Local Initiatives Programme Programme description Nineteen small grants projects were financed, and local NGOs were trained in project proposal writing, project management and financial reporting under the programme. There were 14 applications (11 approved) in Bulgaria and 18 (eight approved) in Serbia. Seven of the projects in Bulgaria involved cross-border cooperation. Even though the programme was announced separately in Bulgaria and Serbia, many projects covered the same topics and links have been formed. Issues of common interest appear to be: traditional crafts (natural carpet colouring in Chiprovtzi and Pirot), development of eco-trails (two projects in Bulgaria and one in Serbia), promotion of natural and cultural values (catalogues and leaflets), educational activities for children (three projects with transboundary elements), as well as concrete conservation activities (three projects). During the application process, NGOs in Bulgaria actively sought guidance in the preparation of project proposals. The NGOs received strong support from the local authorities and institutions (REI – Montana, Game Breeding Station – Belogradchik, Museum of Natural History – Belogradchik) and thus multiple stakeholders were involved in small grants projects. The Nature Protection Society was formed in Belogradchik as a result of the small grants programme. Projects in Bulgaria Project name: Promoting the natural attractions and biodiversity of West Stara Planina Organisation: Nature Protection Society, Belogradchik Budget: EUR 1,996 Summary: The main aim of the project was to promote the natural attractions and biodiversity of West Stara Planina and thus to raise the public's awareness in the region of the natural environment and promoting it to tourists. This aim was achieved through the publishing and distribution of 1,000 copies of a 24-page, A5, full-color booklet, presenting the beautiful nature of West Stara Planina. This product was distributed to educational and administrative institutions, state forestries and game-breeding stations, the municipalities of Belogradchik, Berkovitza, Chiprovtzi and Chuprene, non-governmental organisations, information centres and tourist areas in the region. Project name: Initiation of eco-tourism in the village of Chuprene Organisation: Chitalishte (Culture Club) Hristo Botev Municipality: Chuprene Budget: EUR 1,800 Summary: The aim of the project was to initiate eco-tourism activities in Chuprene and to contribute to making the unspoiled nature of the region (e.g. UNESCO's Chuprene Biosphere Reserve) a factor in economic growth. The project trained 30 local people in the principles of ecotourism and repaired a 6-kilometre eco-trail. It also promoted Chuprene by distributing a brochure and conducting an official opening of the eco-trail with more than 100 guests. Project name: Local natural values, a source of livelihoods, culture and life Organisation: Association Youth Centre for Development of Belogradchik Municipality, Belogradchik Budget: EUR 1,849 Summary: The project aimed to unify the efforts of craftsmen, non-governmental organisations and representatives of the Belogradchik Municipality interested in promoting traditional crafts in the region and helping the craftsmen market those products. The main results of the project were: establishing an exhibition centre for local crafts; establishing an association of craftsmen in the Belogradchik area; and promoting local crafts through a brochure of the exhibition centre; a website; and an official opening of the centre. Project name: West Balkan – with clean nature and preserved cultural values Organisation: Ivan Vazov Culture House, Berkovitza Budget: EUR 1,900 Summary: The project aimed at developing long-term cooperation and joint activities of the Ivan Vazov Culture House in Berkovitza and the Zajecar Cultural Society to establish a region of friendship, the exchange of cultural products, and joint initiatives for raising nature awareness through art. This was achieved through the development of “health trails” in Berkovitza and Zajechar and an official opening of the trail and celebration — a Bulgarian-Serbian festival. The main target group is the children from Berkovitza and Zajecar municipalities and the different educational institutions in the region are partners to the project. Project name: West Stara Planina – natural and cultural attractions Organisation: Balkan Civil Coalition, Belogradchik Budget: EUR 1,994 Summary: The project's major aim was raising the awareness of the public from the project municipalities in Bulgaria and the Republic of Serbia about the natural and cultural attractions of West Stara Planina and their better preservation. The project's achievements were: development of a catalogue of main attractions, as well as two promotional videos; promotion of the region by publishing the catalogue on the Internet and broadcasting the movies on local TV channels in Bulgaria and Serbia; and publishing a joint catalogue and CD-ROM with the four promotional videos for Bulgaria and Serbia. Project name: Preservation of protected old trees in the territory of Belogradchik, Berkovitza, Chiprovtzi and Chuprene municipalities Organisation: Balkan United Sports Club, Belogradchik Budget: EUR 1,479 Summary: Twenty-seven old trees are protected within the four municipalities of Belogradchik, Berkovitza, Chiprovtzi and Chuprene, but many of them are in poor condition. The major aim of this project was to help to preserve these trees and to draw the local population's attention — along with the institutions responsible — to the problem. The project's activities were supported by the Regional Environmental Inspectorate. Its main results were: sanitising the damaged trees, repairing fences and posting informational signs (with age, size and species); conducting an awareness raising campaign by distributing leaflets in all municipalities and settlements where the trees are found; and publishing and distributing a leaflet with a map of the location of the trees and basic information about them for the public and tourists. Project name: Natural colouring – the ancient tradition of Chiprovtzi carpet as an alternative for tourism development Organisation: Council of Tourism, Chiprovtzi Budget: EUR 1,640 Summary: This project sought to revive, preserve and promote the ancient tradition of natural colouring. To promote the tradition among the community, an educational seminar was carried out, and a one-day course in herb-gathering was held. The experience and knowledge of natural colouring was put into practice by making a botanical garden with the herbs used in colouring, establishing a demonstration colouring centre and holding a herbarium exposition. The botanical garden will be included in the tourist package for Chiprovtzi. The project was supported by Chiprovtzi Municipality, which provided personnel for the construction and landscaping. Project name: Preservation and enrichment of the biodiversity in Chiprovtzi region Organisation: Chiprovtzi Patriotic Society, Chiprovtzi Budget: EUR 1,850 Summary: The idea of the project was to reintroduce plant species that had become extinct from the Chiprovtzi region due to overuse in the process of natural carpet colouring, which is a traditional practice in Chiprovtzi. Project partners included the local forestry department, the local high school and the Chiprovtzi Municipality. The project's main results were: reforestation of eroded landscapes with the mentioned species; creation of green areas along the river and in the schoolyard; and increased awareness of sustainable plant use among carpet producers and young people through an informational brochure, posters and seminars. Project name: Exploration of the natural, historical and cultural values of the Zbegove eco-trail Organisation: Organisation of Bulgarian Scouts, Belogradchishki skali Scouts Club, Belogradchik Budget: EUR 1,965 Summary: The main aims of the project were to raise the awareness of the local population about the environmental problems of the region and to promote its natural and cultural values as part of West Stara Planina mountain. Through various activities (ecological, biological, historical activities, exploration and art contests), which involved scout clubs from Belogradchik and Knjazevac and students from Belogradchik High School, young people gained theoretical and practical knowledge, and skills related to the special characteristics of the trail. Promoting the values of the eco-trail (information billboard, expositions and video) contributed to raising tourists' interest in the region. The process of project implementation contributed to the institutional development of the organisation (buying camping equipment for the scouts) and its cooperation with the Serbian partners. Project name: Old mountain – new bridges Organisation: Information Business Center for Regional Development, Belogradchik Budget: EUR 1,000 Summary: The project's aim was to improve contacts and partnerships and realise joint projects with NGOs from both sides of West Stara Planina. The project involved a trans-boundary roundtable of more than 20 local NGOs working on nature protection on both sides. Major results of the project include the signing of a declaration of future cooperation between the NGOs and the development of a transboundary NGO network. Project name: Preservation of the karst formations of Belogradchik anticline Organisation: Belogradchik Rocks Tourist Association, Belogradchik Budget: EUR 1,992 Summary: The project aimed to promote the Belogradchik karst formations within the local population and to tourists in order to attract public involvement in their preservation. The main results of the project are: children and interested participants trained in cave exploration; expeditions for taking inventory of the caves; marked the entrances of the caves and putting up information boards; and organised a transboundary workshop and photo exhibition. Cover story 1 Project name: Protected ancient trees in West Stara Planina Valentin Yanchelov, Balkan Spots Club, Belogradchik, Bulgaria Ancient trees are the living history of nature, a real treasure worthy of preservation. The Balkan Sports Club in Belogradchik implemented a project aiming to preserve ancient trees in Belogradchik, Chuprene, Chiprovtzi and Berkovitza. Project activities included sanitising damaged trees, posting updated signs with information on the species, dimensions and age of each tree, and distributing brochures and maps of the 27 protected trees in the area. Ancient trees are usually lonely remnants of magnificent forests. Mute witnesses of historic events, they are the focus of many legends and beliefs. Throughout human history, ancient trees have been highly esteemed or even worshipped. The sacred tree, often a symbol of godly life, was depicted in the oldest Egyptian and Assyrian monuments. In Bulgaria these traditions were reflected in the sacrificial rituals and the posting of crosses connected to the patron saint of a given area. This ancient tradition is extremely popular in Northwest Bulgaria and is called obrok or podkrust. Obroks are made in the fields, outside of villages, and always under a huge, old tree, usually oak, elm, lime or wallnut. Any tree over an obrok is considered sacred and should not be cut. Ancient trees are the keepers of many secrets. The science of dendrochronology examines tree rings to determine ancient climatic and ecological conditions. The rings provide centuries of information on wet and dry years, natural disasters, insect invasions, and more. Ancient trees are not only important environmentally, but also culturally and historically. Cover story 2 Small grant: Natural colouring – the ancient tradition of Chiprovtzi carpet as an alternative for tourism development Milena Dimitrova, Tourism Council, Chiprovtzi. The aim of this project was to restore, preserve and promote the ancient tradition of natural colouring. Armed with knowledge on natural colouring, this year-long experience resulted in the live collection of colouring herbs, the construction of a demonstration colouring workplace and exposition tables with herbs. Natural colouring in carpet-weaving is a common practice that has taken place in Chiprovtzi for more than three centuries. Until the end of the 19th century the wool was dyed only through colours derived from nature. Many of the plants whose colouring capabilities are known are found freely in nature. There are others, however, that have become extinct or threatened. The project team planted herbs that are not widely found in the Chiprovtzi area. They are Rubua tinctorum, from which the root is used for dying red; Cathamus tinctoria, from which the flower is used to dye yellow; and Rhamnus cathartica, the fruit of which is used to dye redish-brown. Another project activity was the construction of a demonstration workshop, which will be used to organise hobby courses in natural colouring. The project also carried out educational activities for raising awareness of natural colouring: a one-day course on herb-gathering and a two-day course on natural colouring. A children's competition in natural colouring was organised with children from the existing natural colouring club. The project also involved printing a brochure on the natural colouring of Chiprovski carpets. Projects in Serbia Project name: Stara Planina - New bridges Organisation: The Timok Club, Knjazevac Budget: EUR 1,885 Summary: The aims of the project were setting the priorities and strategies for further sustainable development of the NGOs in the area of Stara Planina, media promotion of cross-border cooperation, updating the website <www.balkancoalition.com> and creating a directory of NGOs from the western part of Stara Planina. The project was realised through: shared meetings of NGOs from Knjazevac, Zajechar, Pirot and Dimitrovgrad; gathering information of NGOs and publishing the directory; and organising two workshops from NGOs from Serbia and Bulgaria, and media campaigns (press conferences and TV appearances). Project name: West Stara Planina - cultural and natural sights Organisation: Gurgusovac Educational Association, Knjazevac Budget: EUR 1,200 Summary: The aim of the project was to increase awareness in selected municipalities of Serbia and Bulgaria on natural and cultural resources of West Stara Planina and their preservation. The objectives were preparing and publishing a catalogue on landmarks, making two promotional films on natural historical sights of Serbia, presenting the films on Serbian and Bulgarian TV stations, and putting the catalogue of landmarks on the website <www.balkancoalition.com>. Project name: Along the paths of health, approaching Stara Planina for better cooperation between nations Organisation: Logos Teachers Association, Pirot Budget: EUR 1,957 Summary: The project intended to improve the conditions for developing eco-tourism. The realisation of the project will be done by making trails and publishing the first map and guide for nature fans of Stara Planina. The marking and maintenance of mountain trails, and their mapping and descriptions in a guide, serve as a model for other parts of Stara Planina, as well as the basis for initiating transborder cooperation. Project name: Colours of the Pirot's kilim Organisation: Association for Guarding and Developing Pirot's Kilim Weaving, Pirot Budget: EUR 1,990 Summary: This project focused on the original natural colouring of Pirot's carpets, as the unique carriers of territorial and ethnical code from Stara Planina region. The project was developed through the creation of prescriptions for wool dyeing, which will be published in the form of a catalogue/colour card. This project contributed to the process of quality standardisation of Pirot's carpets as an ecological product with a protected geographic origin, to obtaining a trademark for their sale on the global market, to promoting values of traditional prescriptions, and to preserving the tradition of weaving. Project name: Guidebook through Old Mountain Organisation: Pirgos Civic Library, Pirot Budget: EUR 1,200 Summary: The project sought to present and advertise the richness, diversity, uniqueness and possibilities of West Stara Planina. Activities of the project included fieldwork, presentations, and publishing and promotion of a guidebook. Target groups included the local population, local donors, young people, local authorities, media, as well as the stakeholders of tourism development in Stara Planina. Project name: Traditional cattle raising of West Stara Planina and its perspective Organisation: Dom Kulture Pirot Budget: EUR 1,968 Summary: The project involved the production of a monograph on cattle-raising in Stara Planina and strategies for its further development on the basis of the author's extensive knowledge concerning fieldwork, conditions, traditional lifestyles and economics, as well as the reasons for which numerous "measures and actions" were missing the target and making the situation worse. Objectives of the project were research and analysis of the West Stara Planina area and informing the population, making the results available to the local media. Project name: Holy places of the region of Caribrod Organisation: Cultural Informative Center of the Bulgarian Caribrod ethnic minority, Dimitrovgrad Budget: EUR 800 Summary: The project involved registration, research and the preparation of facts about the churches and monasteries in the Dimitrovgrad area. The information collected was processed and presented to the public in the form of a catalogue, and all the facts collected during realisation of the project were placed on a CD-ROM. The project was carried out through the collection of information in the field, from literature, archives, museums, etc. Project name: Municipalities of Zajechar, Knjazevac, Pirot and Dimitrovgrad Organisation: Network of 4 Municipalities (consolidated proposal) Budget: EUR 9,000 Summary: This consolidated proposal was designed by four municipalities involved in the implementation of REReP 4.3.23. from the Serbian side (Zajechar, Knjazevac, Pirot and Dimitrovgrad) and was aimed at enhancing their computer hardware through the purchase of eight PCs, which were delivered to municipalities by the REC's country office in Serbia and Montenegro and intended to be utilised by persons designated by municipalities as focal points for this project. Another outcome of this grant was enhanced information dissemination and communication leading to the establishment of a network of Stara Planina municipalities.

Introduction Activities Local Initiatives Programme:     Description     In Bulgaria         Cover story 1         Cover story 2     In Serbia Photo gallery   Other sites: Neretva Delta Skadar Lake