The ROSES HISTORY AND NATURE FOUNDATION

In a session held on 21 January 2002, the plenary meeting of the Local Council of Roses gave its approval to the creation of the Roses History and Nature Foundation, Fundació Roses Història i Natura (FRHN) . On 12 September 2003, the deeds of incorporation and bylaws of the Fundació Roses Història i Natura were drawn up in the presence of the Notary Public .

Article three of the bylaws lays down the underlying purpose of the Fundació Roses Història i Natura:

“With a view to serving the general interest and on a non-profit basis, the underlying purpose of the Fundació Roses Història i Natura is to bring together the historical and natural heritage of the Villa de Roses; to further it and, in the broadest possible sense, to manage, promote and develop it in all areas and with no other restrictions than those laid down by law.”

THE COMPREHENSIVE MANAGEMENT OF THE HERITAGE

Roses has become a major tourist resort, a circumstance that entails a wide range of both advantages and drawbacks. It is somewhat of a paradox to affirm that whereas years ago tourism constituted a serious threat to the preservation of heritage, today, in the first decade of the new century, this same phenomenon may be used as a significant boost for the protection of that selfsame heritage.

According to data provided by the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), the figure of 25 million tourists in the 1950's has risen to 700 million in 2000. Forecasts for the coming years suggest that this figure may treble, rising in just twenty years to 2,100 million tourists in 2020.

These data foresee certain changes that will be decisive when it comes to positioning offers. Added values will be looked upon as decisive factors and, along these lines, originality and differentiation are essential components. It is clear that Roses has something to say in this matter and may contribute significant values.

The major flow of visitors, an interest in the local heritage and history and the importance and scope of the projects underway in these areas have all encouraged the Council of Roses to consider the possibility of managing its heritage in a more efficient manner, embarking upon a broader range of schemes designed to both disseminate and preserve it.

Based on these core pillars, the strategic plan for the comprehensive management of the heritage organises its management structure into the “triangle” formed by: