Northern Periphery Programme

Northern Coastal Experience - NORCE

Measure: 2.1
Eligible Budget: 1 756 500 euros
NPP Award: 928 000 euros

NORCE aims to establish a network of coastal heritage sites throughout the Northern Periphery region. It will develop a joint information strategy for these sites and provide information for key end-users; such as local tourist organisations, SMEs and transportation providers. The strategy will promote and integrate the relevant physical connections with cultural links. The project will also assist individual areas to develop and promote particular aspects of their cultural heritage, so that they can function more effectively as part of the network. The project will further seek to strengthen cultural links between the participating organisations through the transfer of information and the use of exchange visits by project participants.

Lead Organisation:
Regional Development Institute of Northwest Iceland

Contact Person: Mr Rognvaldur Gudmundsson Address: Technology Court, Dunhaga 5 Reykjavík IS-107 Iceland	Telephone: + 354 525 4081 Fax: + 354 552 8801 Email: rognv@hi.is Website: www.ec.is/norce
Start Date: 07/03/2004	End Date: 30/06/2007

Project Publications

NORCE Case Study.pdf - 580K

Objectives

The main objective of NORCE is to create a network of dedicated coastal heritage locations around the North Atlantic basin and the Gulf of Bothnia. These areas will maintain their traditional natural heritage; yet combine it with new or revived adventure and experience opportunities for visitors, based on traditional subsistence, crafts, methods etc.

Project Activities

• The development of a joint information strategy for coastal heritage sites and coastal culture
• The synthesis and distribution of appropriate information regarding coastal heritage sites, with particular emphasis on supply of information to transport service providers. This will include a series of maps detailing coastal heritage sites, both natural and cultural, along with appropriate local accommodation and transport information.
• The implementation of initiatives to develop and market heritage infrastructure on a local level. Such development would make a more attractive “product” available for joint marketing.
• The development of local networks, which will allow the dissemination of information on coastal heritage sites in a local context and will ultimately feed into the wider marketing strategy
• The exchange of information regarding coastal culture and heritage throughout the North Atlantic region. This will be achieved largely through exchange visits from different areas and the establishment of a network of sites/databases which hold information on such heritage.

Expected Results

The project will promote and enhance the cultural coastal assets of the North Atlantic region through highlighting their shared elements, as well as their individually distinct characters. The aim is to stimulate local economies and social development through economic diversification and heritage-based tourism.

Partners: (click name for additional info)

European Union

Cross Programme Initiatives