World Heritage Volunteers Initiative 2016 – Together for Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage Centre

Within the framework of the UNESCO World Heritage Education Programme, World Heritage Volunteers Initiative has been launched since 2008 in collaboration with the Coordinating Committee for International Voluntary Service (CCIVS), with European Heritage Volunteers and with Better World to involve more youth organizations in World Heritage preservation and promotion.

The Initiative’s 2016 Call for Project Proposals was announced on November 4th 2015. Its aim is to achieve a higher level of awareness of young people, volunteers and local communities towards the World Heritage in terms of sustainable development and biodiversity, integrating informal educational tools on heritage preservation and conservation. Sustainable development requires commitment and active participation by all parties involved – volunteers, institutions and local communities.

As an official partner of UNESCO and an active member of the NGO-UNESCO Liaison Committee, Sozopol Foundation, in collaboration with the Municipality of Sozopol, will submit the following project proposal: “The active participation of young people in the preservation of natural and cultural heritage – a guarantee for better future”. The project activities will be carried out within the Archaeological reserve “Ancient city of Apollonia” on the following historic sites:

1. Architectural and Historic Complex Southern Fortress Wall and Tower– training in the ways of presenting the cultural heritage;

2. Monastery “St. Apostles” and the House of the Lord “Castrum Domini” on the cape Skamniy – direct participation in conservation and restoration activities;

3. Complete cleaning and maintaining of the coastline bellow the panoramic street “Southern panoramic alley” – training and actual participation in environmental protection.

In the implementation of the project objectives will take part volunteers from: Republic of Bulgaria, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Serbia, Romania, Russian Federation, Canada, Republic of Austria, Kingdom of Spain.

Some of the main project objectives are:

  • To raise awareness among young people, volunteers, local communities, and concerned authorities of the need to protect and promote World Heritage.
  • To get young people involved in World Heritage preservation through concrete projects at sites, allowing them to learn new skills and express ideas.
  • To provide young people with opportunities to learn basic preservation and conservation techniques.
  • To foster cooperation between local youth organizations, communities, site management and authorities.
  • To identify best practices and develop non-formal education tools to facilitate stakeholders’ participation in the World Heritage education.