During the period 5-9 November 2007, the Rio Conventions Project, in cooperation with the Cornwall County Council, UK organized a study tour entitled “Good Practices for Protection of the Environment in Utilization of Structural Funds” for 11 public officials from Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works, Ministry of Environment, National Association of Municipalities and District Administration of Varna. The following themes were covered during the five-day study tour: Major Infrastructure Developments and Preservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage; Renewables and Urban Regeneration; Partnerships for Integrating Environmental Issues in Business Planning. The Bulgarian delegates were officially welcomed by the Leader of Cornwall County Council Mr. David Whalley and Mr. Alexey Andreev, First Secretary at the Bulgarian Embassy in London.

 

Following the well-structured programme, the delegation conducted a number of site visits to academic, business, public and non-for-profit organizations to share experience and learn about successful public-private partnerships established for the sustainable use of Structural Funds in Cornwall during the 2000-2006 planning period under the Objective One Program, which helps in reducing differences in social and economic conditions within the European Union.

 

Some of the key organizations and partnerships visited during the Study Trip included:

 

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