Creation of an International Federation
Previously, they were each working in their own back yards. The “The Most Beautiful Villages” Associations of France, Wallonia and Italy are now linked and have created an international federation - “The Most Beautiful Villages on Earth”.
In Montpeyroux, that splendid village in Auvergne, an International Federation called “The Most Beautiful Villages on Earth” was created, on 18 May 2003. This new association encompasses France, Wallonia (Belgium) and Italy.
Its purpose is to welcome and support the approach of those new associations that are still being created elsewhere in the world with the same common intent: authenticity, quality and presentation of the heritage as a source of sustainable development and life. Exchanges between countries or regions are of paramount importance for the development of our national or regional associations that are going, together, to carry out united actions.
The Japanese, invited as observers, are not hiding their enthusiasm and would like to join us in this International Federation. Spain, also, is already knocking on our door.
It was in Italy, in Castiglione del Lago, that these three associations became linked in a joint venture by signing the Articles of Association of an International Federation called “The Most Beautiful Villages on Earth”. The Quebecers, who have already set up their own network, will be associated with it as observers, as will the Japanese, the Germans and the Austrians. As stipulated in those new Articles of Association, this International Federation’s head office is in Collonges-la-Rouge in Corrèze (France).
Let’s hope that this International Federation assumes the characteristics of a true network of reference, recognised by the European Union, for example, as an important player in the enhancement and protection of our rural heritage.
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