“Strengthening Regions Objective 1 Competencies in the Cooperation Sector in the Cultural Area”

1. Cohesion and Strengthening of the Relationship between Regions Objective 1 Administrative Systems and Mediterranean Countries “Strengthening Regions Objective 1 Competencies in the Cooperation Sector in the Cultural Area”

2. Context • The new EU proximity policy confirms and consolidates the strategic importance of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership which was one of the topics included in the 1995 Barcelona declaration. From the point of view of EU enlargement, the archaeological sites represent a valuable heritage: the Greek and Roman theatres which are scattered along the Mediterranean coasts, will certainly grow in importance in terms of eco-sustainable cultural tourism and become a source of wealth for the host territories. • The interest in this development line which is shared by all Mediterranean countries, is witnessed by a number of documents on cooperation: the Barcelona declaration (1995), the Segesta declaration (1995), the Chart of Mediterranean Tourism (Casablanca, 1995); the Siracusa Chart (2005).

3. The Project • General Objectives: • Strengthening the competencies of local and regional administrations in Regions Ob.1 on improvement and utilization of the ancient theatre heritage through cultural cooperation with the administrations of other Mediterranean countries.

4. Activities The project activities will be organized in four different areas: • Analysis • Training • Technical Assistance • Communications

5. Activity 1: Analysis • Objectives: • Identification of the initiatives of international cooperation already embarked on in this sector • Assessment of needs and the potential of the South Mediterranean countries on conservation, improvement and census of the ancient theatre heritage • Analysis of the exemplary cases of improvement and utilization of the ancient theatre heritage

6. Activity 1: Analysis • Means: • Assessment of ancient theatres • Study of tourism potential of this heritage • Recognition of the existing financial sources • Experimental data-base

7. Activity 2: Training • Objectives: • Strengthening competencies of the interested administrations on cooperation strategies aimed at improving the ancient theatre heritage

8. Activity 2: Training • Means: • Seminars focused on in-depth analysis • Training courses • Self-training means • Presentation of models and best practices

9. Activity 3: Technical Assistance • Objectives: • To assist the administrations interested in improving their cultural heritage by encouraging the establishment of partnerships with foreign counterparts • Public/private interinstitutional involvement and the promotion of dialogue

10. Activity 3: Technical Assistance • Means: • Regional and interregional work tables • Methods of interinstitutional partnership • Assistance for the drafting of project proposals in order to participate in tender bids

11. Activity 4: Communications • Objectives: • Presentation of the project activities by drawing the attention of the administrations which were not initially involved • Promotion of dialogue • Dissemination of results

12. Activity 4: Communications • Means: • Dedicated communications means • Multi-media material • Final international conference

13. Partners • Public Administration Department • Formez (Centre of Training and Studies) • IEREF (European Institute for Studies, Research and Training) • IULM Foundation (University of Languages and Communications) • IRAT-CNR (Institute of Research on Tertiary Activities) • CERIS-CNR (Institute of Research on Business and Development) • FEDERCULTURE Servizi

14. Parties Involved • Managers, top managers and civil servants from local and regional Ob. 1 Italian administration and the interested area FAS regions • Central, regional and local administrations from Mediterranean Countries • Network of Italian Cultural Institutes • Foundations, universities, exhibition agencies, park agencies, theatres and museums