EPACT – BGTR0200042

Duration (months): 24
Implementation Start Date: 2025-06-26
Implementation End Date: 2027-06-25
Project Code: BGTR0200042
Programme: Programme (Interreg VI-A) IPA Bulgaria-Türkiye 2021-2027
Total budget in EUR: 944 016,12
Funding from the IPA III CBC Programme of the European Union: EUR 802,413.68 / 85.00 %

Name of the project: EPACT - Exploring the Past: Experimental Archaeology as a Catalyst for Tourism and Growth
Financed by: European funds and national co-financing

Priority 2 - Integrated development of the cross-border region
Specific objective RSO5.2 - Fostering the integrated and inclusive social, economic and environmental local development, culture, natural heritage, sustainable tourism and security, in areas other than urban areas

Lead partner: Kırklareli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, Türkiye
Project partners:
Regional Historical Museum Burgas, Bulgaria
Kırklareli Maturity Institute, Türkiye
Municipality Kameno, Bulgaria

Objectives:

The project focuses on the achievement of sustainable and inclusive growth in underdeveloped CB areas in Bulgaria and Türkiye based on increased competitiveness of the local economy, digital and green transformation by investing in their tourism, cultural, social and educational potential. The 4 partners will create a joint product - archaeological campus using 3 historical sites and transforming them in source of economic and social development, enchased employability and competitiveness.

Project activities:

Soft activities: Capacity building and training programs for young interested people and local communities

Tourism related activities: Realization of an archaeological camp for experimental tourism and educational opportunities in the CB area

Infrastructural support to boost sustainable tourism in the cross-border region:

Burgas – conservation, restoration and socialization of Norther apoditerium and fortress tower in Archaeological complex “Aquae Calidae” in Vetren quarter of Burgas

Kameno municipality – development of an independent solar system for electricity supply of a recreation tourist zone and the archaeological site “Rusokastro” Fortress

Kırklareli – investment activities for exhibition of archaeological excavations and completion of an exhibition center in the open-air museum Asağıpinar Archaeological Site.

Project EPACT– BGTR0200042 is co-funded by the European Union through the Programme (Interreg VI-A) IPA Bulgaria-Türkiye 2021-2027.