<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><a href="https://rural-vision.europa.eu/rural-vision_en">Rural areas in the EU</a> represent 83 % of its total area, housing nearly one third of the EU population. Nature and human society in rural areas have co-existed for thousands of years, offering unique examples of heritage. As such, rural areas need to be safeguarded against potential economic, social and environmental threats but also recognised as communities of sustainable development and growth.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->

<!-- wp:heading -->
<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><br>A hub for heritage-led regeneration</h2>
<!-- /wp:heading -->

<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p><br>The project set out to identify the unique natural and cultural heritage potential of certain rural areas and use them as an engine for regeneration. Towards this goal, the consortium developed the Systemic Innovation Areas framework: pilgrimage, resilience, sustainable local food production, integrated landscape management, migration, and art and festivals. Throughout the RURITAGE project, 13 rural areas were selected as ‘Role Models’, including the Asti Province in Italy, the town of Visegrád in Hungary and the island of Lesvos in Greece. These rural areas served as examples where regeneration took place with the help of cultural and natural heritage. The Role Models were selected in reference to the six different Systemic Innovation Areas. Prosperous practices of the Role Models were analysed and furthermore transferred to six selected ‘Replicator’ areas. Replicators are rural communities wishing to build their own heritage-led regeneration strategies but lacked relevant skills, knowledge, and capacity building.<br>Each Role Model and Replicator established a so-called ‘Rural Heritage Hub’ (RHH) of local stakeholders as a meeting place for sharing knowledge and skills. “RHHs served as living labs where local stakeholders and inhabitants cooperated to develop new heritage-led regeneration strategies for their territory,” explains project coordinator Simona Tondelli. A participatory planning process ensured that the Role Models’ experience was tailored and adapted to the specific needs and challenges faced by Replicators. These community-driven hubs (physical and digital) remain active even after the completion of the RURITAGE project, creating a strong network that will continue to foster the heritage paradigm as a driver for regeneration.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->