The network of Mediterranean gardens
GARDMED proposes to establish a network of gardens in Malta and Sicily to enhance the gardens economic and environmental sustainability trough the creation of touristiv routes and their promotion with major tour operator specialized into Eco Green Tourism. GARDMED will directly involve at least 15 gardens from Malta and all eligible areas of Sicily. Partners in the proposal are: Botanical Garden of Catania, Botanical Garden of Malta, Siracusa and Floriana municipalities. The majority of project activities will be implemented symmetrically in both partner countries   The GARDMED project fulfils two major requirements 1. to establish bridges connecting similar gardens and organisms located in the two islands (networking) 2. to take the opportunity offered by the CBC Program to experience and exchange new management models for the protection and valorization of cultural heritage and the creation of integrated tourism (innovation) The activities, consisting of various examples of research, experimentation and communication, will cover - scientific aspects, targeting the definition of shared criteria defining the characteristics of the gardens, and their accurate study - knowledge and valorization aspects to maximize the use and the role of Gardens in local development and as turistic cultural attractions - awareness aspects to use Gardens for the promotion – within local institutions and communities where the gardens are located – of conscious, environmentally aware policies.