Med-INA is pleased to announce that the “Vjosa / Aoos river eco-museum; promotion and protection of the natural and cultural heritage of the Vjosa / Aoos river basin (VAEcoM)” Project was approved and will be co-funded by the European Union and National funds of Albania and Greece under the IPA Cross – Border Programme “Greece – Albania 2007-2013”. The project will be implemented by the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos – Med-INA (EL), the Institute for Nature Conservation in Albania – INCA (AL), Pindos Perivallontiki (EL) and The Forest Service Directorate in Permet (AL).
What is an Ecomuseum
The term was introduced by the French museologist Hugues de Varine in 1971. An ecomuseum is a dynamic way in which communities preserve, interpret, and manage their heritage for a sustainable development. An ecomuseum is based on a community agreement. In other words, an eco-museum is the identity, natural and cultural, of a place, largely based on local participation and aiming to enhance the welfare and development of local communities.
Objectives
The aim is to develop a transboundary eco-museum at the border regions of Greece and Albania, with a focus on the natural and cultural heritage of the Vjosa/ Aoos river basin, including productive, environmental and socio-cultural aspects. This ‘living’ museum, without walls, will eventually incorporate not only science and education but also psychological, social and even spiritual dimensions.
Expected outputs
The development of the ecomuseum through research and cooperation with the local communities is expected to have the following results:
- Four thematic routes (the scenario of which reveals the identity of the region);
- a Trilingual guide;
- a dedicated website;
- a virtual tour of the ecomuseum;
- an international conference and two capacity building workshops; and
- the establishment of a network that will continue the activities of the project, make the museum known and extend the opportunities for cross-border cooperation beyond the life of the project.
