The region is rich in historic monuments and archaeological sites, but few are properly maintained. The project involves establishing a strategy with the local municipalities and other stakeholders to promote cultural heritage and tourism initiatives; and a grant fund to implement improvements. There are three main aspects to the project:
- An Integrated Strategic Action Plan for the preservation of cultural heritage and tourism will be developed with the full participation of the municipalities, stakeholders and the general population. The plan will provide a framework for policies, programmes and projects.
- Capacity building for the local authorities and other stakeholders, involving training for 250 people in project formulation and design to enable them to prepare viable projects that can subsequently be financed. The training will include identifying the potential in project ideas for sustainable development, identifying sources of finance and the requirements for obtaining funds. Training will be based on the principles of effective project cycle management.
- Implementation of a grant scheme for about 50 selected projects – large (up to Euro 1.5 million; medium Euro 200,000 – 500,000) and small (Euro 50,000 – 100,000). The scheme is being designed to include a call for proposals, and technical assistance, monitoring and supervision for successful applicants.
It is planned that this programme will manage more than 120 small projects, most of the projects would be implemented with NGOs and local authorities.
The project is the first of its kind in Turkey. It is expected that the results of the project will be maintained through the development agency for the region – the GAP Regional Administration.
We have recently taken responsibility for the management of the project in support of the lead partner to strengthen the management and implementation of the project. 
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