Many European territories, especially in rural areas, are engaged in the implementation of projects to restore and promote (local) heritage. These projects are the main lines of development supported by the European Commission in programs like LEADER.
However, local population is scarcely involved in these projects development and sustainability. They are often excluded from the scope of animation, decision making process and promotion of this heritage, when they are stimulating agents for the territory.Nowadays it seems necessary to involve organizations as well as citizens, in this process of heritage promotion and retrieval (in their cultural, historical, architectural, environmental, ... aspects) in order to become ambassadors of their heritage, messengers of their territory identity.
The project Rural Heritage Promoter aims to contribute in replacing citizens from rural area within the projects increasing heritage value. It will focus on developing a synergy of stakeholders, a dynamic partnership of cooperation and the implementation of initiatives in a given territory, including the local population (youth, job-seekers and seniors). The project will provide support actions towards rediscovering heritage, education and training activities for the territory promotion and animation. The project will create a framework for European exchanges and dissemination of good local practices.