Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 21 ISSUE 2
Written by Yordanka Angelova STOYANOVA-TONEVA

The process of urbanization is changing the relationship between cities and villages in each of the developed countries in the world. The tendencies are towards reduction of the rural areas, which outlines the risk of destruction of a specific, social-normative culture, bearing the marks of the traditions, customs, rituals preserved over the years - characteristic of the village. The geographical and natural features of the different rural areas presuppose the formation of specific crafts in the past, whose authenticity is preserved to this day through the created ethnographic complexes in many regions of Bulgaria, which have become the basis for the development of rural tourism. These areas have not only cultural and historical significance for generations, but also have educational potential. For the full qualification, education and practice of students in the field of veterinary medicine, zootechnics, agronomy, etc. it is necessary to invest in the maintenance and development of rural areas. Returning to the village and assessing it as a potentially important sector is a strategic priority not only of the EU, but also of any country that values its past but also thinks about its future. The present study aims to prove the need to rediscover the cultural, historical and educational resources of rural areas as a possible perspective for their social and economic development. In the course of the research a comparative and dynamic analysis, literature review, review of legislative frameworks and official documents of the institutions were used. A methodological framework for assessing the potential of rural areas has been proposed, through which stakeholders and institutions can rediscover these resources. Based on the theoretical and empirical analysis, the following conclusions are made: First, the cultural and historical heritage has the potential to become a successful tool for the social and economic development of rural communities. It is the platform for the development of tourism in rural areas. Second, investing in the creation, maintenance and development of training facilities - serving the interests of various educational institutions (schools, colleges, universities) is a necessary perspective that supports learning and is a chance to revive rural areas as authentic sites for cultural and educational purposes.

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