GOV4PeaCE
About the project
Project title: Multi-dimensional and cross-territorial governance model for activation of the World War I heritage to foster sustainable socio-economic development of remote territories of Central Europe
Source of financing: European Regional Development Fund Interreg Central Europe Programme 2021-2027
Implementation period: 01.05.2024 – 31.10.2026
Project partners:
- Soča Valley Development Centre (Slovenia)
- Walk of Peace in the Soča Region Foundation (Slovenia)
- Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (Slovenia)
- PromoTurismoFVG (Italy)
- LAG ESTERN VENICE (Italy)
- Italian War History Museum (Italy)
- Gorlice City (Poland)
- Association of the Carpathian Euroregion (Poland)
- Administration of the Poloniny National Park with headquarters in Stakčín (Slovakia)
- Self-Government of Town of Mórahalom (Hungary)
- In Flanders Fields Museum (Belgium)
Total project value: EUR 1,699,120.24 (80% co-financing)
Project value implemented by ACE: EUR 157, 320.00 (80% ERDF co-financing)
Project aim
The aim of the project is to overcome the complex territorial and sectoral barriers in managing the heritage of World War I, which currently hinder socio-economic activation by creating an integrated development of distant areas of Central Europe, where the main front lines ran and the heritage potential remains untapped. By applying an innovative, multidimensional and inter-territorial model of managing the heritage of World War I, sustainable management structures and tools will be created that will stimulate the valorisation of the heritage of World War I within and between functional territories.
Idea and short description of the project
GOV4PEACE addresses challenges related to cooperation and governance, socio-economic development, focusing on territorial disparities and the lack of coherent governance structures that hinder integrated regional development in Central Europe. The partners have placed the heritage of World War I at the centre of their attention, with its common identity, cohesion and socio-economic potential. This heritage is widely spread along former war fronts, which today cover different countries, regions and communities in the borderlands and remote areas between Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary, and beyond. These areas form trans-regional and cross-border functional territories that unite and integrate people despite national borders. However, this heritage, due to fragmentation and lack of governance structures, prevents inter-territorial and multi-sectoral cooperation.
Activities
- Mapping and identification of World War I heritage sites, creation of an online database, modernisation of the World War I website (https://www.thewalkofpeace.com/ww1-across-europe-map/)
- Identification of existing and best practices and models of World War I heritage governance
- Increasing awareness and building capacity for integrated territorial development among stakeholders involved in WWI heritage management (regional/international workshops and meetings, study visits)
- Design of an innovative and transnational governance model for socio-economic activation of WWI heritage and a strategy for its implementation
- Conducting pilot activities in cross-border areas in functional areas, including the Polish-Slovak border
- Action plan for transnational WWI heritage governance in Central Europe
