Most border regions share similar challenges. These regions due to their geographic positions are economically disadvantaged, bur their key position is a good opportunity for establishing cross-border/ International cooperation. The project areas main challenge addressed by the project is that initiatives and attractions are mainly isolated from each other, their operators are rarely cooperating.and the initiatives are covering smaller areas or less members. Finding a solution to the common needs is a common cause for the two countries and can only be realized in an investment transcending the border as national initiations would not reach the goal.

Our project will improved cooperation in different fields - nature protection, pollution, biodiversity, green infrastructure and education sector; also, will deliver pilot actions and solutions in the above mentioned sectors and trained participants. General objective is the joint promotion and development of niche crops on small areas and related ecosystems services, such as lavender, berries, sea buckthorn up to 1 ha in Giurgiu and Ruse County. The project will contribute to the INTERREG VIA Rom-Bulg program's objective of protecting nature and biodiversity. At the end of the project, we will increase the number of niche crops in the region.

So far, according to the summaries drawn up on the basis of written notifications submitted by farmers, more than 20000 ha have been affected by soil drought in Giurgiu and Ruse Counties in 2022, especially corn, wheat, sunflower and barley crops. Also one of the problem in Giurgiu and Ruse counties is soil pollution by pesticides is one of the most common forms of pollution today. The widespread use of pesticides in agricultural production can degrade and damage microorganisms living in the soil. Even more so, in cases where these chemicals are misused or in excess, chemical compounds accumulate in the soil. Thus, the use of pesticides decreases the overall biodiversity of the soil.. The type of soil and type of pesticides can also affect the persistence of pesticides. Intensive exploitation of croplands have several significant effects on the soil.