exercise was organized by B3 in the period 13-14.10.2022 in Calarasi county.

5. Promotional materials were elaborated by B3 (indoor and outdoor banners, roll-ups, posters, leaflets and ballpoints pens) and handed to people in order to inform them about the project details and specifics. The project website https://riskmanagement-robg.eu./ was developed, available in Romanian, Bulgarian and English language.

6. Awareness raising campaign. Two information campaigns were organized by the project beneficiaries.

An information campaign was organized by the LB in the period 18-28.10.2022. Trainings among the young people from schools in Dobrichka Municipality and the target groups of the project were organized in locations Karapelit, Batovo, Zhitnitsa, Lovchantsi, Stefanovo, Pobeda, Stojer, Vedrina, Smolnitsa and Bojurovo. During the trainings, there were distributed promotional with information about the actions to be undertaken in case of disasters. Approximately 1.000 people participated to the trainings.

An information campaign was organized by B3 in the period December 2021 – November 2022. Trainings among the young people from schools in Calarasi County and the target groups of the project were organized in the locations Calarasi, Lehliu Gara, Cascioarele, Belciugatele, Oltenita, Chirnogi, Radovanu, Dragos Voda, Dorobantu, Soldanu, Budesti, Gurbanesti, Curcani, Ileana, Ulmeni, Manastirea, Ciocanesti, Chiselet, Spantov, Gradistea, Modelu, Roseti, Dichiseni, Borcea. During the trainings, there were distributed promotional materials with information about the actions to be undertaken in case of disasters. A total number of 3486 people participated to the trainings.

7. Network of partnershipsamong territorial entities involved in civil protection activities was created. The LB signed partnership agreements with the following institutions: Territorial Administrative Unit – Calarasi Town; Directorate General Fire Safety and Civil Protection to the Ministry of Interior, Bulgaria; Dobrich District Administration; Bulgarian Red Cross – District Council Dobrich and the municipalities from Dobrich District - Balchik Municipality, General Toshevo Municipality, Kavarna Municipality, Krushari Municipality, Tervel Municipality and Shabla Municipality. B3 - Calarasi County Emergency Situations Inspectorate “Barbu Știrbei” signed a partnership agreement with the LB – Dobrichka Municipality.

8. Forum for valorisation measures - natural disasters risk prevention measures was organized on 02.12.2022 in Dobrich with 58 participants. The purpose of the Forum was the participants to share the experience in fighting with disaster within the Dobrich-Calarasi cross border area.

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 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/