1. The international cooperation in the Mediterranean basin for an integrated rural development: The Leader Med project and Apulia Region experience with Syria Annarita Antonelli, CIHEAM - IAMB Casablanca, 8-9 November 2007

2. In Syria…… Previous experience of cooperation Italian Cooperation project Technical assistance for the Improvement of olive oil quality in Syria Among its objectives: To foster Syrian olive oil promotion and improve its quality in the territory of Idleb

3. Apulia Leader + Programme Apulia Leader + Programme The LEADER MED project is connected to the Apulia LEADER + AXIS II TRANS-NATIONAL COOPERATION Legal reference Article 20, paragraph 1 of EC Reg. 1260/99 Communication to Member States 2000/C 139/05 of 18 May 2000 In Apulia……

4. The LEADER MED project… Born in 2005, the project aims to be ended in the year 2010 using: until 2008 Leader + resources the future 2007-2013 EU Rural development funds and Neighbourhood policy

5. Cooperation among Territories: LEADER Plus Program– LEADERMED Project Turkey Lebanon Syria Malta Apulian LAGs DIALOGUE BETWEEN TERRITORIES

6. The LEADER MED project… Among its aims, to seek the synergies between the EU and the MTCs, the complementarities, the mutual advantages, the typicalness of Mediterranean products that could find a common enhancement on global markets. Italy, and Apulia region, for its geographical position, history and culture, can play a crucial role in relaunching the Euro-Mediterranean policy.

7. The Leader Med general objective Development of Mediterranean rural areas improving quality of life better distribution of welfare increasing work opportunities increasing availability of socio-cultural services increasing environmental sustainability increasing the self confidence of the groups and of the individuals

8. The Leader Med specific objectives 1. Harmonization of Rural development in bottom-up integrated LEADER approach and food quality standards 2. Quality label of guaranteed typical Mediterranean products and rural areas 3. Construction of the Mediterranean common area 4. Pilot projects

9. The LEADER MED project organization For the management a Lead LAG of the Leader Med project was identified, namely the Alto Salento LAG It is supported by a Management Board For each Country and Pilot action is identified a LAG The CIHEAM-IAM Bari has been designated as a technical support structure

10. The LEADER MED pilot project in Syria Socioeconomic analysis of the territory Stakeholders participation Identification of the potentialities to be valorised and definition of a system around a typical product representative of the territory Development of a network of positive relationships

11. TYPICAL RURAL PRODUCT: OLIVE OIL Local production system: Typical produce Cultural activities: Events & activities related to Museums, Culture, etc. Hospitality: Hotels, restaurants, shops Territory & Environment: Cultural resources, Arts & crafts The LEADER MED system

12. THE OLIVE ROAD PILOT PROJECT FORMATION OF DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (LAG) CREATION OF THE PATH TOOLS FOR FUTURE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE PROJECT

13. The partners of the Development Agency The partners of the Development Agency Mixed partnership including representatives from involved institutions and private bodies Apulia Region LAG Terra dArneo LAG Alto Salento Mediterranean Agronomic Institute - Bari Syrian Partners Ministry of Agriculture GCSAR Idleb Governorate NGO Al Adyiet Italian Partners

14. The Olive Road Identification of archeological sites and museums, activities and produce, tourist potentialities

15. Promotional material Tools for the implementation of the activity Road signs Visitors' centre Olive Road at the Idleb Museum to provide information and organize initiatives

17. Promoting quality….. Correct production disciplinaryCorrect production disciplinary in order to ensure traceability and quality of the produce and to avoid speculations Distinctive stickers logos Distinctive stickers logos registered through the Ministry of Agriculture Security sticker for Olive Road produce

18. Criteria selection of the activities and produce Importance in the rural economy of the region Appreciation of the role of women and youth Typical produce. Quality features Respect of hygienic basics Respect for the basic safety requirements

19. Conclusions Successful experience of integrated rural development Strong administrative support by the Ministry of Agriculture and international organizations as CIHEAM A process of improving quality of production has started in a context in which no rules were adopted before Starting point for similar initiatives in other Syrian regions