The second training seminar for the second group of participants within the Bulgarian Municipalities Competent Participants in Utilization of EU Funds II Project was carried out successfully in Kalofer on 21 -23 July 2004 . The participants in the training representatives of municipalities and non-governmental organizations from the regions of Plovdiv and Sofia, received up-to-date information related to opportunities under PHARE and SAPARD programmes of the EU, and got acquainted with a large scope of European programmes, under which they could apply with projects. The host of the event was the Eco-Tourism Association Central Balkan - Kalofer.

The participants in the training expressed their satisfaction with the professionally, target-oriented and in-depth information and shared the opinion that an additional effect of the training seminar appeared also to be the establishment of friendly partner relationships and network among municipalities in the region.

Trainers in the seminar were Miroslava Georgieva, Director of Development of Rural Regions and Investments Directorate at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, and Dimitar Matev, Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors at the Balkan Institute on Labour and Social Policy.

In the course of the training the participants had the opportunity to visit the newly-established eco-path in Kalofer, to share ideas for possible replication of the idea in other municipalities, to exchange experience and discuss projects, which could be applicable for funding under PHARE Programme - Bulgarian Eco-Tourism Development . And last but not least, they enjoyed the hospitality and pleasant atmosphere of the town of Kalofer!

The project is funded by Open Society Institute.