On December 16, the Bulgaria Economic Forum held its second local capacity building workshop as a part of the ISTER project with representatives of local community stakeholders from the Vidin region. The ISTER project and the Best European practices were introduced to the 33 participants. The event was attended by representatives of the ISTER Associated Partner (Vidin Regional History Museum), Vidin District Administration, Vidin Municipality, Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Belogradchik, the Chambers of Commerce and Industry, representatives of SME, tourist agencies, local community centres, NGOs, media, etc.

The second seminar focused on Rome's cultural and historical heritage in policy development at the local and regional levels. The event's format was a round table. It aimed to identify needs and gaps in the protection and valorisation of the Roman cultural and historical heritage in the region of Vidin and proposals for policy development at the local, regional level.

After discussing the failed approaches and practices in this area, the participants agreed that only a motivated union around a clear branding strategy based on the Roman cultural heritage could successfully promote the Vidin region. Still, the participants were unanimous that creating another organisational structure is not a question but uniting a common idea of those who want to contribute.

Great hope was placed on potential, including the eastern segment of the Danube Limes as a UNESCO WHS and thus its accession to the western part (recognised as a WHS in July 2021). The application and all the documentation from the Bulgarian side have been prepared and submitted by the Limes Commission of Bulgaria. The decision of UNESCO on the issue is expected. The section of the Roman Limes on the territory of modern-day Bulgaria is about 471 km long, and it goes through the provinces of Vidin, where the workshop was held.

All participants undertook to get acquainted with Bulgaria’s candidacy and creatively promote and campaign around it. The eventual attestation and recognition will put this RCH in the centre of the new branding strategy developed along with the Regional and Municipal Administrations.

The expectations of the state policy are related to banking facilities and grant schemes for the development of culture and tourism in the region.