The first meeting of project partners for the MED GIAHS project (Interreg Euro MED program) took place in Valencia, Spain. Alongside the strategic sessions, a study visit was organized to the Huerta region, a site designated under GIAHS protection for its globally significant agricultural heritage.
Cooperation for Mediterranean Heritage
Hosted by the Consell de l’Horta (Council of the Orchard of Valencia), the meeting included partners from Spain, Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria. Representatives from RDA BKP and rural tourism households from katuns actively participated, focusing on aligning activities toward the preservation and promotion of Mediterranean agricultural and cultural heritage.
A key highlight was the study visit to Huerta de Valencia, where partners observed an irrigation system developed over a thousand years ago. This ancient infrastructure remains vital for addressing water shortages and supporting sustainable cultivation in the region’s dry climate today.
Traditional Practices and Future Steps
Participants reviewed current results and addressed the challenges of field implementation. Special emphasis was placed on maintaining the identity and authenticity of rural regions through sustainable tourism initiatives, such as those integrated within traditional katun life.
RDA BKP highlighted that katun and rural tourism are essential for stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life in Montenegro’s rural areas by promoting our unique traditional practices.
The visit provided firsthand experience with traditional agricultural systems that remain productive for local economies. This international exchange is a vital step toward recognizing the dynamic agricultural heritage systems that define our own mountain landscapes.
