Project Information
| Full project title | Mediterranean GIAHS Network for the Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Tourism (MED GIAHS) |
| Programme | Interreg EURO-MED |
| Funding | Co-funded by the European Union |
| Project duration | 01.01.2024 – 31.03.2026 (27 months) |
| Total project budget | €987,032.80 |
| EU contribution | €789,626.24 |
About the Project
The MED GIAHS project is based on the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN) programme, which recognizes Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. These systems represent exceptional landscapes and resilient ecosystems managed by farmers and herders through generations.
Focus on Montenegro:
- The key activity is the integration of Montenegrin katuns into the GIAHS programme.
- Ensuring international recognition and protection for traditional mountain settlements.
- Securing long-term benefits for the preservation of local traditions and ecosystems.
Project Objective
The main objective is to strengthen sustainable tourism as a tool for preserving unique agricultural sites through:
- Transforming heritage sites into leading locations for sustainable tourism.
- Combining tradition with innovation to foster rural development.
- Mitigating modern threats to agricultural heritage and environmental integrity.
Activities and Results
- Strategic Transfer: Adapting and validating the VALSIPAM strategy for sustainable agritourism.
- Capacity Building: Developing training plans for local stakeholders and practical guides for action plans.
- Networking: Creating an innovative MED-GIAHS network to support current and future candidates.
- Promotion: Publishing catalogs of tourism experiences rooted in GIAHS heritage.
Partnership
The project brings together partners from Spain, Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Montenegro, including regional authorities, universities, and development agencies like RDA Bjelasica, Komovi and Prokletije.
