Implementer:Municipality of Cair & Municipality of Gjilan
Title of action:Valorisation of traditional trade & social economy potentials in municipalities of Cair and Gjilan
Total duration of the action:18 Months
The action is relevant to the global objective of the programme as its main goal is to promote cooperation between people, communities and institutions of the bordering areas, aiming to foster economic development and social cohesion in a sustainable manner. The action will promote socio-economic development through facilitation of traditional trade and socio-economic regeneration of the tourist and cultural potential in the municipalities of Cair and Gjilan.
The action additionally will have an immediate cross-border impact, as it will support cross-border municipal efforts (Municipality of Cair and Municipality of Gjilan) to back small traditional businesses and social entrepreneurs (all part of the newly promoted social economy on EU level). By establishing business support infrastructure, in liaison with business platforms and CSOs, the municipalities on both sides of the border will prepare to undertake further obligations in support of the local economic development along with added value: increased equal opportunities for micro craftsmen and social entrepreneurs; equal participation of vulnerable groups, positive environmental sustainability and collaborative approach: municipality – CSO - business sector.
The planned results are:
Implementer:Gostivar Municipality, Macedonia, and Dragash Municipality, Kosova
Title of action:Tourism - Open Door for Cross Border Cooperation
Total duration of the action:18 Months
The purpose of this project is to stimulate the economy of the region through strengthening eco (alternative and rural) tourism to become an economic driver, considerable factor for conservation and balanced utilization of natural and anthropogenic resources and a significant prerequisite for sustainable social, cultural and economic development and enhancement of the livelihood of the communities of both municipalities.
The action will deliver Project Management System, Project Communication - Development and implementation of the communication - visibility plan and tools for communicating the project with the beneficiaries and the wider public by promoting small scale infrastructure investment in touristic resources in Municipality of Gostivar - Construction of a Hiking Trail, Info Booth and a Rest Point, construction of four (4) Hiking Trails and four Rest Points in Municipality of Dragash and small scale infrastructure investment in touristic resources – Reconstruction of the facility and Establishment of a Tourist Information Centre in Dragash
All the above activities will be furthered by feasibility study for promotion of eco-tourism in the Municipality of Gostivar – mapping the touristic potentials of the areas within the Municipality of Gostivar in order to explore the possibilities for creation of an integrated regional touristic offer, and conducting a study for mapping the bio-diversity of the River of Vardar - mapping the biodiversity (floral and animal) of the Vardar River for the purposes of promotion of eco-tourism.
Implementer:NGO Labyrinth & Civil Association HOPS-Healthy Options Project Shkup/Skopje
Title of action:Prevention of HIV transmissions and drugs among resident population in the cross-border area
Total duration of the action:24 Months
This action aims to raise awareness on prevention of HIV transmission and drug prevention among most-at-risk population in target municipalities; promoting partnership between the civil and public sector in establishing sustainable HIV prevention mechanisms; and promoting cross-border co-operation between local institutions and organizations from bordering areas of Macedonia and Kosova as valuable tool for exchange of best practices and achieving long-term results on regional level.
The target groups of the action are: the most–at-risk population (drug users, sex workers, sexual minorities, prisoners, adolescents); CSO working with most-at-risk population; municipalities, relevant authorities (centres for social care, centres for public health, hospitals, and prisons).
The project will be implemented in municipalities of City of Shkup/Skopje, Tetova, Kumanova, Gostivar in Macedonia and municipalities of Prishtina, Gjilan, Prizren and Kacanik in Kosova whereby activities will be focused on raising awareness on prevention of drug use in the municipalities of Prishtina, Gjilan, Prizren and Kacanik in Kosova, promoting partnership between the civil and public sector in establishing sustainable HIV and drug prevention mechanisms; and promoting cross-border co-operation between local institutions and organizations from bordering areas of Macedonia and Kosova as valuable tool for exchange of best practices and achieving long-term results on regional level.
Implementer:Municipality of Likova & Municipality of Vitia
Title of action:Culture in Action
Total duration of the action:18 Months
Residents from this cross-border region shall benefit from this project. Approximately 27.805 in Likova and 60.000 in Vitia, will gain access to cultural facilities and will have chance to utilize and enjoy the project outcomes.
The activities will be implemented as combination of infrastructural interventions and soft activities. The key activities of the action are: Establishing coordination between project teams and stakeholder groups.
Reconstruction/equipment of the library in v. Matejce (Likova)/ Modernisation of the cinema in Vitia , organizing 3-day workshop for 20 members of the joint SG in “Drafting and managing EU funded projects”; 2-day workshop “Developing mode for sustainable cultural development”; 2-day workshop for Developing action plans for functioning of the Cultural centers in Likova and Vitia;Organising3 official ceremonies: Opening of the library in Likova/Opening modernized cinema in Vitia/ Fair for promotion of local traditions and heritage; Creating/publishing: “Best practices in drafting and managing EU funded projects” “Sustainable solutions for promoting local cultures and traditional artisans”; sub-granting of 10 NGOs; Producing/disseminating visibility materials: Website project
The action visibility will be done through promotion material such as project banners, project leaflet, project fact sheet, producing documentary on cultural heritage and organizing closing events in both municipalities.
The action is seen as support to small-scale infrastructure interventions and purchase of equipment, joint capacity building actions including exchange of good practices and implementation of joint activities that will have long-term impact on both sides of the border.
Implementer:Kosova Gender Studies Center & Association for Advancement of Gender Equality Akcija Zdruzenska - Skopje
Title of action:Equality and Gender Mainstreaming across Borders
Total amount:EUR 347, 111.10 EUR
Total duration of the action:24 Months
The action has been implemented by a series of activities that produced both immediate (short-term) results and long-term results as well. In general, there will be four types of results produced from the action, namely, capacities of women organizations in the project area (both management and technical/thematic) will be raised; quality of data improved and dissemination of the same is done more effectively; exchange of experiences and networking across borders to addressing common concerns will be facilitated; practical tools for day-to-day operations such as the manual on gender policies at EU level will be produced and utilized at both central and local advocacy initiatives. In the long run, the action is expected to strengthen the women rights agenda both in Kosova and Macedonia and reduce capacity differences between center and periphery organizations.
Increased capacities through technical training, and improved operations as a direct consequence of mentoring and coaching, will inevitably lead to greater capability of local women organizations in the project-covered areas to effectively promote equality and gender mainstreaming as a social norm and legal standard. Improved networking, visibility and improved skills for monitoring and advocacy combined with the online Portal on Women and Gender will provide beneficiary women organizations with the much needed support to make meaningful impact in their respective communities and consequently also improve the aspects advocated for at national level.
The activities will be implemented in Prizren, Suhareka, Malisheva, Dragash, Rahovec, and Mamusha in Kosova and in Municipalities of Gostivar, Vrapciste, Mavrovo and Rostusa, Tetova, Bogovinë, Bërvenica, Zhelina, Jegunovce, and Tearce.
Implementer:University of Prishtina, Kosovo and State University of Tetotvo, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Title of action:Cooperative Boundary Learning for Eco-system Management and Sustainable Development in Sharr Mountain Region
Total duration of the action:24 Months
The action established a “live” network of academics and practitioners on cooperative transboundary learning for ecosystem management, aiming on the long term at the sustainable management of the natural resources and securing ecosystem services necessary for a good life in Sharr mountan cross-border region.
Additionally the actions build up the capacity and strengthen cooperation among students and shared experiences between higher education institutions of Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Target groups of the action are the Universities, conservation management authorities, local governmental authorities, NGOs, private sector, business communities.
Overall objective: Establishment of a ‘live’ network of academics and practitioners on cooperative transboundary learning for ecosystem management, aiming on the long term at the sustainable management of the natural resources and securing ecosystem services necessary for a good life in the Sharr mountain cross-border region.
Specific objectives:
Activities:
Thematic Priority: Protecting the environment, promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management
Implementing Institutions: Municipality of Ferizaj, Kosovo – Lead Applicant
Municipality of Cair, Skopje, North Macedonia
Business Support Centre Kosovo
Website: https://kk.rks-gov.net/ferizaj/en/
Duration: 18 Months
Project Value: EUR 423,038.10
EU Contribution: EU 352,517.65
Co-financing: EU 70,521
Western Balkan governments, including those of Kosovo and North Macedonia have committed to pursuing a clean energy transition and sustainable development initiated in year 2019. This transition includes reduce energy imports, develop renewable energy sources, strengthen regional energy security, unlock greater economic growth, and address persistent air and related health pollution challenges.
According to Green Agenda for WB countries, the IPA beneficiaries are encouraged to develop energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and to shift to resource-efficient, safe, and sustainable low-carbon economies in line with the wider EU targets for climate action and environmental protection. Additionally, by investing in energy efficiency epitomizes local government stewardship of tax cash therefore local governments are rocketing the initiative energy efficiency in taxpayer-funded facilities that are frequently visited by the public, such as schools, kindergarten city halls and public libraries
So, ensuring climate change policy coherence at all levels of governance is essential to achieving better synergies between the economic, environmental and social dimensions of sustainable socioeconomic development, and to reduce trade-offs between them. Increasing the focus of local administration reform assistance in both municipalities on policy coherence and the green growth dimension in particular will make a major contribution to the Green Agenda for Western Balkan implementation and by the proposed action into cross border area.
The Ferizaj and Cair municipalities they have identified and planned to execute initiatives to reduce environmental impact and save tax payer dollars throughout on below type/ levels of investments:
Overall Objective: Cross Border Programme area benefiting from enforcement of environmental protection standards and values.
Direct Beneficiaries:
Community members of Ferizaj and Cair municipalities, inhabitants of the cross borders area and renewable energy innovators.
Results:
R.1.1: Generated resources for energy efficiency, promoted and sustainably used in public economies in line with WB Green Agenda;
R.1.2: Eco-friendly & energy efficiency sources improved, by investments in eight (8)) public educational buildings in Ferizaj and Çair municipalities;
R.1.3: Enhanced and apply up taken the best available techniques from Pan-European Networks for public premises;
R.1.4: Municipal mechanisms strengthened within cross border cooperation to address EU soil Thematic Strategy
R. 2.1: Mitigation and Sustainable Development promoted to/by the pupils;
R. 2.2: Information exchange activities and trainings conducted through public awareness campaigns and pilot small scale eco-friendly initiatives.
R. 3.1: Improved awareness of women for opportunities of engagement in renewable energy sector and environment protection ventures;
R.3.2: Enhanced capacities of policymakers and public stakeholders to identify and address barriers of women engaged in environmental protection standards.
Name of Project: Pilot interventions for wastewater treatment and solid waste management in the cross-border region
Thematic Priority: Protecting the environment, promoting
climate change, adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and
management.
Implementing Institution: Municipalty of Novo Brdo, Kosovo – Lead Applicant
Municipality of Gjorce Petrov, Skopje, North Macedonia
Website: https://kk.rks-gov.net/novoberde/
Duration: 22 Months
Project Value: EUR 466,590.03
EU Contribution: EUR 396,602.03
Co-financing: EUR 69,988
The economy of Novo Brdo is predominantly based on agriculture, rural tourism and small trade businesses. There are approximately 280 registered private businesses, and there are no updated data available on the number of employees in the private sector. The overall status of the infrastructure in the municipality is assessed as poor. Only 10 villages are connected to water supply and sewage systems, five villages are connected to the sewage system only and two only to the water supply. The collection and disposal of the communal waste in the municipality of Novo Brdo is far from satisfactory. At the moment there are estimated 2150 households with a total of 7574 residents, in 33 rural settlements. Out of 2150 households, some 800 do not pay garbage collection fees, while 150 households are not covered at all with communal waste collection services. There are also 36 public institutions (17 primary schools, 9 out-patient clinics, Department of Social Services, Employment Agency, two police stations, local fire station, municipal court, municipal building, etc.) which are not properly equipped with communal waste disposal containers. It is estimated that around 1.200 households in Novo Brdo rural settlements are in need of new communal waste disposal bins with the capacity of 120l. Similarly, the 36 public institutions need an estimated 108 containers for selection of communal waste (glass, paper and plastic) with the capacity of 240l.
At the moment there is a clear lack of essential public services – access to an environmentally friendly sewage and waste water treatment systems in the village of Orman, Gjorche Petrov. The village of Orman has only a water supply network while the sewage network and waste water treatment facility are lacking. The waste water and faecal matters are stored in individually built septic tanks (around 500) located usually in the yards of the private houses in the village of Orman. These septic tanks are emptied individually by the households most frequently irregularly i.e. not in accordance with the existing standards, or in worse cases not emptied at all. Their contents are released illegally and without any previous treatment directly in the river of Lepenec. This is also one of the main causes of the migration of the village residents to Skopje and other cities and decreased natality rate, and contributes to the increase of disproportion between the rural and urban communities of the municipality of Gjorche Petrov. Moreover, the polluted underground and surface waters, and the resulting soil contamination, violate the existing food safety and qualitative norms, for production of healthy and safe agricultural produce. Thus, the residents of the village of Orman and the 33 rural settlements in Novo Brdo are compelled to resort to practices for communal waste and/or sewage disposal, which directly contribute to the pollution of the water, food and soil.
Overall Objective: Enhance the capacity of the relevant municipal authorities for managing and decreasing the risks of environmental pollution and resulting soil and water contamination, human health hazards and contamination of agricultural produce.
Direct Beneficiaries:
(1) 546,824 residents of the City of Skopje.
(2) 351,449 residents of the East Economic Region of Kosovo.
(3) Regional and national authorities in Kosovo and in the Republic
of North Macedonia.
Results:
108 Waste selection containers 240l
Name of Project: Reviving Crafts and Building Culture for Joint Touristic Development
Thematic Priority: Encouraging tourism, cultural and natural heritage
Implementing Institutions: Municipality of Prizren, Kosovo – Lead Applicant
Municipality of Tetovo, North Macedonia – partner
CEED Macedonia (Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development) – partner
CEED Kosovo (Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development) – Affiliated entity
Website: https://kk.rks-gov.net/prizren/en/
https://ceed-global.org/northmacedonia/
https://ceed-global.org/kosovo/
Duration: 24 Months
Project Value: EUR 638,177.87
EU Contribution: EUR 524,452.19
Co-financing: EUR 113,725.68
Traditional handicrafts and food are important part of both municipalities' identities and cultures which their inhabitants take pride in. Moreover, they are powerful tools to attract visitors to the regions, as they mark regions’ uniqueness. Yet, analysis show that not enough has been done to support this sector, and there are still challenges that need to be resolved and opportunities to be seized to help craft sector revive and grow and bring socio-economic benefits to both regions.
In the Strategy for tourism development of Municipality of Tetovo (2017), conducted SWOT analysis identified many strengths (S), weaknesses (W) and opportunities (O), including the following: S: rich cultural inheritance of the municipality, and traditional artisans; W: unfinished process of cultural heritage valorization, inexistence of management-plans for managing the cultural heritage, insufficient promotion
of traditional artisans; and O: High interest of the parties for the development of cultural tourism, international promotion of the cultural heritage of the municipality of Tetovo, organized trainings for the forgotten crafts or other traditional artisans, organizing cooking competitions for traditional dishes, and training of rural tourist guides. Also, within the Strategy for development of Tourism in Municipality of Prizren, conducted SWOT analysis identifies following strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, to name few: S - cultural heritage, multi-cultural spirit, geographic position - proximity to Albania and North Macedonia, readiness of local institutions to support tourism, traditional cuisine, existence of crafts (such is filigree); W - barriers to accessing cultural heritage sites, insufficient promotion of local guides, lack of city branding, lack of a mechanism for cooperation with tourism actors, negative experience by foreign visitors, limited number of traditional restaurants, lack of tourist products; O - Improving the flow of information through information centers, catalogues and other digital media, Branding the identity of Prizren and its promotion, promotion of local traditional crafts, facilitating access to cultural heritage sites, capacity building of people in tourism, product development and new tourism activities, improving infrastructure.
Overall Objective: To accelerate tourism development in Polog and South Economic Regions (municipalities of Tetovo and Prizren) through improved quality and diversified offer of crafts and micro tourism and hospitality (THS) sector entities, resulting in increased attractiveness of the region, and more satisfied visitors.
Specific objectives:
1) Created and launched new touristic content and new opportunities for better presentation of local and traditional crafts products, through infrastructural interventions in both Tetovo and Prizren municipalities
2) Raised capacities of local craftsmen/women in both regions for overall better management and development of their micro businesses, i.e. improved branding and marketing (including digital) and increased sales (including online).
3) Strengthening cross-border cooperation through organizing joint crafts events, boosting regions' promotion, inciting CB exchange of knowledge between crafts organizations, and stimulating CB visitors’ circulation
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results
1.1 Two touristic sites revitalized/renovated
1.2 Two touristic sites promoted/commercialized
2.1 One training curriculum designed and developed
2.2 Two training groups delivered (4 modules each)
2.3 100 to 150 individual mentoring sessions delivered
3.1 One joint business linkages event organized and delivered (with at least 30 participants- at least 40% women)
3.2. Two joint promotional events - craft fairs organized and delivered (1 in each municipality) with at least 30 exhibitors, at least 40% women.
3.3. Two workshops organized and delivered for developing joint offer oftour operators and craftsmen/women
3.4 At least 4 new offers/products included in the local tour operators offer
3.5. At least two promotional videos recorded
4.1. Two survey reports developed (one from the baseline survey and one final
Thematic Priority: Encouraging tourism, cultural and natural heritage
Implementing institutions: Municipality of Viti – Lead Partner
Municipality of Kriva Palanka – Partner
Website: https://kk.rks-gov.net/viti/
http://www.krivapalanka.gov.mk/
Duration: 18 months
Project value: EUR 312,917.09
EU Contribution: EUR 195,510.60
Co-financing: EUR 117,406.49
The joint action "Tourism without borders" between Municipality of Viti, Republic of Kosovo, and
Municipality of Kriva Palanka, Republic of Macedonia, came as result of direct meetings and discussions between mayors from both municipalities. Both mayors agreed to jointly prepare this action proposal, which will be focused in promoting tourism and natural heritage, considered vital for long term development of both municipalities. Therefore, as such, the main objective of the action aims at improving current conditions and infrastructure in both municipalities in order to enhance and further promote tourism and natural heritage in two municipalities, but not only.
Subsequently, as result of the action, tourism potentials in both municipalities are enhanced and regional values further promoted.
Municipality of Viti is located in South- East of Kosovo, bordering with Republic of Macedonia, with around 50,000 inhabitants. Among many natural resources for development of tourism in the municipality, Morava e Binces river is among few with great potentials for promoting tourism, natural heritage, mountaineering activities, and healthy living in general River runs in the middle of the territory of Viti municipality and since forever has been of paramount importance for development of agriculture and providing potable water for famers and citizens of the municipality. In addition to that, lately, the river has been identified as an attractive touristic asset for the municipality given the interest of visitors in visiting the river all the way from its source in the mountains. The whole path (riverbed), of around 10 km, runs through mountains and valley, which makes it especially attractive for lovers of walking in nature, outdoor activities, and researchers interested in natural heritage. Nevertheless, lack of financial resources by the Municipality of Viti to invest in the improvement of the infrastructure has prevented full exploration and exploitation of these resources by tourists and visitors.
Furthermore, in addition to natural resources described above, there are other cultural and touristic sites in the municipality, which might be very attractive for tourists and visitors not only from Kosovo but also from Europe, but are not fully exploited by tourists due to lack of expertise and trained staff in the management and provision of tourism services and products. One cultural attraction to mention is the "Black Maddona" day in village Letnica on 15th of August, where around 10,000 catholic pilgrims, from Kosovo and whole Europe, are gathered to perform religious rituals.
Municipality of Kriva Palanka is located in North- East of Republic of Macedonia, close to the border with Republic of Serbia and Republic of Bulgaria, with around 21,000 inhabitants. It is widely known for its natural resources attractive for tourists and visitors. Cross-border region Kosovo Macedonia has a great variety of cultural and natural heritage tourism attractions. Unfortunately all that tourist treasure has been abandoned or not well maintained for decades. The region with its stunning landscapes ensure plenty of pleasant moments for road-testing a range of outdoor adventures on a scene that has huge potential but is still largely managed by enthusiasts.
Overall objective: Encouraging tourism, culture and natural heritage
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
Thematic Priority: Encouraging tourism, cultural and natural heritage
Implementing institutions: Union-National Council for Gender Equality – Lead Partner
Centre for Women Dera e Hapur – Partner
Website: http://www.sozm.org.mk/
http://www.womensnetwork.org/?FaqeID=34&n=10
Duration: 20 months
Project value: EUR 228,945.60
EU Contribution: EUR 179,264.40
Co-financing: EUR 49,681.20
This action will be implemented through activities to promote equal opportunities for marginalized groups through fostering gender balance and encouraging involvement of women and youth society level on introducing traditional, cultural and national values of Kosovo and Macedonia.
Action specific objectives will be undertaken to improve tourism services by promoting and preserving in particular the intangible cultural heritage values through encouraging involvement of grass root communities, local, regional, national institutions and business community in developing and expending business opportunities and trade relations. Artisanal artists around the bordering area will increase their capacities through valorisation and marketing of their products. Through this action the entrepreneurial skills of the targeted groups and the quality of touristic offers will highly improve and become more competitive. On the other hand the traditional handicrafts and culinary services will be preserved and promoted.
This way the overall impact of the action will contribute to the diversification of the touristic offer, economic growth and overall socioeconomic development in the Northern region of Macedonia and the
East economic Region of Kosovo.
Overall objective: Fostering gender balance and youth society level by encouraging the involvement of women and youth in the introduction of the cultural, traditional and national values of Kosovo and Macedonia
Specific objectives:
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
60 new handicrafts products available in the market and an increase in the workforce with at least 55 new artisans providing new products and services within the intangible cultural heritage
Thematic Priority: Encouraging tourism, cultural and natural heritage
Implementing institutions: DTTU Radika Rezor Dooel – Lead Partner
Maja e zeze Limited Liability Company – Partner
Website: www.radika.com.mk
Duration: 18 months
Project value: EUR 386,054.56
EU Contribution: EUR 200,000.00
Co-financing: EUR 186,054.56
The project is based on existing potentials of the both tourism businesses (Radika and Maja e Zeze) in bordering areas, the main challenges and shortcomings that are impacting sustainable and social economic development of the area. In addition, the selected thematic priority encompass subject matters and types of interventions of common interest, benefiting a broad spectrum of institution organization and businesses located on both sides of the border.
Enhancing rural tourism in cross-border region through engagement of two businesses in development of attraction points and improving quality of products and services will promote joint initiatives and integrated actions in to sustainable use of natural and cultural heritage resources, and fostering tourism development as one of the most important economic sectors furthering economic growth and better living conditions of the community.
The proposed project is in correlation with the specific objectives the tourism potential are enhanced and regional values further promoted through achieving the proposed results are in full harmony with the cross-border countries' objective to increase contribution in sustainable employment, rural tourism, and economic growth of Macedonia and Kosovo as well as.
In general, the actions relevant to specific themes on Tourism potentials are enhanced and regional values further promoted which will:
Overall objective: Enhancing rural tourism in cross border region through engagement of two businesses in development of attraction points and improving the quality of products and services
Specific objectives:
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
Thematic Priority: Enhancing competitiveness, business and SME development, trade and investments
Implementing institutions: Municipality of Gjilan – Lead Partner
Municipality of Kumanovo – Partner
Website: https://kk.rks-gov.net/gjilan/
Duration: 18 months
Project value: EUR 324,766.11
EU Contribution: EUR 196,905.70
Co-financing: EUR 127,860.41
Municipality of Gjilan, as well as Municipality of Kumanovo are facing the obstacles with their markets where it affects its sellers and farmers. In one side Gjilan's green market is functional since 1960, since that time been some minor improvements as a result of lack of stalls some of the sellers use sidewalks where their fresh product is exposed to the sun, especially during the summer season. In other side,
Municipality of Kumanovo, has similar issue with its green market, since the one has been established since 1989. Even though, there are engagements in ensuing better conditions in the markets for customers there has been identified some crucial interventions that will contribute in advancing markets in both sides with the purpose to give better conditions to the market traders in one side and reducing costs in maintain markets in other side. In order to achieve the proposed objectives there has been identified pre-project situation that is in line with the Cross-border call. Municipality of Gjilan has 239 closed stalls and 237 opened stalls where is lack of infrastructure and sector organizing inside the area. Municipality of Kumanovo has 589 stalls in markets, where there is situation in need to reduce the energy use and introduce of energy efficiency; reduce of waste and pollution, building local potential and adding economic value to the local level.
Nowadays, advanced commercial shopping centres have created some difficulties in sales, since they have created more attractive places and as a result, most of the products are imported from the other countries. The reason behind this is because the producers from other countries have more experience in grading and are more organized with documentation and other tax and administrative procedures, as a result some farmers have facing obstacles in selling their products. Therefore, intervention in improving infrastructure, training farmers in grading and entrepreneurship together with branding fresh products of the cross-border region and promotion and organizing cross-border region fairs for fresh products will bring back trust of the local producers and the same will increase consumption of the fresh products for the local consumers that is in high demand.
Overall objective: Maximizing sales and profit of farmers local fresh products in Municipality of Gjilan and Municipality of Kumanovo through organizing advanced green market
Specific objectives:
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
Thematic Priority: Encouraging tourism, cultural and natural heritage
Implementing institutions:
Lead Partner - Kosovo Foundation for Cultural Heritage Without Borders – CHWB Kosovo
Partner - Association for promotion of sustainable development Institute Balkan pro Europe Skopje (IBPE)
Website: http://chwb.org/kosovo/
Duration: 24 months
Project value: EUR 234,133.12
EU Contribution: EUR 199,013.15
Co-financing: EUR 35,119.97
The platform Local Cultural Heritage Forum through a series of meetings, workshops and study visits, will draft a local Heritage priority List for the cultural heritage, taking into consideration the needs and priorities of the relevant municipalities in the East and South Economic Regions in Kosovo and Skopje and Northeast Region in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Local Cultural Heritage Forums will create favorable conditions for strengthening the capacity and mobilization of the civil society. CSOs will have the opportunity to be an active part of the decision making for the local priorities in the field of culture and natural heritage.
Overall objective: To contribute to the establishment of favorable conditions for social cohesion, cooperation and cultural exchange between institutional and CSO representatives from Kosovo and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Specific objectives:
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
Thematic Priority: Enhancing competitiveness, business and SME development, trade and investment
Implementing institutions: Kreacija Association of Business and consultants – ZBK Kreacija Skopje
Advocacy training and resource center – ATRC Prishtina, Kosovo
Association for development initiatives ZENITH – Association ZENITH Skopje
Website: https://www.kreacija.org/
Duration: 24 months
Project value: EUR 226,663.38
EU Contribution: EUR 192,641.21
Co-financing: EUR 34,022.17
The EU reports for Macedonia and Kosovo express concerns on serious challenges in developing their competitiveness and ability to cope with market pressures relater to EU accession. Despite some improvements in investment climate and the infrastructure of both countries and their cross-border areas, the exports are still predominantly dominated by low value added goods and lack of innovation, leading to problems with high unemployment, low participation rates of the labour market especially among woman and youth and migration to mire developed regions and countries. The potentials of the creative industries in both countries are yet adequately utilized. Among these innovative industries the handicraft sector draws attention as one which requires little start up investment and is characterized with growing foreign markets with high profit margins. Competitiveness and innovation in this sector is dependent on ability of artisans to interact and fuse skills, design philosophies, production techniques and branding approaches as well as on their ability to cluster and cooperate in building support common structures. Artisans need support in offering products based on product differentiation strategy, developing market access infrastructure and logistics.
Overall objective: Contribute to economic development and social inclusion in the cross border area of the East Region in Kosovo as well as the Northeast and Skopje Region in Macedonia through income generation of start-ups and micro enterprises
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
Thematic Priority: Encouraging tourism, cultural and natural heritage
Implementing institutions: Center for sustainable development ALKA Skopje – Lead Partner
Shoqata Aplinistike Marimangat e Pejes - Marimanga – NGO, Kosovo
Shoqata bjeshkatare SHARRI Prizren, Kosovo
Association for alternative Balkan tourism Balkanija Skopje, Macedonia –
Website: http://www.alka.org.mk/
Duration: 24 months
Project value: EUR 229,888.90
EU Contribution: EUR 195,400.00
Co-financing: EUR 34,488.90
Tourism signifies the third largest economic sector in EU and despite challenges such as the economic crisis, it still predicted to grow. Moreover, tourism in format of rural regional tours is getting event higher viable niche in overall tourism sector. Promoting concept of rural regional routes and promoting existing tourism services, cultural and natural resources along the routes represents a package that is wanted and familiar in many EU countries. In the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia ad Kosovo, local/rural tourism has various forms (agro/eco-tourism) cultural/monastery, wilderness hunting, spa and more). But is a small and well below its real potentials.
Mapping, arranging and then promoting the existing and potential routes or regional routes will provide an opportunity to join all tourism services and tourism forms into a one well established regional tourism offer. Also the existing knowledge of the local tourist animators/guides can be properly challenged and upgraded into a better service. Local rural facilities appropriate for accommodation will get opportunity to raise awareness of their own potential for further economic growth by offering higher and various quality services.
Local capacities for sustainable development of all mentioned and related sectors, independently is inhibited by the size of the countries such as Macedonia and Kosovo. Knowledge about the reliance of the related sectors, and the overall experience of the projects partners in tourism and its field practices made the project team to believe that efforts should be made to develop economically/environmentally sound action which will use the same physical spaces and natural resources much more efficiently.
Overall objective: Enhance tourism potential and promote regional values of CB region.
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
Thematic Priority: Encouraging tourism, cultural and natural heritage
Implementing institutions: CeProSard – Center for promotion of sustainable agricultural practices and rural development – Skopje
Regional Development Agency South – RDA South Kosovo
Municipality of Tetovo - Macedonia
Website: http://www.ceprosard.org.mk/en/
Duration: 24 months
Project value: EUR 200,924.50
EU Contribution: EUR 149,005.60
Co-financing: EUR 51,918.90
The action “Fostering rural and environmental tourism through SMART touristic information centres FRET-STIC” proposes establishment of four networked tourism information centers (TIC) in cross border region set in Sharra, employing a common operational platform – involving standardized business processes, as well as a software platform to support the concept.
Overall objective: Development, promotion and presentation of local and regional tourism through innovative approached and systems for improved rural and environmental experiences
Direct Beneficiaries:
CSOs, SMEs, Cluster of tourism, Chamber of Commerce
Results:
Thematic Priority: Encouraging tourism, cultural and natural heritage
Implementing institutions:
Lead Partner: Kosovo Foundation for Cultural Heritage without Borders, CHwB
Partner: Foundation for development of small and medium enterprises - Skopje
Website: http://chwb.org/kosovo/
Duration: 24 months
Project value: EUR 348,285.00
EU Contribution: EUR 294,078.00
Co-financing: EUR 54,207.00
Kosovo and FYROM are no exception in the shared common history and rich cultural heritage of the Western Balkans, yet, the political climate in the Balkans has at times hindered the process of acknowledgement and acceptance of common values.
Cultural heritage is widely seen as means for strengthening cooperation between communities and building social cohesion while aiming sustainable economic growth through joint efforts. Despite the large number of monuments of cultural heritage in Kosovo and Macedonia, the role of cultural heritage in social, cultural and economic development remains small.
The number of employees in the tourism sector is very low. Kosovo's GDP comes only 3.6% from tourism while for Macedonia the share is 5.2%.
For most of cultural heritage sites, the public knows very little about, including the local and international tourists. Most of these buildings are inaccessible, closed to the public, while the open ones do not provide enough information about their history and values. There is a lack of basic information including the name of the building, the protection status and the schedule of visits. Furthermore, these sites do not have any relation or connection between them. Institutions were not able to make any thematic interrelationship between different sites, although they might origin from the same period, belong to a same style or interpret a same story.
Mother Teresa is a global symbol of love and peace, but her life is often subject to biased interpretations, resulting in tensed rhetoric among some communities in Kosovo and Macedonia. Utilization of a Cultural Route that shows Mother Teresa’s early years would bring an opportunity for the sites related to her early life to be officially evidenced. Additionally, all relevant actors would sit together and reach an agreement on the historical facts surrounding her life. The concerned actors would act as a platform for cooperation and look into the opportunities of what their partnership can bring in terms of improvement of wellbeing of the community and share the responsibilities for the management and operation of the route. The actions proposed for the operation of the Cultural Route will substantially contribute towards the stimulation of sustainable economic growth and the improvement of the quality of life for the communities of the affected municipalities through the promotion of culture for generation of employment opportunities, creation of new businesses, development of the labour skills and relevant competences of the community in running small and medium size businesses.
The preliminary search that we have conducted show that the sites that are subject to the early life of Mother Teresa extend in the region covered by this call for applications, more specifically the municipalities in the City of Skopje and Cucer Sandevo Municipality in FYROM and the municipalities of Viti/Vitina and Prizren in Kosovo.
Overall objective: Contribute in strengthening the cooperation between the institutions, the CSOs and the community in Kosovo and FYROM through recognition of shared values towards joint economic growth
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
Thematic Priority: Protecting the environment, promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management
Implementing institutions: Municipality of Gazi Baba – Lead Partner
Municipality of Hani i Elezit – Partner
Website: http://www.gazibaba.gov.mk/mk
https://kk.rks-gov.net/haniielezit/en/
Duration: 18 months
Project value: EUR 386,592.08
EU Contribution: EUR 309,273.00
Co-financing: EUR 77,319.08
The background to the preparation of the action is based on the Municipal “Strategy of the Local Economy Development” and the document “Objectives of the development program” from Municipality of Gazi Baba and on the “Strategy of socio-economic development of Hani i Elezit” from Municipality of Hani i Elezit. Main focus in the “Objectives of the development program” from Municipality of Gazi Baba is given to improvement to the quality of life of the inhabitants of rural settlements located on the slopes of Skopska Crna Gora, through the construction of the primary sewage system by the end of 2020; to create communal preconditions for dynamic rural development of settlements spread on the slopes of Skopska Crna Gora; protection of the environment and health of the inhabitants of the rural settlements, to create assumptions for the development of the local economy through the construction of the primary fecal network. The “Strategy of socio-economic development of Hani i Elezit” from municipality of Hani i Elezit provides analyses for the content of this action, the analyses mainly focused in the social development and wastewater and sewage system improvements. The proposed project is based on the priority adaptation option identified in the Local Environment Action Plan 2013-2019 of Municipality of Gazi Baba, specifically identification and assessment of environment conditions and fecal and atmospheric sewage treatment of wastewater. In the same line Local Environment Action Plan 2012-2017 of the Municipality of Hani i Elezit presents contexts and bases for the design of the action to protect the environment, promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management.
Overall objective: Protecting the environment, promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management
Direct Beneficiaries:
Municipalities of Gazi Baba and Hani i Elezit, respectively
Results:
Thematic Priority: Protecting the environment, promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management
Implementing institutions: P.E. Hidromorava Gjilan – Lead Partner
P.E. Vodovod Kumanovo – Partner
Website: https://www.kru-hidromorava.com
http://www.vodovod-kumanovo.com.mk/
Duration: 20 months
Project value: EUR 553,319.36
EU Contribution: EUR 470,000.00
Co-financing: EUR 83,319.36
From previous feasibility analysis yearly atmospheric rainfall average rainfalls in the cross-border area are 640mm/year, the most raining periods are during November and December, the better use of atmospheric rainfall and prevention of flooding in the cities is in high important for both public utility companies.
Both partners of the proposed action are experienced in wastewater/sewage and water supply.
Regional Public Utility Enterprise Hidromorava was founded in 1940 with purpose of water supply. Today it is registered as a joint stock company, wholly owned by the Kosovo’s Governement. The Company manages and operates the water and wastewater systems in six municipalities (Gjilan, Kamenica, Ranilug, Partes, Kllokot and Vitia) serving a total of 19,110 households. Its water division produces 7.6 million m3 of drinking water per year and collects 2.7 million m3 of wastewater.
Public Enterprise Vodovod Kumanovo was founded in 1956 for the purpose of performing economic activity of public interest in the area of water supply and sewerage by the Municipality of Kumanovo. Main activities of Public Utility Enterprise are: water supply of Kumanovo area, drainage of wastewater and stormwater maintenance.
The both partners with their experts have prepared technical documentation in one side Regional Public Utility Company “Hidromorava” and in other side Public Utility Company “Vodovod”- Kumanovo in order to successfully implement successfully the action as well as to achieve the proposed objectives.
Overall objective: Enhancement of environment pollution in cross-border area
Specific Objectives:
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
Thematic Priority: Protecting the environment, promoting climate change adaptation and mitigation, risk prevention and management
Implementing institutions: Municipality of Gjilan, Kosovo – Lead Partner
Municipality of Kumanovo, North Macedonia – Partner
Website: https://kk.rks-gov.net/gjilan/
https://kumanovo.gov.mk/
Duration: 20 months
Project value: EUR 477,144.92
EU Contribution: EUR 350,000.00
Co-financing: EUR 127,144.92
The action’s goal is promotion and increment of the value of cultural heritage, both of the single monument and the whole urban unit. It will also increase the number and quality of museum products and services and significant growth in visiting numbers is expected in the period after the project is completed. By following relevant national and European strategies for cultural sector, new trends of museum development in the 21st century and social responsibility linked with users and audience, the museum aims to provide answers to new approaches, especially those connected to economic impact and linked with cultural tourism
The key stakeholders of the action are local governance institutions in particular the Departments for Cultural and Sports, Departments for economic development, Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, regional development agencies, Local women and youth NGO’s, Chambers of commerce of the targeted municipalities and regions. It is foreseen to formalize cooperation between the project and abovementioned institutions. In this manner, the project will be sustainable to avoid any obstacles which may occur while also having a wider impact on sector development of both targeted countries.
During the pre-project preparation phase consultation, meetings have been held with all relevant stakeholders and all of them have shown their willingness and readiness to collaborate and contribute to the implementation of this action. Some of the stakeholders have experience with cross-border concept and project preparation and implementation. The stakeholders have committed themselves to strongly support implementation of this action. During the implementation phase of the project it is foreseen to regularly update the stakeholders on project progress through regular meetings. The stakeholders will participate in the action’s milestone events and will be members of Intangible Cultural Heritage Cross border cooperation body. With their extensive experience, they will assist on providing data and information from the field, diligently help to implement the planned project activities and establish a sense of successful cooperation between the target groups in both countries.
Overall objective: Bring investments and marketing into the cross-border area to promote it as a tourism destination and enhance cultural and natural heritage values through conservation and restoration of an old building and establishing traditional cultural events in the cross-border area
Specific Objectives:
Direct Beneficiaries:
Results:
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