As part of the Interreg Euro-MED project MED-GIAHS (MEDiterranean GIAHS – Network of Mediterranean Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems for the Promotion of Sustainable Agritourism), two capacity-building trainings were successfully held in Strelcha, Bulgaria, within the candidate GIAHS site identified by the Pazardzhik Regional Administration (PRA).
First Training in Strelcha – August 28, 2025
The first session was conducted on August 28, 2025, bringing together 12 local stakeholders from the Strelcha area. The event was organized by the Pazardzhik Regional Administration (PRA), with contributions from the Technical University of Sofia – Plovdiv Branch.
The training focused on the FAO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) programme, the application process, and the preparation of a nomination dossier. The lectures were delivered by:
- Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Georgiev – Technical University of Sofia, Plovdiv Branch
The event followed the Training of Trainers previously held in May in Florence, Italy, by the project partners from the University of Florence. It marked the first step in directly engaging local actors in Strelcha in the GIAHS nomination process.
Second Training in Strelcha – September 4, 2025
A second training took place on September 4, 2025, again in Strelcha, focusing on marketing and communication strategies to promote traditional agri-food systems and heritage landscapes.
The training was led by:
- Nikola Manevski – Ministry of Tourism, Sofia
Participants explored practical and interactive approaches to strategic communication and marketing, enhancing their capacity to showcase the unique agricultural and cultural values of the Strelcha landscape.
Building Local Capacity for GIAHS Nomination
Both events provided an essential platform for discussion, knowledge exchange, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring that local actors in Strelcha are fully involved in the GIAHS nomination process.
Through these trainings, the PRA and its academic partners are strengthening the foundation for Strelcha’s candidacy as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System, highlighting its agricultural traditions, cultural heritage, and potential for sustainable agritourism development.
