The New Management Approach in Protection and Reactivation of Cultural and Natural Heritage in Resava-Mlava region

Abstract

The Regional Programme on Cultural and Natural Heritage in South East Europe (RPSEE), supported by the European Commission, has been implemented since 2003 in Serbia. A part of the program is the Local Development Pilot Projects (LDPP) focused on the Resava-Mlava pilot territory, the area located in the municipalities of Despotovac and Zagubica. The local authorities face long standing problems of unemployment and economic decline in this poor, underdeveloped region. People are completely discouraged and leave the country so that more and more buildings become abandoned. However, this territory has a great potential for development. The long-term historic relations of inter-cultural dialogue have led to creation of a unique culture in the region. Important cultural and natural heritage can be found in the territory, with cultural, architectural and natural heritage of outstanding value - such as medieval monasteries, rural houses, caves, forests, rivers, waterfalls and rare fauna and flora. A new pro-active development strategy is implemented on the basis of the regional plan, in line with the communal and regional regulations, for a balanced economic development, attracting new investments, and for the rehabilitation of cultural heritage such as the Senje coal mine with a view to promoting cultural tourism. In the research process of exploring and proposing new approaches and models for renewal and activation of natural and cultural heritage, the professors and students of the Faculty of Architecture University of Belgrade were involved. They proposed numerous new ideas of protection, renovation and reuse of natural and historical settings and buildings. The aim of their projects was to strengthen the awareness of the population of the heritage value as an important resource for future sustainable development, as well as to provide municipal authorities with new, fresh ideas that can connect heritage protection with improvement of living condition.