A new scheme will seek to boost the local economies and revitalize the cultural and natural heritages in three overlooked spots in Romania, Moldova and Armenia. The Viva East partnership scheme will bring international expertise to the chosen communities in the three countries. The Hartibaciu Valley in Romania, the Tavush region of Armenia and the Cahul area in Moldova will be part of this program.

All three areas suffer from the same problems: limited business opportunities outside agriculture, depopulation and lack of infrastructure, which effectively prevent the areas from developing as tourism destinations. The long-term revitalization of small scale cultural and natural heritage historical centers is the first goal of the Viva East partnership. The scheme will also seek to preserve the three areas and foster sustainable growth by working with local stakeholders and national organizations.

The project is coordinated by the Association for Urban Transition - Romania, in partnership with the Armenian Eco-tourism Association and the European Integration and CBC Agency of Moldova. The Civil Engineering and Architecture Department of the Bari Polytechnic University, Italy will provide scientific assistance.

The Hartibaciu Valley (in picture, traditional half-timbered building from the region) lies around 15 Km to the North East of Sibiu.  It is an area rich in oak and beech forests with small somewhat forgotten villages surrounded by lush meadows. There are few roads in the area and despite its proximity to Sibiu, is rarely visited by outsiders.

Liam Lever, liam@romania-insider.com

photo source: courtesy of Viva East