The Regional Programme for Cultural and Natural heritage in South East Europe (RPSEE) is a joint activity of the Council of Europe and the European Commission. It was proposed the countries of South East Europe in 2003 as part of the contribution to ensure democratic stability in the region adapted to the specific economic and political transition context of the area. In 2006 the Programme has recently been extended to 2008 and is made up of three closely interconnected Components.

Component A: Institutional Capacity Building Plan (ICBP)

Through a combination of both legal and policy assistance, the ICBP aims to give direct support to institutions in order to reinforce their capacity to carry out and manage complex development projects. Its role is also to affirm the heritage (architectural, urban, vernacular, archaeological, movable and natural) as a factor of sustainable social and economic development through a process that must respect the traditions and identities of the different populations within the countries concerned.
This component is directly connected to the Integrated Rehabilitation Project Plan/Survey of the Architectural and Archaeological Heritage (IRPP/SAAH) – joint activity with the European Commission – and the Local Development Pilot Project (LDPP).

Component B: Integrated Rehabilitation Projects Plan/Survey of architectural and archaeological heritage (IRPP/SAAH)

The IRPP/SAAH framework is supported by the European Commission in accordance with its interest and concern for the preservation and enhancement of Europe’s cultural heritage (Article 151 of the Treaty on the European Union, Culture 2000 framework programme). Restoration/rehabilitation integrated projects to be reserved for sites with high cultural importance and with urgent conservation needs focus on improving the contribution of cultural assets to the economy and well-being of local communities. Project design and implementation help support local level socio-economic development. Feasibility studies should increase access to and availability of external funding (grants, sponsorship, etc.) facilities, by investigating possible partnerships in the private and public sector. The studies could also uncover opportunities for providing professional advice and skilled training services.

Component C: Local Development Pilot Projects (LDPP)

This Component deals with on-site implementation allowing concrete, pragmatic and focused projects to be accomplished is essential in order to provide hands-on testing of the viability of management policies proposed at institutional level, through innovative methods. Pilot Project(s) initiated as part of the Regional Programme, concern local development and are devoted to cities or medium-sized territorially coherent areas, proposing local (endogenous) development strategies capable of maximising local available resources. Territory is therefore borne in mind throughout this global and integrated process, opening onto other regions of the country and/or to other countries through partnerships and networking activities.

Mr. Mikhaël DE THYSE, Council of Europe