This project aims at the creation of a new European dynamic for the restoration and preservation of an important element of European cultural heritage which is under threat: rural dry stone heritage.

Why this project ?
Constructions in dry stone are present throughout Europe in a wide variety of forms according to their local specificities. Although these structures are a traditional feature of the environment in many regions across Europe, they constitute a know-how that is both ancient and complex but which is today in danger of disappearing altogether. However, this heritage should be considered in a modern context and not just because it is still present in our landscapes and culture but also because it can satisfy demands that we make for sustainable development (constructions adapted to the environment and economy alike, non-polluting materials).

The European Carrefour develops a range of tools all related to 4 main objectives:

• the recognition and maintenance of a European profession and traditional practical knowledge
• the development and improvement of initial and further education training
• the promotion of dry stone construction
• the preservation of the dry stone heritage through pilot actions in the restoration of dry stone constructions: these real and demonstrative actions aim to both preserve examples of this heritage under threat and train professionals in traditional techniques as well as validating a set of technical specifications for three types of construction in dry stone (wall, track and rural building).

The results of the project

• an inventory of professionals (companies and individual dykers) in the regions concerned by the project
• a European Charter for dry stone dykers
• a Frame of reference for initial training in the profession of dry stone walling
• a research protocol for the drawing up of techical standards (norms) for constructions in dry stone which are transferable to different European countries
• awarness raising through an Opens exhibition.
• training of young people and volunteers in the 5 participating countries through : 1 youth work camp ; 5 weekends work camps and an event during the annual Granite Festival in Scotland (UK)
• the restoration of 3 constructions representative of rural dry stone buildings in France, Spain, and Greece

The Meditteranean Center of Environment was one of the 6 partners from 5 European countries of the project together with:

• Centre Méditerranéen de l’Environnement, France – Project leader
• FODESMA : Public organisation supported by the Island Council of Mallorca, Spain
• Association for the Protection of the Environment, Island of Tinos, Greece
• Solway Heritage, Scotland UK
• Ecognosia, Nicosia, Cyprus

EUROTOUR HERITAGE seeks to promote rural heritage through local cultural tourism strategies. The objective of the project was to develop a participatory method to involve local people in the development of local cultural tourism strategies. The Participative Heritage Workshops (PHW) were created to gather regional stakeholders, people from different socio-professional backgrounds and civil society representatives jointly establish a heritage development strategy.

The Mediterranean Centre of Environment was responsible for the elaboration of the Methodological guide and the definition of the Quality standards in cooperation with the partners of the project.

The results of the project

• A network based on the exchange of experience and mobility of rural heritage development experts and practitioners as well as cultural tourism professionals in Europe.
• A methodological framework and a European quality standard for the development and promotion of a cultural tourism offer founded on the sustainable development of rural heritage.
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