The 5 small alpine towns which adhere to GEMS project (Werfenweng-A, Bad Reichenhall Kur-D, Bled-SI, Moena-IT, Forni di Sopra-IT), share local development strategies (economy based on sustainable tourism), and related challenges, caused by recent EU financial and social turmoil. GEMS aims to establish a network of towns in transition towards a solidarity model for local development, in which
the
towns’ specific developmental challenges, related to sustainable tourism, are faced within a “solidarity in times of crisis” perspective (i.e. civil society or private initiatives filling gaps in public funded interventions);
new residents (e.g. immigrants, asylum seekers, etc) are perceived as an opportunity to overcome developmental challenges, rather than an obstacle, able to give a new boost to sustainable tourism;
citizens and local authorities debate around a common vision for the EU (development) future. The project foresees:
5 transnational events, in which a group of network experts (local authorities and civil society organizations) work with citizens from hosting communities (at least 70 locals per event, covering a wide range of stakeholders), so to identify “solidarity& integration mechanisms” that can boost local development, while generating the sense of belonging to a transnational community based on shared EU values (peace, mutual understanding, etc);
activities of awareness raising on EU2020, policies and opportunities for participation, allowing citizens to analyze local experiences in an EU framework. Ultimately, GEMS:
Produces a Network Solidarity&Integration Model-online catalogue (local best practices and network recommendations)
Establishes the Alpine Award for the most innovative Alpine “solidarity&integration initiatives”
Establishes the basis for future network cooperation- Friendship Agreement
Guarantees the transfer of grassroots solutions for local and network challenges, to EU institutions, by means of dissemination and lobby activities. GEMS - inteGration and Solidarity European Models for Sustainability is a Network of Towns Project co-funded by the Europe for Citizens Programme of the European Union. The European Commission support of this website does not constitute an endorsment of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
