Protecting and promoting the identity of the Chengene skele fishing village
Chengene Skele is a small bay in the southern part of the Burgas Bay. The exceptional natural features and preserved traditional crafts related to fisheries turn the village into an area with potential for tourism development. “Chengene skele” is the only authentic fishing village on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast – a place with a unique spirit and character, which still preserves the fishing tradition and impresses every visitor.
Regional
Bulgaria
Burgas Municipality
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
EMFF : European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
Cultural and tourist complex Chengene Skele is built with crossfunding under the Maritime and Fisheries Programme 2014-2020 and operational program "Regions in Growth" 2014-2021 and municipal budget
No
Yes
2021-06-30
As a representative of an organisation
Name of the organisation(s): Burgas Municipality Type of organisation: Public authority (European/national/regional/local) First name of representative: Dimitar Last name of representative: Nikolov Gender: Male Nationality: Bulgaria Function: Mayor of Burgas Municipality Address (country of permanent residence for individuals or address of the organisation)<br/>Street and number: "Aleksandrovska” str. № 26 Town: Burgas Postal code: 8000 Country: Bulgaria Direct Tel:+359 56 907 272 E-mail:gr.ivanova@burgas.bg Website:https://www.burgas.bg/
Chengene Skele (Gypsy Bay) is a small bay in the southern part of the Burgas Bay. In 1995. by Order No 419/14.11.1995. part of the bay of 160 hectares has been declared a protected area under Directive 2009/174/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the conservation of wild birds and Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. The exceptional natural features and preserved traditional crafts related to fisheries turn the village into an area with potential for tourism development. "Chengene Skele" is unique with its appearance and character, built over the years by the growing community of fishermen. Its spatial organization is subordinate to the network of artificial channels dug up when it was created in the 1970s. Residential buildings arise spontaneously and without a preliminary plan, according to the possibilities of the owner and intra-Community solutions. The realization of the project aims to develop and promote the territorial uniqueness of the village settlement through the use of natural resources, cultural heritage, customs, traditions and folklore in order to increase the attractiveness of the area as a tourist destination for different types of alternative tourism – ecological, cultural, folklore, etc. Cultural and tourist complex. Over the years the fishing village "Chengene skele" has established itself as a place of fishermen practicing traditional fishing, as well as a territory with specific spirit and atmosphere due to the way the village is inhabited and its organization, as well as the typical fishing buildings with their distinct elements. The positive interaction of the inhabitants of the village with the cultural and tourist complex nurtures their civic pride and enhances the public space experience.
Heritage
Nature
Тraditions
Sustainability
Inclusivity
The development of the cultural tourist complex in the fishery settlement Chengene skele is an examples of beautiful, sustainable, and inclusive project the objective of which is to sustain the living practices of fishermen and bring urban residents closer to nature. The project also contributes to building the resilience of the place which has been severely flooded previous years and to preserve its natural ecosystems and prevent loss of biodiversity. In the long term the project brings for developing sustainable tourism practices and reconsidering the relationship between human and nature.
The implementation of the project aims to increase the attractiveness of the "Chengene Skele" settlement and turn it into a year-round tourist destination with a characteristic appearance and preserved intangible cultural heritage and nature.
Objectives
- Support and promote the fishing craft by demonstrating traditional fishing practices, trainings, meetings and exchanges between fishermen and visitors of the complex
- Stimulate the fishing craft by creating jobs for the local fishing communities and the local population;
- Development of the marine culture of the population: through exhibitions, trainings, etc.;
Separate waste collection is organized on the territory of the settlement. Two separate waste collection sites are provided. And both places are accessible to specialized vehicles. New green areas have been created with floored vegetation representing plant species from the area and the region, contributing to the preservation and enrichment of biodiversity in the region.
The realization of the project aims to develop and promote the territorial uniqueness of the village through the use of natural resources, cultural heritage, customs, traditions and folklore in order to increase the attractiveness of the area to promote alternative forms of tourism.
-A multifunctional energy class A hall and a square space were built, the purpose of which is the creation of new cultural spaces and the formation of attitudes in society aimed at preserving the intangible cultural heritage associated with the fishing craft.
-4 small "Ethnographic Houses" are built, 3 of which are for exhibitions of an ethnographic nature and one with reception functions, and space for organizing small workshops and meetings. In order to adhere to the spirit of the fishing village and the nature of the existing territory all areas are built with natural materials. The buildings are of a scale similar to that of Chengene skele preserving its distinct elements and character. The architectural appearance and choice of materials is inspired by the fishing buildings in the village. The purpose of ethnographic houses is to place permanent exhibitions and interactive installations representing the fishing craft (e.g. knitting nets, putting on seine, drying and boiling fish, preparation and demonstration of traditional fish dishes, tools and gadgets);
A promenade, culinary practice demonstration room, children's playground were built to address the recreation needs of visitors.
Specialized port site for servicing fishing activities has been built to host fishing and tourist vessels. The transport connection to the area is transformed into an emotional experience facilitated by the new tourist ship serving the courses from the mainland to Chengene Skele.
A key objectives of the project is to increase the attractiveness of the "Chengene Skele" settlement and turn it into a year-round tourist destination with a distinctive appearance and preserved intangible cultural heritage and nature through the construction of various functional areas, incl. "Exposition and interpretation of traditional fishing crafts": recreating and popularizing the traditions and lifestyle of fishermen in historical and contemporary terms; demonstration of traditional crafts (weaving of nets, drying and weeding of fish, etc.); open air museum etc. The main task of the cultural and touristic complex is to protect the craft of the local fishermen and tell their story, but it also serves as a unique place that provides space for different types of events and activities. The separation of the above-mentioned areas with their functions, as well as the buildings and premises provide a public display of the cultural heritage to encourage the recognition and celebration of the culture of the fishing community and ensure opportunities for interactivity and active participation of visitors in their cultural practices. Routes from the entrance to each of the sites in the territory are organized. There are 4 parking spaces for disabled people located near the beginning of the routes, as well as in each of the sites.
The positive interaction of the inhabitants of the village with the cultural and tourist complex nurtures their civic pride and enhances the public space experience by providing facilities for enjoyable recreational experience both for local inhabitants but also to visitors and tourists.
The cultural and tourist complex is a live place with an active program, in which the people from the community of Chengene Skele participate;
The main object of attention and purpose with regard to the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage are the communities, groups and individuals who are practitioners, bearers and users of the heritage of the fishing community of Chengene skele.
Supporting and promoting the fishing craft by demonstrating traditional fishing practices, trainings, meetings and exchanges between fishermen and visitors of the complex
- Stimulating the fishing craft by creating jobs for the local fishing communities and the local population;
- Development of the marine culture of the population: through exhibitions, trainings, etc.;
- Creating a public space for the needs of the community in the village of Chengene Skele and holding events related to the fishing craft and environmental preservation of the sea such as regularly organized initiatives for boat collection of marine litter that requires the active participation of local community thus educating them that they have a leading role in the environmental protection of community area and hence in improving their living standard;
At the moment as animators in the new Ethnographic Complex are appointed people from the local fishing community after attending training courses from the Regional History Museum Burgas.
Regional History Museum – Burgas prepared a Study of the Intangible Cultural Heritage related to fisheries in the Burgas Bay and developed a plan with measures for its preservation. The main object of attention and purpose with regard to the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage are the communities, groups and individuals who are practitioners, bearers and users of the heritage of the fishing community of Chengene skele. The focus of the plan is to make intangible cultural heritage a "living practice" – knowledge, skills, technologies and practices that are passed down from generation to generation or from old to young, which are practiced today and where there is a pronounced continuity. Therefore, representatives of the local fishing community are also animators in the Complex, with a view to passing on their knowledge and skills related to fisheries to visitors. They are initiators of the idea of building the Cultural Tourist Complex Chengene Skele as well as participants in the overall design and realization of the project. Chengene Skele is the last fishing village on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, which preserves the old fishery traditions. In the summer of 2016, "Knitting fishing tackles – tallies, nets and screws: a millennial craft from the Burgas Bay" was listed as an element in the National List of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and was among the candidates proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO list. Representatives of the local community are employed in the Cultural and Tourist Complex besides as animators also as chefs, general workers, gardeners. After the construction of the Complex and numerous cultural events held, welcoming tourist groups to their wharf, using their catch in the restaurant, the community feels significant and recognized and actively participates in numerous initiatives, including catching waste /initiative for removing floating waste, waste from nets or found in hard-to-reach place
The cultural-typical complex "Chengene skele" is a new public facility that has the potential to activate the rich cultural-protective and recreational program. It has everything you need to make it a favorite place for people from different perspectives - the footpath, the proximity to the sea, the perfect view of the beach, the beach and the wildlife in the immediate vicinity. No less valuable is the connection of the complex with the homonymous cell. The connection is not only visual - with the sea , but it exists through the live exchange of knowledge between visitors and fishermen settlers - in the demos of crafts, the boat rides, the city tours, even the usual walks and meetings in the fishermen village. It is this connection between the material and non-material cultural heritage that makes the complex so special, unique and inimitable.
The project is an example of integrated investments and multi-fund financing - granted by Maritime and fisheries fund, Regions for growth and municipal budget.
Moreover, the project improves the capacity of the administration for planning and implementation of projects. Different field representatives comprising of architects, municipal experts, history museum experts and the local community itself have interacted and collaborated from project start throughout its implementation which has resulted in effective, inclusive, sustainable, interactive, experiential and aesthetic transmission of traditions and intangible cultural heritage knowledge from the living bearers of fisheries.
The project is also a demonstration of interactive approaches in presenting the traditional expositions as well as of knowledge related to the application of good practices for mitigating the effects of climate change, applying drainage pavements, afforestation, landscaping, use of natural materials and employing Nature based solutions.
With the implementation of the project activities, results have been achieved that correspond to the values set in the "The New European Bauhaus" initiative - sustainability, inclusiveness, aesthetics and quality of people's experience. The completed project can be an example of bringing people and communities closer to nature, while also contributing.Improving the tourism image of the area by creating a new local year-round tourist destination related to fishing with the potential to overcome the seasonality of the territory. Increasing knowledge about traditional fishing crafts and promoting the protection of the environment and marine biodiversity. The realization of the site ensures the sustainable development of coastal fishing and preservation of the traditions of sustainable fishing activity and practices on the territory of the municipality and preservation of the livelihoods of fishermen and aquaculture producers in the region.
Conditions are created for safe storage, maintenance and operation of the home vessels, as well as ensuring the sustainable development of coastal fishing and preservation of the traditions of fishing activities on the territory of the municipality and the region.
A new tourist ship has been purchased, serving the courses from the mainland to Chengene Skele. The ship has a capacity of 100 people and meets current environmental standards. Photovoltaic panels are installed on the municipal ship, with capacity of 5 KW, which provide up to 70% of the ship's power supply making it more energy efficient and contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
The new ship provides a better service to passengers, and to the increased number of people wishing to visit the sea sites managed by the Municipality of Burgas.It improves the access and attractiveness of the community settlement by transforming the trip to it to unforgettable sailing experience and the place itself to unique recreational site visited by 50614 people so far.
The transformation of the fishermen village into a living ethnographic tourist complex and a start-up village to attract digital nomads and remote entrepreneurs is innovative approach in itself, because of the unique symbiosis of the old craft of the fishermen and intangible heritage promoting slow eco tourism from one side with the start ups and IT specialists that can bring innovation to further develop and regenerate in a sustainable manner the place. The combination of forest and sea, the mild climate, fresh seafood, rural location in close proximity to the city with excellent transport and internet connectivity is a prerequisite for attracting more and more young people and NGO-s to work and live there. The whole region hosts many innovation and entrepreneurship activities of different types, mainly focused on alternative tourism, fishing, nature preservation, protection of intangible cultural heritage. The implemented project activities are innovative because they include a combination of many elements that have not been implemented in the region. In order to adhere to the spirit of the fishing village and the nature of the existing territory all areas are built with natural materials. The buildings are of a scale similar to that of Chengene skele preserving its distinct elements and character.
The project is based on preliminary studies of history and observations and conversations/meetings with local community and stakeholders and field visits in the village. Their conclusions are laid down both in the structure of the new territory and in the principles of the architectural solution. The realization of the site promotes eco-tourism practices and sustainable development of marine protected area as nature-based tourism destination and expands functionalities of the area to develop an integrated product that provides alternative open air experiences – boat trip, open to the sea leisure activities areas- walking and yachting area, outdoor performances amphitheater, camper stop zone
A total number of 50614 passengers used the services of the Burgus ship to get to the Cultural tourist complex Chengene skele since its opening in July 2021. This is considered quite successful result in increasing the attractiveness of the area and its accessibility to the visitors and locals by providing public water transport link.
The implemented activities of the project can be replicated in other settlements that aim to preserve and promote the intangible cultural heritage in a given region. The implemented project can be a good example as it offers good solutions for improving the attractiveness and connectivity of rural areas and their proximity to the city. Also the project is a good practice for demonstrating nature-based solutions promoting the protection of the environment and biodiversity, increasing the touristic image of a given region, as well as increasing knowledge regarding traditional crafts . The implemented project with its exceptional natural features and preserved traditional crafts mark the area as one with high potential for promoting sustainable tourism development.
The practice may be of high interest to other areas with similar preconditions due to the use of nature-based solutions and use of natural materials in the development of sustainable eco-tourism destination and ensuring a green ecological maritime public transport service connection to the area.
GOOD PRACTISES: COVID-19 PREVENTION
• Everything happens outdoors – meet, play, walk, sunbath, work, chat, eat
• Large open space giving opportunity for social distancing;
• Outdoor activities for big and small;
• Stage for cultural events on 10 meters from the sea;
Facilities are provided for healthy lifestyle
• There are 4 parking spaces for disabled people located near the beginning of the routes, as well as in each of the sites
• Provided are outdoor picnic facilities-wooden tables and benches for personal outdoor experiences
• Outdoor open scene amphitheater for events and performances
• Small water docking stations for water leisure activities, and private vessels
• The area provides all aspects for recreation- a promenade, culinary practice demonstration room, children's playground , camper zone
Chengene Skele is the last fishing village on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, which preserves the old fishery traditions.
In the summer of 2016, "Knitting fishing tackles – tallies, nets and screws: a millennial craft from the Burgas Bay" was listed as an element in the National List of Elements of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ministry of Culture and was among the candidates proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO list.
The project addresses the global challenges of preserving and passing down intangible cultural heritage transforming it into an experiential "living practice" – knowledge, skills, technologies and practices that are passed down from generation to generation or from old to young, which are practiced today and where there is a pronounced continuity. The project also addresses the challenge of adaptation to climate change by applying nature based solutions and preserving the environment and biodiversity of the region, promoting eco-tourism practices and sustainable development of marine protected area as nature-based tourism destination. It has achieved significant success in involving local community in the living practices, management and sustainability of the ethnographic complex. They feel valued and respected which nurtures and sustains their sense of belonging to the settlement.
Another aspect of the project success is measured by increasing the attractiveness and connectivity to this natural rural area and building bridges between urban and rural life promoting alternative, slow, experiential, sustainable and eco tourism destinations.
