ACTION PLAN
(01.11.2008 – 30.10.2010)
The present Action Plan embraces the term-in-office of Georgia in the capacity of the Country-Coordinator of the BSEC Working Group (WG) on Culture (1 November 2008-30 October 2010). The document is based on the Terms of Reference of the WG approved at the 15th Meeting of the BSEC Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs (Moscow, 1 November 2006) and on the Sounion Statement of the Ministers for Culture of the BSEC Member States (4 July 2007). Following key points are covered by present Action Plan:
In the era of globalization where the political and economic interests shape the cooperation agenda the role of culture often is not properly considered. Culture can greatly contribute to peaceful settlement of political discord and conflicts. In this regard it is appreciated that BSEC has created the Working Group on Culture that can serve as a platform for discussing the top items in agenda.
The richest Culture Heritage and Traditions of the Countries of the Black Sea region give to the BSEC Organization more opportunities for enhancing Cultural cooperation, particularly important in the 21st century.
The development of cooperation in the field of culture will contribute to the rapprochement of the Countries and People of the Black Sea region that in its turn will enhance peace and stability as well as promote economical progress of the region.
It is important to build the relations between the BSEC Member States on the basis of respect of each other’s cultural heritage and traditions. The priorities of Georgia during its activities as Country-Coordinator among others will be the protection of Cultural Heritage, Monitoring of Cultural Heritage and Inventarisation of Cultural Heritage Monuments.
Particular importance will be given to the development of relations in the field of preservation of cultural heritage of each country, which are located in other BSEC Countries. The regional cooperation in the field of inventory and preservation of monuments of cultural heritage within the BSEC Member States may be promoted by commonly agreed upon criteria. Relevant experts from each Member State might be invited to the activities of the WG with the aim of elaborating such criteria with full respect for objectively and scientifically recorded history and archeological discovery. One of the aims of this activity should be organizing the study of current stage of cultural heritage of the BSEC Member States and preparation of the lists of all cultural monuments, including ones affected during existing conflicts.
Given the importance of the BSEC region and its Member States in terms of both cultural heritage and tourism the importance of developing cultural tourism in the region should be stressed. The development of cultural tourism in the BSEC region can be considered as a promoting factor for intercultural and inter-religious dialogue conceived of as an important tool, which could also contribute to promote the mutual respect of different cultural identities and enhance stable cooperation and peaceful coexistence in the region. Organization of awareness-raising campaign for the World Heritage properties in BSEC Member States with the aim to promote development of cultural tourism should be promoted.
Should be also underlined the importance of Popularization of National Cultures of the BSEC Member States, which include the Organization of Cultural Days and Forums, Festivals of the Black Sea Countries, Organization of Exhibitions, Film Festivals and Exchange of Representatives of Various Fields of Culture within the BSEC frames.
At the same time the organization of “Wine Festivals” aimed at demonstration of ancient traditions of winery in the BSEC Member States, as well as folklore and culture seems to have good prospects as the BSEC Member States are well-known for their rich and diverse cultural traditions, heritage and attractive geographical landscape.
Development of relations with UNESCO is of outmost importance. Interaction should be developed in the spheres of competence of UNESCO, especially in the fields of protection, preservation, and restoration of cultural heritage and monuments, initiation of joint projects, attraction of finances for the realization of relevant projects and programs in the region. In this regard it is recommended that the BSEC Secretariat and the Country-Coordinator under the guidance of the BSEC Chairmanship-in-Office will begin consultations with UNESCO Secretariat on the issues of possible modalities of future cooperation.
Particular importance shall be attached to development of cooperation in the field of culture with the Council of Europe. In this regard it is recommended that the BSEC Secretariat and the Country-Coordinator under the guidance of the BSEC Chairmanship-in-Office will begin consultations with Council of Europe on the issues of possible modalities of future cooperation. We acknowledge the significance of UN General Assembly Resolutions on the Global Agenda of Dialogue of Civilizations and the “White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue”, launched by the 118th Session of the CoE Foreign Ministers, as an essential instrument for promoting intercultural dialogue, mutual respect and understanding within the BSEC Member States.
Cooperation with relevant European Union institutions should be envisaged and appropriate steps should be considered.
Development and implementation the “twin cities” projects which will serve for strengthening cultural links between the BSEC Member States.
Activities on the realization of priorities and initiatives, projects and programs started by the previous Country-Coordinator (Hellenic Republic) including “Network of Cooperation in the Field of Contemporary Culture”, “Cultural Itineraries” and “Intercultural Dialogue” should be continued.
Any initiative or project aimed at the development of cultural relations among the Member States proposed by any BSEC Country will be properly handled by the Country-Coordinator.