The first meeting of project partners for the MED GIAHS project, which is part of the Interreg Euro MED program, took place in Valencia, Spain. In addition to the meeting, a study visit to the Huerta region, which is designated under GIAHS protection, was also organized.
The meeting was organized by the Consell de l’Horta (Council of the Orchard of Valencia), with participation from all project partners, including: The Regional Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Development of Andalusia-lead partner (Spain), PHALA (Panhellenic Association of Landscape Architects – Greece), The University of Florence (Italy), The Pazardzik Regional Administration (Bulgaria), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Greece), additionally, associated partners were present, including representatives from the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije, as well as representatives of rural tourism households from katuns.
The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the partners, strengthen their cooperation, share best practices, and align their activities toward a common goal, the preservation and promotion of Mediterranean agricultural and cultural heritage. This heritage is acknowledged as a globally important agricultural heritage system (GIAHS).
The participants reviewed the project’s current results and discussed the challenges encountered during the implementation of activities in the field. They also outlined the necessary future steps to achieve the project goals. Special emphasis was placed on the importance of preserving traditional practices in agriculture and tourism. Additionally, the promotion of rural areas through sustainable tourism initiatives, such as rural tourism in katuns, in order to maintain the identity and authenticity of our regions.
The partners participated in an organized study visit to the Huerta de Valencia region, which supplies fruits and vegetables not only Valencia but the rest of Spain. Notably, the irrigation system used in this region was developed over a thousand years ago to address water shortages and support the sustainable cultivation of fruits and vegetables in a relatively dry climate. This visit provided participants with an opportunity to experience firsthand the traditional agricultural practices of the area and to understand the importance of preserving such systems for local communities and the economy.
Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komove, and Prokletije has highlighted the importance of this project for the region of Montenegro. By preserving and promoting traditional practices, as well as developing katun and rural tourism, the project aims to stimulate economic growth in local communities and enhance the quality of life in rural areas.
