1. Sviluppumbria 1 The project aims at creating a common strategy for the promotion of European regions that are rich in cultural and spiritual heritage. The objective is the promotion and the diffusion of policies aimed at enhancing the cultural heritage of the CADSES area though an integrated approach, that considers cultural resources as an important element of regional identity and can promote their ability to positively contribute to growth, development and local economy Content of EST

2. Sviluppumbria 2 Partners of the project:  Regione dell’Umbria, Lead Partner ( Central Italy)  Sviluppumbria, Regional Development Agency of Umbria (Central Italy),  Mountain Community of Valnerina (Central Italy),  Municipality of Spoleto (Central Italy),  Regione Marche (Central Italy),  North East Region of Romania (Pre-Accession Country), ANEM  Regional Development Company of Magnesia (Thessalia – Greece),  Prefecture of Magnesia (Thessalia – Greece),  Prefecture of Trikala (Thessalia – Greece).

3. Sviluppumbria 3 Technical description Est was presented in occasion of the 2nd call for proposals, under Measure 3.1, on 17 June 2003 and was approved on December 2003. Approval was conditioned to a budget reduction. Total ERDF co-financing is 842.777,39 Euro Totale budget is 1.484.155,63 Duration of the project: 25 months 6 Work Packages

4. Sviluppumbria 4 Awareness-raising among local populations about their own cultural heritage, through dissemination of information about local history and roots, and also through a better diffusion of documents in local schools, etc. Attraction of qualified tourist flows to the regions involved, through the creation of a network of ‘packages’ focusing on the spiritual and cultural aspect of these areas of Europe. The network, supported by IT instruments, will be able to offer tourists looking for a spiritual destination (whatever their motivations, both religious and secular) all the necessary information about the region, along with the links to the partner Countries to the project that could offer a similar holiday experience. In this way, it will be possible to integrate areas in Europe that are different and far-away but also ideally united by a strong cultural theme, and allow continuous exchange of experiences, activities, best practices, etc. Aims of EST

5. Sviluppumbria 5 Background: A strong and common interest among all partners in enhancing cultural heritage for tourist development: all regions are lands of saints and monasteries. A strong, initial partnership Umbria- Marche-North-East Romania

6. Sviluppumbria Strenghts of EST and some inputs for future projects: EST is coherent with the policies of the partner regions while giving it an added value through transnational activities. Quality of partnership: careful search for the right partners. Less is more. Active involvement of Accession Country as full-fledged partners. 6

7. Sviluppumbria 7 Weaknesses and pitfalls to watch out for: EST has a strong presence of Italian partners, while an equal representation of all regions should be pursued. In EST, a restricted transnational partnership was indicated as a weakness: the presence of more Countries means the impact of the activities can be spread out over a wider area.

8. Sviluppumbria 8 The project idea should come before the programme. Throughout research. Partnership is a valuable asset. Active involvement of Programme Management Institutions: MA, JTS, CCP. Involvement should be pursued before, during and after project selection and should continue during implementation. Tips

9. Sviluppumbria 9 Involvement and support for Third Countries The importance of the transnational character of Interreg III. After approval, projects have to be implemented: be realistic in results, output and general activities! Read all documents and regulations carefully and never underestimate the complexity of Interreg III in all its aspects. Food for thought