Municipality of Sliven
UNITY MAKES STRENGTH
With funding from the "Europe for Citizens" program, a business destination "Sliven - Yambol Region" is being developed. The two regional municipalities, as well as the surrounding smaller ones (Tvarditsa, Tundzha, Kotel) have long been considered by investors as a single economic zone. It has preserved long traditions and leading industries in areas such as textiles, food industry, machine building, intensive agriculture. The traditions in secondary and vocational education are good. Municipalities invest heavily in building a good living environment for various European projects - in educational and cultural infrastructure, transport and public works. There is a good strategic connection - highway and railway. transport. Local and foreign businessmen can count on more than 300 people as a market and source of labor.
On the one hand, the profile serves as a basis for marketing and communication with the business - it provides up-to-date information for finding sites, connecting to the local system of business service providers, educational institutions, recruitment and training opportunities. On the other hand, profile studies provide guidance on what is needed as an effort and investment in a regional and municipal plan to stimulate local economic recovery.
Municipalities in the region have one of the best age structures in the country. Much of it is from vulnerable groups. This potential can be harnessed for economic development through retention measures at school, continuation of secondary education and subsequent more active and qualitative inclusion in the labor market.
An incentive for development will be investments in better connectivity between municipalities (such as the construction of a four-lane road Sliven-Yambol) and access to economic zones. Suitable terrain between the two municipalities for the construction of a new economic center is on the site of the former airport - Sliven. The potential in tourism can be developed through regional tourist products / routes and renewal of the tourist infrastructure.
Municipality of Rakovski
ESTABLISHMENT OF MUNICIPAL ENTERPRISE FOR PUBLIC WORKS AND PREVENTION Municipal Enterprise "Public Works and Prevention"
The municipality of Rakovski is located in southern Bulgaria, in the eastern part of the fertile Pazardzhik-Plovdiv field of the Upper Thracian Plain. The municipality comprises seven settlements - Stryama, Shishmantsi, Belozem, Chalakovi, Bolyarino, Momino selo and the town of Rakovski, each with a population of less than 10 inhabitants except the city.
A small part of the streets are paved. This gave rise to the need to create a municipal enterprise that would be able to asphalt as large sections of the street network as possible. The first in Bulgaria municipal enterprise "Public Works and Prevention" registered in the Chamber of Builders was established in 2017. Its main goal is to carry out activities that improve the infrastructure of the Municipality of Rakovski, namely - rehabilitation of the street network, improvement and maintenance of public areas. The financial results are impressive - the funds for asphalting, which are planned in the budget of the Municipality, are sufficient for twice as many square meters of asphalt, compared to the implementation of this activity by external companies. Thanks to the Municipal Enterprise, the savings generated by the asphalting of a section is about 50% of the quantitative value account. Dusty and muddy streets began to turn into completely renovated roads, created with a well-prepared foundation and precisely laid asphalt, for which no money is spared. Maximum quality has been achieved.
Creating a municipal enterprise is not an easy task. Registering with the Chamber of Builders is also a challenge. But when a person has the desire and makes the necessary efforts, there are no impossible things. Municipal Enterprise "Public Works and Prevention" is the top innovation of the Municipality of Rakovski. We have created a modern material base. We supported local employment - we selected and built a strong team of workers, led by a willing and powerful director. It is extremely important to properly select local staff to deal daily with the challenges of the field and at the same time to work as a team and in sync.
The municipality, as a primary manager of budget funds, exercises control over both the technical implementation on the ground and the financial discipline. Municipal enterprise "Public Works and Prevention", in turn, follows the strictly regulated instructions in the Rules of Procedure of the enterprise, so that the work process runs smoothly and smoothly.
Socio-economic integration of marginalized communities
Based on the experience gained, the municipality plans to implement a project for a municipal social enterprise to work for the benefit of vulnerable groups.
It is envisaged to provide innovative health, social and educational services through the construction of two centers, called "houses" in the villages of the municipality, which lack existing educational institutions - kindergartens and schools. "Houses" are furnished and equipped premises of municipal buildings. Social and health mediators and pedagogues will work in them. The activity is mainly focused on hygiene habits, health and education of Roma children and their families. The aim is to cover poor and uneducated families and to solve their problems related to improving health status, reducing poverty, unfavorable living environment and lifestyle, as well as to act to improve educational and professional qualifications and finding work. .
Parvomay Municipality
LOCAL TRADITIONS AND PARTICIPATION IN TRAKIA ECONOMIC ZONE
The economic development in the municipality of Parvomay in recent years has followed a positive trend. The majority of businesses operate in food processing (traditional agricultural products), trade and services, agriculture, forestry and fisheries. The prospects for the economic development of Parvomay municipality are mainly related to attracting investors and stimulating local enterprises for the development of the processing industry, transport and establishing connections with other countries, as well as the development of tourism. Trakia Economic Zone is one of the largest economic projects in Bulgaria. Its scope of activity is industrial construction, building, improvement and operation of industrial and commercial areas, including existing infrastructure, including for the construction and improvement of buildings, roads, transport terminals and communication links, public utilities, etc. XNUMX municipalities and hundreds of industrial enterprises have joined forces to develop Trakia Economic Zone. In addition to providing conditions for creating employment, the municipality implements dozens of projects related to improving basic services and infrastructure to make the living environment also attractive or not to lag behind that in other municipalities in the region. Together with the local business, the municipality plans to intensify tourism and develop opportunities for cultural growth. The area around the villages of Ezerovo - Dragoynovo - Bukovo with many Thracian, Byzantine and early Christian monuments has the greatest potential in this respect. The actions for socialisation of these monuments will be connected with the regular and popular cultural holidays: the Festival of Thracian Music and Song and the UGAR Festival -- mystical and ancient, held with the assistance of community cultural centres and NGOs.
The prospects for the economic development of Parvomay Municipality are mainly related to attracting investors and stimulating the local enterprises for the development of the processing industry, transport and establishing relations with other countries, as well as the development of tourism.
The Thracian Economic Zone is one of the largest economic projects in Bulgaria. Its activity is industrial construction, construction, improvement and operation of industrial and commercial areas, including existing infrastructure, including the construction and improvement of buildings, roads, transport terminals and communication links, public works, etc. For the development of the Thracian Economic Zone, 9 municipalities and hundreds of industrial enterprises have been united.
In addition to providing employment creation conditions, the municipality is also implementing dozens of projects related to improving basic services and infrastructure to make the living environment attractive or not lagging behind that in other municipalities in the region.
Together with the local business, the municipality plans to activate tourism and develop cultural opportunities. The greatest potential in this respect is the area around the villages of Ezerovo - Dragoinovo - Bukovo with many Thracian, Byzantine and early Christian monuments. Activities to socialize these monuments will be linked to regular and popular cultural holidays: the Thracian Music and Song Festival and the Ugar-Mystical and Ancient Festival, with the assistance of community centers and NGOs.
Tutrakan Municipality
MORE TOURISM AND TRANSPORT
The available natural resources in combination with many cultural and historical monuments enable the municipality of Tutrakan to development of tourismNatural resources, combined with many cultural and historical monuments, put Tutrakan municipality in a good position to develop tourism. An important prerequisite is the location of the municipality on the largest transport highway in Europe - the Danube River, crossed by important European and national transport corridors, halfway between the regional cities of Ruse and Silistra and being part of the international Danube biking and river routes. Taking advantage of these resources, the municipality socializes and renews with EU funding the most important cultural sites - ancient castle Transmariska and settlement Ribarska Mahala. Conservation, restoration and exhibition of towers and fortress walls of Transmariska were carried out. The public works at Ribarska Mahala made it possible to create and successfully operate a visitor centre, an ethnographic museum on fishermen’s life, workshops for making fishing nets and souvenirs as well and winery. An artistic-architectural and ensemble system Sound and Light was built. These activities provided an opportunity to attract tourists and to develop economic activities. Jobs and retail outlets were opened. Based on the achieved results, the municipality plans new measures to diversify local economy and create opportunities to start a business. Transport and logistics are promising sectors – in view of the geographical position. It is necessary to renovate and modernize the river port, both for tourism and river transport. The port area is also suitable for attracting investors from the food and processing industry or for expanding the activity of enterprises operating in the municipality.
Taking advantage of these conditions, the municipality socialized and renovated with European funding the most important cultural sites - the ancient castle "Transmariska" and the village "Fisherman's Quarter". Conservation, restoration and exhibition of towers and fortress walls of "Transmariska" were carried out. The improvement of the "Fisherman's Quarter" allowed the establishment and successful operation of a visitor center, ethnographic house-museum "The Fisherman's Life", a workshop for knitting fishing nets, a souvenir workshop and a winery. An artistic-architectural and ensemble system "Sound and Light" was built to illuminate the cultural monuments. These activities provided an opportunity to attract tourists and to develop economic activities related to their service. Jobs and commercial sites for accommodation and meals in unison with the atmosphere and character of the architectural and ethnographic reserve were opened, ie. skillfully related to the livelihood and way of life of fishermen.
Based on the results achieved so far, the municipality is planning new measures to diversify the local economy and create an opportunity to start a business. Transport and logistics can be considered as a sector with potential given the geographical location of the municipality. It is necessary to upgrade and modernize the river port, both for tourism and inland waterway transport. The port area is also suitable for attracting investors from the food and processing industry or for expanding the enterprises operating on the territory of the municipality.
Chavdar Municipality
BULGARIA’S SWISS VILLAGE
The good practice that Chavdar Municipality presents is the established municipal enterprise based on the principle of social entrepreneurship. The company was formed within the framework of the project implementation "Social enterprise in the area of recreation and entertainment services to Chavdar municipality ” The good practice of Chavdar municipality is the established municipal enterprise on the principle of social entrepreneurship. It was set up within the project ‘Social enterprise in the field of leisure and entertainment services in the municipality Chavdar’ under OP Human Resources Development 2014-2020. The good practice can be summed up in a new approach to the concept of offering assistance and care in the social sphere - social services are not provided directly but by creating a guaranteed opportunity for employment and benefits. The social enterprise was created in the context of some of the most serious local challenges - the migration of young people, the aging population, the uncompetitiveness of those remaining outside the labour market. As the unemployment rate in the municipality is low due to the proximity of the three large enterprises in the mining and processing industry, the unemployed are mainly people with low qualifications and experience. The efforts of the municipality to create this type of employment are aimed at solving this problem. Chavdar’s Municipal Council decided to set up a social enterprise in the structure of the municipality and adopted rules for its operation. Thus, full employment was provided to persons from the vulnerable target groups: unemployed young people up to XNUMX years old, unemployed persons over XNUMX years old, long-term unemployed persons and mothers of children up to the age of XNUMX. The company's staff consists of general labourers, drivers, animators and organizers of activities. All of them are committed to supporting tourism infrastructure and animation activities in guided visits to the municipality at three main sites – the Chavdar Folklore Centre, the Topolnitsa Archaeological Park, and the sports and tourist attraction. With the help of tour operators, in March - November we organise frequent visits of tourists and the social enterprise is actively involved. Additionally, a new tourist service appeared. As part of the project, a XNUMXxXNUMX offroad vehicle was purchased, whereby drivers orffer, for a fee, transportation of visitors to the Kazanite natural landmark. It is located about XNUMX km from the village of Chavdar high in a mountainous area and consists of five small waterfalls that flow into each other. The access to the area is difficult in the last kilometres, so the social enterprise offers transport of the groups to the Kazanite. The municipal projects have helped Chavdar find its place on the tourist map, and the large number of visitors is at the same time a significant market potential for local products and services. Although still insufficient, it has already started offering products from local producers to tourists - cheese, pasta, honey, homemade jam. Turning visitors into consumers of local products is a complicated task where the municipality has focused its efforts. In the municipality of Chavdar the public infrastructure is in excellent condition and this allows channelling the efforts into new endeavours. The available tourist infrastructure is an important asset and the municipality plans to expand its scope and functionality. This potential will be used to create new products and services. An example thereof is the new marketing product currently under development. Guest houses are now being built by private investors to unfold a good potential for development of tourism in the municipality, meant to address the existing shortage of accommodation. Thus, the one-day visits that currently prevail will turn into multi-day visits and will have a higher added value for the local economy. The second line of action is based on the presence of large forest areas and arable land - both municipal property. The forest is managed by a municipal enterprise. Currently, the municipality of Chavdar provides its agricultural land for rent, but when starting its own business, some of this land can be cultivated by employees of the municipality (or the municipal enterprise) from vulnerable social groups who are outside the labour market.
A decision was made by the Chavdar Municipal Council on the basis of Art. 52 and 53 of the LPA for the establishment of a social enterprise in the structure of the municipality and regulations for its activity were adopted. As a result, full employment was provided to persons from the vulnerable target groups: unemployed youth up to 29 years of age, unemployed persons over 54 years of age, long-term unemployed persons and mothers of children up to 5 years of age. The company's staff consists of general workers, drivers , animators and organizers of activities. All of them are engaged in maintenance of the tourist infrastructure and animation activities during organized visits to the municipality in three main sites - Chavdar Folklore Center, Topolnitsa Archaeological Park and Sports and Tourist Attraction. In the period March-November, frequent visits are organized by tourists through tour operators, and the social enterprise actively participates in this.
In addition, a new tourist service appeared on the territory of Chavdar Municipality. A high-performance 4x4 car was purchased as part of the project, with which the hired drivers arrange for the transportation of willing visitors to the Kazan natural landmark for a fee. It is located about 7 km from the village of Chavdar high in a mountainous area and represents five small waterfalls that overflow into each other. As access to the area is difficult in the last few kilometers, the social enterprise offers organized transportation of the groups to the Kazan. This ensures greater accessibility to this tourist site and generates additional revenue.
With the realized municipal projects, Chavdar has already taken its place on the tourist map, and the large number of visitors is at the same time a significant market potential for local products and services. Although still not enough, the emergence of products from local tourist producers has begun - cheese, pasta, honey, homemade sweet. Turning visitors into consumers of local products is a complex task in which the municipality has focused its efforts.
In the municipality of Chavdar, public infrastructure is in excellent condition and this allows directing efforts in new directions. The available tourist infrastructure is an important asset in this regard and the municipality plans to expand its scope and functionality. This potential will therefore be harnessed and new products and services created. An example of this is the development of a new marketing product. Currently built guest houses by private investors also represent good potential for tourism development in the municipality, which is coming to fill the existing shortage of accommodation. Thus, the one-day visits that currently prevail will translate into multi-day visits and have a higher added value for the local economy.
The second line of action is based on the presence of large areas of forest and arable land - both municipal property. The forest is managed by a municipal enterprise. Currently, the municipality of Chavdar provides its agricultural land for rent, but when starting its own business, some of this land can also be cultivated by persons employed by the municipality (or municipal enterprise) from vulnerable social groups outside the labor market.
Botevgrad municipality
BEAUTIFUL MUNICIPALITY PROGRAMME
The programme aims to provide an opportunity to improve the appearance of public spaces, green areas and other places in the municipality and turning them into attractive areas for social interaction and recreation. Promoting responsibility and activity of the population in terms of cultivation, public works and remodeling of the settlements intensifies social factors in small communities and encourages voluntary initiatives. In this way, the aim is to form a lasting ecological culture and a sense of responsibility in the protection of green spaces among residents. The initiative requires joint work of citizens and institutions, and the main challenge remains the management and preservation of the improved spaces. The programme can track the existence of an active citizens' initiative, and if financial resources are available and on the basis of increased interest and proposals from residents, the municipality can expand the scope of the programme in the future. The Botevgrad industrial and technological zone is one of the leading industrial centres of Western Bulgaria. It concentrates a large number of companies operating in various business segments, such as electronics, mechanical engineering, metalworking, component production, textile industry, woodworking, food, etc. The area covers XNUMX settlements, with a total population of XNUMX thousand people (a total of XNUMX people with neighbouring municipalities) with a beautiful and quiet centre - Botevgrad. Along with the favourable location, the qualified workforce, the educational institutions and the diligent local administration, the investors in the area get a great ratio of cost to quality of the workforce and balance between work and free time. The zone expansion is a possible solution to promote employment in the municipality of Botevgrad and in neighbouring municipalities.
By promoting the responsibility and activity of the population with regard to enrichment, urbanization and beautification of the settlements on the territory of the municipality, the aim is to strengthen the social factor in the small communities and to encourage voluntary initiatives in them. In this way, the aim is to create a lasting ecological culture and a sense of responsibility in the protection of green spaces in the inhabitants
The initiative requires the collaboration of citizens and institutions, with the main challenge remaining to manage and preserve the enriched spaces.
The program can trace the presence of an active citizenship initiative, possibly with the availability of financial resources and on the basis of increased interest and suggestions received from the residents of the municipality in the future to extend the scope of the program.
Botevgrad Industrial and Technological Zone is one of the leading industrial centers in western Bulgaria. It concentrates a large number of companies operating in various business segments, such as electronics, mechanical engineering, metalworking, component production, garment industry, woodworking, food and more. The area covers 13 settlements, with a total population of 31 thousand people. (a total of 148 people with neighboring municipalities) with a beautiful and quiet center - Botevgrad. Along with the favorable location, the professional workforce, the educational institutions and the caring local administration, the investors in the area receive a great ratio between costs, quality of the workforce and a balance between work and leisure. The expansion of the zone is a possible solution for promoting employment in the municipality of Botevgrad and in the neighboring municipalities.
Burgas municipality
IT IS BALGAROVO’S TURNо IT IS BALGAROVO’S TURN
Burgas is a city with great economic potential, based on location, transport and commercial connections. The depletion of the capacity of the available sites in the Industrial Logistics Park - Burgas, located in the industrial zone North in 2017, necessitates the search for new production sites. That is why in 2018 phase 2 of the Industrial Logistics Park started, but this time on a territory of 600 decares in the village of Balgarovo.
Bulgarovo Industrial Zone is a priority target area in which the Municipality invests funds for construction of infrastructure. The detailed general plan envisages the separation of 13 regulated land plots intended for industrial construction, one for public service, one for sewage pumping station and 11 for high-tech production. The well-developed railway and road infrastructure will connect the area with the port of Burgas and the international airport. In 2018, construction of the lead infrastructure, underground communications began. The basic infrastructure is in place. The area is supplied with electricity, water supply and sewerage systems are in place. The production base of the first investor in the area has been built and the production base of an Italian manufacturer of details for the footwear industry is currently being built. The construction of trade and service bases for agricultural machinery, production of water supply and sewerage systems for sewage networks, warehouse for agricultural production, workshop for the production of Italian paste, assembly of vending machines are forthcoming.
The main advantage of the Balgarovo Industrial Park area is its location. The distance from the zone to the fully constructed Trakia Motorway is 800 m, to the Port of Burgas - 20 km, and to the Free Duty Free Zone of Burgas - 18 km. Potential investors can buy or rent land in the area. The municipal council decides on each regulated property, depending on the investment initiative.
There is a need for ready-made production halls for rent. So far, investors in Balgarovo mainly buy the land, but the municipality has received many requests for renting ready-made production halls, both from large investors and smaller companies. Unfortunately, there are no opportunities to rent part of the production hall. Given the built infrastructure in the Balgarovo area and the availability of vacant municipal land, we believe that it is appropriate to create conditions for attracting start-up companies by building halls with office space to be rented. Know-how is needed to build such halls / infrastructure.
Municipality of Zlatograd
THE NATIONAL REVIVAL SPIRIT
In 2008, at the initiative of the mayor, the municipality drew up the concept for development of the city centre and the scheme for urban planning and communication route, as priorities for the municipality. The implementation of the concept and urban planning route aimed at creating a new, modern and adapted to modern requirements vision of the city centre, as well as solving the problems of urban road infrastructure, shortage of parking spaces and increased tourist flow to Zlatograd. The local population had a few months to get acquainted with the solutions put forward in the concept. Several projects were prepared: ‘Rehabilitation of the park in the town of Zlatograd’, ‘Improvement in the downtown square’, ‘Construction of communication road Zlatograd-Thermes-Xanthi’. The proposals was approved by the local residents. Zlatograd municipality managed to combine the simultaneous implementation of all three projects in the subsequent years. Through large-scale infrastructure activities funded by various EU programmes, public spaces and areas for public use have been improved, the town’s aesthetic appearance was enhanced. The implemented projects changed the vision of Zlatograd and contributed to promoting the municipality as an attractive tourist destination, providing good living conditions and environment for development of both the local population and the guests of the municipality. Today, our southernmost town - Zlatograd, welcomes tourists with its National Revival atmosphere from the time of XNUMXth century literary work ‘Uncles’. The Rhodope town is XNUMX km from Plovdiv and is known as the fortress of Delyu Voyvoda, for whom a folk song flies in outer space sung in the voice of Valya Balkanska. For several years now Zlatograd has been an must for all those who love places in National Revival spirit. An entire neighbourhood with nearly XNUMX cultural monuments - houses and workshops, was restored in the National Revival style. They are unique in the combination of architectural elements from this part of the Rhodopes and Xanthi. To permanently improve the quality of life in the municipality, to stabilize municipal and regional economy by opening up new opportunities for development of tourism and economic potential in the region, Zlatograd municipality focused its efforts on ensuring integrated use of thermal and mineral waters from the Erma River – Elidzhe spring. The utilization of mineral water will boost the development of SPA services, balneotherapy and environmental protection through the use of thermal energy for heating municipal buildings of social and public importance, as well as reducing harmful emissions into the air during the winter season. A design has been prepared for the utilization of the geothermal water, which includes the implementation of four subprojects: and construction of a water intake facility; of a pipeline; of geothermal plant in the town of Zlatograd; the construction of an urban heat transmission network. The project implementation will create real conditions to untap the potential in sports and medical tourism, which in combination with cultural and eco tourism, guarantees the sustainability of the attractive tourist destination. This sustainability will encourage business and attract new investor interest, which will reflect on employment in the region.
Within a few months, the locals were given the opportunity to become familiar with the Concept's decisions. Several projects were prepared in implementation of the Concept and the Urban Route: "Rehabilitation of the City Park in the City of Zlatograd", "Improvement of the Square in the Central City Area", "Construction of the Communication Route Zlatograd-Termes-Xanthi". The idea for the realization of these projects was approved by the residents of the municipality.
The municipality of Zlatograd managed to combine the simultaneous realization of all three projects in the following years. Large-scale infrastructure activities funded by various European programs have improved the public spaces and public areas, as well as the overall improvement of the aesthetic appearance of the city. The implemented projects changed the vision of Zlatograd and contributed to the promotion of the image of the municipality as an attractive tourist destination, providing good living conditions and environment for the development of the local population and the guests of the municipality.
Today, our southernmost city - Zlatograd welcomes tourists with a Renaissance atmosphere from the time of Chichovtsi. The Rhodope City is 160 km from Plovdiv and is known as the fortress of Delu voivode, for which a folk song flies with the voice of Valya Balkanska in Space. For several years Zlatograd has been an inevitable tourist destination for all those who love places with Revival spirit. In the town, a whole neighborhood with almost 100 restored cultural monuments - houses and dozens of workshops was rebuilt as during the Renaissance. The houses are unique in the combination of architectural elements of this part of the Rhodopes and Xanthi.
For permanent improvement of the quality of life in the municipality, stabilization of the municipal and regional economy, by creating new opportunities for development of the tourist and economic potential in the region, Zlatograd Municipality concentrated its efforts in creating conditions for integrated utilization of thermo-mineral waters. in the geo-thermal deposit Erma Reka - Elidje.
The utilization of mineral water will create opportunities for the development of SPA services, balneotherapy and environmental protection by using thermal energy for heating municipal buildings of social and public importance, as well as reducing harmful emissions into the air during the winter season. A working project has been prepared for the utilization of geothermal water as a natural resource, which includes the implementation of four subprojects: Construction of a water intake facility; Construction of a pipeline; Construction of a Geothermal Power Plant in the town of Zlatograd; Construction of urban heat transmission network.
The implementation of the project will create real conditions for the development of the potential in the field of sports and medical tourism, which in combination with cultural and eco tourism, guarantees the sustainability of the attractive tourist destination. This sustainability, in turn, will encourage business and attract new investor interest, which will reflect on employment in the region..
Municipality of Ruse
SMALL SETTLEMENTS MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN
The development of small settlements is one of the main priorities of the Municipality of Ruse, set out in the Management Program for the mandate 2011-2015, as well as for the current mandate 2015-2019. In view of the above, the Municipality of Ruse created SMALL SETTLEMENTS MUNICIPAL CAMPAIGN realized the following investments and initiatives:
- Investments amounting to over BGN 1.2 million in the improvement of small settlements;
- Rehabilitation of municipal road infrastructure;
- Renewal of street lighting;
- Renovation of free municipal buildings for the purpose of turning them into centers for medico-social and cultural-educational activities;
- Repair and construction of new playgrounds, playgrounds and training rooms;
- Enrichment and maintenance of public places - schools, kindergartens, health services, stops, community centers, temples, green areas, cemetery parks.
The financing is carried out by direct provision of funds depending on the conceptual proposals and the number of inhabitants of the respective settlement at the current address (by reference of GRAO). The funds, which are granted annually, amount to BGN 320 with VAT and are aimed at financing projects of the 000 mayoralties of the municipality, as well as the neighborhoods "Sredna Kula", "Dolapite", "DZS" and "Obraztsov". homestead ”. Thus, on a competitive basis in the period 13-2015, a total of 2018 projects were financed with a total value of BGN 64, provided by the budget of the Municipality of Rousse. In 1, the Municipality of Rousse conducted the "Small Settlements" Campaign for the fifth consecutive year. It is extremely successful and every year we see better projects - some are completely new, and others build on the results already achieved. In this way we give choice and freedom to the mayors of town halls to invest in different areas, because they know best what the needs of the people are. Apart from that, the Municipality of Rousse annually provides BGN 277 only for improving the quality of infrastructure in the mayoralties and neighborhoods of the Municipality of Rousse.
River The Danube е basic factor for development not just on rusebut also on the little ones populated places from the municipality ruse, who have exit on the river. The river passenger transport of the territory of the municipality there is big development potential. To be him deployed is necessary the construction on modern yachts ports and ennoblement on the coastal zone, as are being built fun restaurants, playgrounds, etc. which yet provide good conditions for relaxation on the population.
On the valley on the river. Rousse Scrap in closeness to the village Basarbovo is the only operating rock monastery in Bulgaria. In 1978 it was designated an archeological site of cultural importance. Basarbovo is an attractive destination for religious tourism for both Bulgarian and Romanian tourists. A part of the relics of St. Dimitar Basarbovski, who is the patron saint of the Romanian capital Bucharest.
The Lipnik Forest Park near the village of Nikolovo, which is used by residents of the Danube town and nearby villages for picnics and walks, will be expanded into a recreation and entertainment area, and the neglected rowing base will be renovated and actively used. The Municipality of Ruse is the owner of the rowing base on the shore of the lake in the forest park. It is planned to create a complex for rowing sports. The acquisition of ownership of the Municipality of Rousse on the forest park "Lipnik" and hut "Prista" will provide an opportunity to expand the existing zoo and turn it into a zoo and an attractive area of the city.
The development of the Local Development Strategy will include various measures to support the local fisheries community, related to the promotion of common activities of local communities, as well as investment measures related to the construction of common infrastructure for the purposes of fishing, fishing tourism, storage of fishery products, etc. The modernization of the port infrastructure and the construction of boat parking will lead to tourism development.
Municipality of Dolni Dabnik
OPTIONS TO DIVERSIFY ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES
The crossroads of Dolni Dabnik municipality determines its important transport-geographical role for development. This is done through a first class road Sofia-Ruse / Varna and a second class road Vidin-Pleven-Ruse / Varna; railway line Sofia-Ruse / Varna. Dolni Dabnik is located in the Danube plain and the valley of the river Vit. The area is rich in archeological, historical, artistic and architectural-construction sites, declared cultural values. They testify to the history, way of life and cultural development of the local population and provide an opportunity to realize the cultural identity of the municipality.
The contribution of the municipality of Dolni Dabnik to the economy of the district is mainly in the field of agriculture, which is a structural sector. The processing industry is also closely linked to agricultural production. The proximity to the regional center and its favorable transport and geographical position are of great importance for the economy of the municipality. The municipality of Dolni Dabnik is one of the municipalities that falls within the hinterland of the city of Pleven and its development should be considered in direct connection with the socio-economic relations that take place with it. The local authorities with their own funds and attracted resources manage to modernize the public infrastructure and basic services for the population and business. Dozens of implemented projects are a good example in this regard.
Tourism is underdeveloped in the municipality. On the territory of the municipality there are no registered funds for shelter and, accordingly, registered nights. Attractions that could be of tourist interest are Lavrov Park, where battles were fought for the liberation of Pleven, located near the village of Gorni Dabnik. Near the village of Petarnitsa is a protected area "Caves", which is a karst canyon with many natural springs and caves. Another landmark in the area is the ancient fortress "Gradishte", in which are visible some fragments of the fortress wall, as well as preserved Roman road. There are 11 sites of "national importance" in the village of Sadovets.
Another possibility is the development of tourism based on wine production in the municipality and the construction of farms with organic production of various agricultural products, which also offer opportunities for rural tourism. The municipality is currently implementing a horse base, as well as various forms of surfing, etc. There is also potential for the development of bird watching tourism. In order to be able to attract tourists in the future, it is recommended to develop tourist routes / eco-trails / and various tourist packages together with the regional center - Pleven, which is currently the most preferred place by tourists visiting the area. In the future and with increasing interest in the municipality, local people will be motivated to develop small houses for rural tourism.
Municipality of Ivanovo
PROMOTING GREEN ECONOMY
Ivanovo Municipality participates as a partner in the LENA project "Local Economy and Nature Conservation in the Danube Region". The project started on 01.01.2017 and unites the efforts of 13 partners from 7 Danube countries. The main goal of LENA is to implement joint and integrated approaches and policies for nature protection and sustainable use of protected areas and especially Natura 2000 areas along the Danube and its tributaries, while creating new opportunities for revenue generation in the field of green economy.
In the area of Ivanovo municipality there is a large resource of medicinal plants. The fact that there are no large polluting productions on the territory of the Municipality and a significant part of it falls into the Rusenski Lom Nature Park is also extremely important. However, herbal medicine is not developed. For the first time, thanks to the project, an assessment was made of the resources from medicinal plants in the municipality of Ivanovo. More than 50 people in the municipality have been trained to collect herbs. A project has already been developed for the construction of a purchase point, which is in the finished work phase. In order for that to happen, BGN 1,5 million are needed. The expectations are that the point will move the local business, to generate jobs.
Electric bicycles are another part of the Electric Mobility Project and represent an opportunity to support the local and regional economy. The routes developed are compatible with Euro Bike 6 and it is expected that there will be more traffic.
On the territory of Ivanovo municipality are located the Ivanovo rock churches, which are the site of UNESCO. The area around the churches is underdeveloped and has considerable tourism potential. It is necessary to improve the infrastructure and increase the tourist services provided. To improve the appearance of the area it will facilitate the construction of an information center and accompanying infrastructure for children and the development of tourist packages of services. It is possible to set up an area for handicrafts and products of local production, as well as to provide tourist transport along a certain route, providing information about the area.
Belene Municipality
PALETTE OF PROJECTS RELEVANT TO LOCAL ECONOMY
For the development of local business and the reduction of unemployment, the Municipality of Belene participates in projects funded by the EU. Within the Municipality there is a Local Initiative Group (LAG) Belene - Nikopol. The LAG implements a Community-led Local Development Strategy with funding under the Rural Development Program for the period 2014-2020. Under the INTEREG VA Program Romania - Bulgaria, Belene Municipality is a leading partner of the project "Stimulating and increasing employment and cross-border mobility in cross-border region ”. Part of the project activities are organizing trainings for the unemployed, seminars and an online platform.
The Municipality of Belene also participates in the INTERREG Transnational Program "Danube 2014-2020" We took part in the project "LENA - Local Economy and Nature Conservation in the Danube Region". During the project implementation, training for Danube guides was conducted. 7 people from the area of the Municipality passed in the training modules. A network of tourist guides has been created on one of the largest international bicycle routes - Euro Velo 6 and Danube Ultra. We started the development of infrastructure for electric bicycles and marking of several panoramic bicycle routes. Cross-border meetings and trainings were held for local and Romanian fishermen related to the legislation of both countries and the benefits of natural resources and their conservation for the socio-economic development of settlements and the development of fish markets.
Belene Municipality is located on the territory of Persina Nature Park, the largest Ramsar site in Bulgaria, as well as has an ancient history and culture. There are natural, historical and cultural prerequisites for the development of cultural, eco and tourist products. - the historic ancient heritage of the ancient Roman castle "Dimum" - the ancient customs of Mizia and last but not least the Memorial Park commemorating the victims of the communist regime located on Persina Island. Our idea is to create new livelihood and business opportunities based on the untouched natural and rich cultural heritage and through the wise use of ecosystem products.
The municipality has the potential to develop tourism, which will reduce unemployment in the area. Unused local resources are both natural, historical and cultural, Dimitrovgrad municipality implements its own programme for tourism development in small settlements. Local tourist routes have been developed, including: The Thracian sanctuary of the nymphs and Aphrodite in the village of Kasnakovo. It includes the ruins of cult buildings dating back to the XNUMXnd century, an inn from the XNUMXrf century, an amphitheater from the XNUMXth century and architecturally designed three springs with pools. The musical-poetic performance ‘The Legend of the Spring of Youth’ annually recreates through music and dance the legend related to the history of the spring against the background of the real setting. An information centre has been established at the site and a tourist trail and bicycle lane have been built near the Assumption Monastery in the village of Dobrich, which connects two popular tourist sites in the Municipality of Dimitrovgrad. A special interactive application is available for visitors of the complex. The road to the tourist site has been rehabilitated, and the visitors of the complex enjoy newly built places for rest and relaxation. Protected area in the village of Zlato Pole - a place for ornithological tourism: It is the largest wetland on the Maritsa River with high importance on a national and European scale. Dimitrovgrad municipality is implementing a significant project to improve the visitor infrastructure. For lovers of ornithological tourism we have created: an information centre in the village of Raynovo, XNUMX km from the protected area, with an interactive exhibition; observation towers; gazebos for rest and relaxation. A unique outdoor gallery and folk festival in the village Krepost: Dimitrovgrad municipality annually holds a municipal competition between community cultural centres for the best products, promoting local identity in rural areas. For another year, one of the funded projects is the National Folklore Festival ‘Community cultural centres - a temple of the Bulgarian spirit’ and the traditional Cherry Festival, organised by the community cultural centre in the village of Krepost. It incorporates a nationwide competition for women's folk choirs, accompanied by an exhibition of local producers and promotes the unique gem of the village - the gallery of XNUMX outdoor murals, made and donated by artists Hristo and Pancho Panevi, born there. One of the currently unused local natural resources is the Solentsi mineral spring in the town of Merichleri (population of XNUMX people). Its water ranks third in the world and second in Europe in terms of mineralization, rich in micronutrients whose composition is close to the mineral water springs in Karlovy Vary and Vichy, France. At an international exhibition in London in XNUMX, the mineral water won a gold medal. It differs from most popular mineral waters in Bulgaria, as it has XNUMX to XNUMX times higher content of dissolved substances and has a beneficial effect on many widespread diseases - liver and bile, gastrointestinal, metabolic disorders , etc. By a decision of the Minister of Environment and Water, the deposit was granted free of charge for a period of XNUMX years to be managed by Dimitrovgrad municipality. Due to lack of private investor interest, the facility is currently not concessioned. Dimitrovgrad municipality has developed a concept for its development; it plans to invest its own resources and borrowings. The main idea is to build a sports, entertainment and balneological complex to provide a wide range of services for treatment and outdoor sports – a swimming pool with mineral water, tennis courts, basketball and volleyball grounds and grandstands with XNUMX seats. The complex will also provide an opportunity to hold regional cultural holidays, such as the folklore festival Sprinkles from the Spring, organised by local community cultural centre Prosveta.
- Natural sights (Persina Nature Park, Protected Areas and Natura 2000)
- Upgrading of the ancient Roman castle "Dimum" - after the annual excavations, the eastern gate of the castle was opened.
- Memorial park and restoration of a part of the huts (in the place of the former Belene Concentration Camp) and its museum.
Building these cultural and natural assets will develop eco, natural, cultural, historical and bicycle tourism, which will help to create new jobs and reduce unemployment.
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