EUROPEAN CULTURAL ROUTES AS A DRIVER FOR SMART TERRITORIAL GROWTH

Transcription

1 EUROPEAN CULTURAL ROUTES AS A DRIVER FOR SMART TERRITORIAL GROWTH THE EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF THE VIA FRANCIGENA INTERREGIONAL COOPERATION ALONG THE ROUTE Brussels, 16th June 2016 Velia Coffey Vice-President, European Association of the Via Francigena

2 The Via Francigena Millenary pilgrimage route constituted by a network of paths followed by pilgrims en route to Rome or onward to Jerusalem Incorporated into the programme The Council of Europe Cultural Routes in stages recorded by Sigeric, Archbishop of Canterbury, in 990 from Rome to the Channel 4 countries (Italy, Switzerland, France, United Kingdom), 1800 km About walkers in 2015 European Association of the Francigena Ways (founded in 2001): Council of Europe habilitated network CARRIER NETWORK 110 Members: local and regional authorities in UK, FR, CH, IT

3 CoE certification confirmed in 2016

4 Why interregional cooperation along the Via Francigena? Council of Europe evaluation 2013: Keeping transnational character among three countries min. Important role of Regions for territorial planning and development Different results of different levels in different areas throughot the years capitalising good practices and results et make coherent standards Operational objectives for proactive and joint initiatives Council of Europe evaluation 2016 : Importance of the interregional committee for international governance

5 Interregional cooperaration along the Via Francigena - outputs Manual on European common standards Signposting guidelines Accommodation standards and database Route information on the web European projects and international connectivity Festival Via Francigena Collective project Magazine Via Francigena New officiale guidebook REGIONS CONCERNED: Kent; Nord Pas de Calais- Picardie; Champagne- Ardenne-Lorraine-Alsace; Bourgogne Franche-Comté; Vaud; Valais; Aosta Valley; Piedmont; Lombardy; Emilia-Romagna; Ligury; Tuscany; Latium. South of Rome: Campania; Molise; Basilicata; Puglia

6 Interregional Cooperation along the Via Francigena - Objectives Facilitating coordinated and effective actions for the development of the route in each territory, Enhancement of cultural heritage and the development of tourist potential. Promoting common European approach through the exchange of good practices, shared solutions on common issues: standards, hospitality, communication, etc. Transnational continuity, Euro Master Plan, EU funds

7 Interregional cooperation 1 Yearly Activity Plan 3 interregional Working Groups WG «Path» Coordination: Regione Toscana WG «Accommodati on & Services» Coordination: Valle d Aosta Region WG «Communicati on» Coordination: Regione Lombardia

8 Results: Manual on European common standards Cooperation among 11 Regions and 5 national associations Wide public consultation Common quality standards and local flexibility Safety, signposting, cultural and tourist enhancement Accommodation

9 Results: Via Francigena Friendly accommodation Common Standards development: To be situated at max 1 km from the path To be sitatued at max 5 km from the biking route To offer the following services (non-exhaustive list): Washing machine and dryer for clothes Place where dropping off one s shoes Possibility to stay overnight for one night only Information on route, on territory and following stages (maps) Guides availability Pilgrim stamp

10 Results: Improved info on the website Via Francigena Friendly accommodation Route information from Canterbury to Rome

11 Results: Increased dialogue and cooperation I. Florence (Regione Toscana), 18 May 2012 II. Châlons-en-Champagne (Région Champagne-Ardenne), January 2013 III. Foggia (Regione Puglia), 18 October 2013 IV. Bruxelles (Regione Toscana - EU Liaison Office), 13 December 2013 V. Milano (Regione Lombardia), 27 June 2014 VI. Reims (Région Champagne-Ardenne), 12 December 2014 VII. Saint-Maurice (Canton Valais), 26 June 2015 VIII. Canterbury (Kent County), December 2015 IX. Brussels, 15 June 2016

12 Results: International connectivity Europe to Turkey on Foot project

13 International connectivity EuroVelo 5 / Via Romea Francigena Project

14 International connectivity Agreement with Fédération Française de la Randonnée Pédestre Interreg Europe project proposal «Green Pilgrimage» Project Partners: Kent County, Östergötland County, Norfolk County Council, Puglia Region, South-Trøndelag County, Romanian National Institute for R&D in Tourism, Diocese of Canterbury

15 Interregional cooperation Festival Via Francigena Collective Project along the route Magazine Via Francigena

16 Results: Official Guidebook on the Via Francigena - Guidebook from the Great Saint Bernard Pass to Rome ISSUE on JULY Next step : guide from Canterbury to the Great Saint Bernard Pass

17 The route continues

18 Thank you for your attention EUROPEAN ASSOCIATION OF The Via FRANCIGENA European Committee for Interregional Coordination Contacts: Silvia LECCI