Peer Reviews for Sustainable Eco-Regions via Europe
In order to become "the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world”, the European Union relies on the harmonious and sustainable development of its Member States, but also of their Regions. Being particularly close to the citizens, and best aware of their strengths and needs, Regions are indeed key actors in the overall EU strategy for more growth and better jobs. 

In addition to promoting eco-innovation, or supporting renewable energy sources and greater energy efficiency, Regions use the preservation and sustainable promotion of their landscape and cultural heritage as an important tool to support the diversification of their economies and the reconciliation of economic development with environmental interests. 

The sound development of these sectors can indeed improve the quality of life of the local population, creating high quality jobs, facilities and services. However, many examples show that badly planned branding of landscape and cultural heritage
assets can be a threat to the beauty and diversity of the European territory, rather than a vehicle for economic growth, job creation or innovation. In other words, Regions must be careful when developing their cultural heritage strategies, thinking in sustainable terms and adopting holistic approaches to managing these policies. 

The aim of PRESERVE is to improve the effectiveness of regional development policies, specifically focusing upon cultural heritage and landscape policies as endogenous factors of economic development. 

The PRESERVE concept developed as a logical progression of an exchange on a core regional development issue: 14 regional and local representatives from 11 different countries - representing old and new member states and a wide EU-geographical coverage - gathered and discussed the difficulties they faced when implementing cultural heritage and landscape policies, and decided to join forces with the AER in this project.
Using common evaluation methodologies, the exchange of best practice, and audits from other regional experts (Peer Reviews), the regional policymakers will be able to develop a work plan which will enable them to apply the recommendations and improve their cultural heritage and landscape policies.

The project places a strong emphasis on the dissemination of results to other regions: the aim is to include the PRESERVE partner regions and new regions in a follow-up project aimed at defining “paths” of sustainable eco-Regions in Europe, thereby contributing to the promotion of lesser-known areas. As a pre-condition to their participation, Regions will be asked to apply the tool developed through PRESERVE, thus ensuring that the project has a spill-over effect and that regional best practices are widely disseminated, benefiting Europe’s diversity and sustainable development.