The next regional high-level forum in 2008 will take place in Greece.

REGIONAL FORUM, GREECE, 2008
Theme: Intercultural Encounters on Marine,River and Lake Routes of South East Europe
Resume: The Intercultural Encounters on Marine, River and Lake Routes of South East Europe will primarily aim at highlighting the special role that the water element played in the development and the diffusion of culture in South East Europe. It has promoted the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region, which has been for centuries the crossroad of cultures and religions, a link between East and West. The main axes of the Forum in Greece will show encounters and interactions which have been achieved in the region during the various historical periods through the broad network of sea, rivers and lakes.
All the water corridors of the region will be carefully charted, taking into consideration all the periods of time through the long and rich history of South East Europe.The charting will be conducted in collaboration with all competent authorities of the countries involved, highlighting the main monuments, sites, expressions and, in general, every form of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the area. The final product will be an accomplishment of the work carried out by the network of experts who will be involved in the project. The data will be used for the creation of a website of Water Cultural Corridors, a virtual presentation of the water routes of South East Europe. In this way, the determining role of the water element in the formation of the cultural identity of the region will be recorded in a vivid and spherical way. Thus, a coordinated regional policy for cultural tourism on water corridors and a provision for cultural tourism facilities may evolve. Additionally, the creation of a regional educational network for heritage teaching will be promoted, with the intention to inform children about South East Europe regional and historical interaction through the water element.
Date: to be confirmed
Place: Athens