CTP Cultural Triangle of Prespes A non governmental organization ANFLO S.A. Regional Development Agency of Florina NEST Kick-of meeting 1-2 December, 2006 Montana di Giovo, Italy NEST
The Prespa-Ohrid region between Albania, fyr of Macedonia and Greece Three tectonic lakes Three countries A unique natural, cultural and tourist entity An under establishment Euroregion
The Prespa-Ohrid region, a place where: East meets West an EU country meets non-eu countries cultural diversity very different socio-economical development level on the 3 sides of the borders a wide range of similarities joint characteristics and interests.
The Municipality of Prespa on the Greek side 15 villages Population : 1851 inhabitants Surface : 413.513 square kilometers 44 private lodgings and hotels 524 beds 26 tavernas 10 bars 1 running museum and 1 under establishment
What do people know about Prespa? Lakes Pelicans Beans The musical festival every August on the island. Some who are involved in environmental issues: Natura 2000 area A national park The Mikri Prespa Lake is a wetland.
BUT, there is more: special traditions, habits and philosophy of life a wide heritage of monuments with churches, hermitages, monasteries and characteristic architecture of the domestic buildings Richness of the biodiversity - endemic fish - white haricot beans Environmental protection (Natura 2000, Ramsard convention, National park and cross-border park)
Also, Prespa as: an interesting destination for visitors from all over the world. Tourists, discoverers, mountaineers, zoophiles or just inspired travelers longing for quietness, beauty and authenticity a special meeting point for their resort and holiday.
Different kinds of tourism are applicable for the Prespa cross-border region Green and rural tourism Cultural/Heritage tourism Eco-tourism Adventure tourism Sport and recreation tourism Thematic trips Working meetings
The current situation Lack of coordination of actions which aim at the improvement of tourism services and facilities and the development of different kinds of tourism such as cultural, sport, green, eco, adventure and rural tourism Lack of coordination between local authorities, prefectures, chambers, etc Lack of existing tourism associations Lack of effective promotion Lack of informational campaigns about the status of the region, with the false idea that it is dangerous to travel in the region prevailing
These lead to : Reluctant potential tourists Overlapping activities and projects implemented by different donors, development agencies, local and regional authorities Abstractive and scattered activities and projects that have no follow-up or continuation Absent or little involvement of local stakeholders in the decision-making process Deprivation of a significant socio-economic development capital, vital for survival, continuity and prosperity
Mission Statement of CTP A non-profit NGO, located on the Greek borders with Albania, fyr of Macedonia - working towards an equal quality of development on each side of the border based on the protection of the common environmental and cultural wealth. - aiming at the reduction of the effects of rural isolation on the local communities at a cultural, economical and educational level, by providing job opportunities, educational, informational and promotional activities and networking between stakeholders.
Working fields: We bring together civil society activists from the Prespa-Ohrid region and support them in strengthening their capacity and networking skills for a sustainable development of a functioning Euro region We implement projects for a sustainable development of cross-border tourism We offer opportunities to children and young people to realise their possibilities, develop skills in the field of arts and new technologies and support them in taking initiatives
CTP s activities Development of Cross-border Tourism Projects such as: NEST (Network for Sustainable Tourism) Capacity building of stakeholders on the three sides of the border Promotion of the cross-border tourism (including website, familiarization trips for tour operators and journalists) Creation and promotion of tourism products/packages/thematic trips Tourism information office
CTP s activities NGO-Networking Projects such as: NGO - Network of all active NGOs in the Prespa-Ohrid region -Website with databases -Services such as on-line helpdesk, volunteer matching service, call for proposals, forum -Seminars and meetings -Field research
CTP s activities Children and Youth Projects such as: Hosting and sending of European volunteers Annual Youth meetings Promotion of the EU programme Youth Lending Library Youth Center Creative activities
ANFLO S.A. Regional Development Agency of Florina
The Regional Development Agency of Florina ANFLO S.A. was founded in December 1994, aiming at the bridging of the coordination and promotion gap of the economic interests and development plans in the broader area of the Prefecture of Florina.
The regular personnel of ANFLO S.A. consists of scientists with various specialties and from various fields of educational background. In addition, the company maintains a network of external partners, in case where more specialised stuff is needed.
Company s cooperations: Hellenic Association of Development Agencies-HEL.A.D.A Hellenic Network of the European Union Initiative LEADER Network for the equality of women in the Western Macedonia Promotion Network of the local agriculture products PROMAGRO Drug Prevention Center of Florina Network of the European Information Centers Europe Direct at a national and international level European Villages Network- Eurovillages plus
Projects in progress: European Union Initiative LEADER+ OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME «COMPETITIVENESS», «GO-ONLINE» OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME «COMPETITIVENESS» INTERREG IIIA/ CARDS GREECE-FYR MACEDONIA European Information Center-Europe Direct Western Macedonia EQUAL Investors Reception Center Prefecture of Florina OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME Peripheral Operational Programme PEP Western Macedonia 2 nd Special Development Programme
Peripheral Operation Programme PEP Western Macedonia, Municipality of Perasma- «Center of creative activity for children in Flambouro», Peripheral Operational Programme PEP Western Macedonia, «Establishment of a new Help at Home Unit» all the Municipalities of the Prefecture Information Society MEDITTERITAGE NEST MEDITTERITAGE BIOMASS MEDITTERITAGE POWOG
MILLE GRAZIE!