Integrity Pacts – Civil Control Mechanism for Safeguarding EU Funds

Famed since antiquity for its great wealth and luxury, Sybaris had become a lost city, buried without a trace somewhere in the silt of the Crati delta alluvial plain in the toe of Italy. It wasn’t until the mid-20th century that archaeologists were able to rediscover the ruins of the 2,800-year-old Greek city. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in southern Italy.

Now the Ministry of Cultural Heritage is undertaking two major science and tourism projects to preserve and rejuvenate Sybaris. Worth a combined €2 million, the first project involves the modernisation of Sybaris’s Museum; the second project will allow visitors access to a Roman-era religious temple known as the “White House”, which was discovered by archaeologists during recent excavations.

ActionAid Italy is monitoring both contracts using an Integrity Pact, initially in partnership with two independent civil society organisations - Monithon and Gruppo Abele. ActionAid Italy is working to make sure that important ancient history is persevered and that local communities can benefit economically and socially from their heritage. Citizens are actively involved in the oversight process through Civic Monitoring Schools. See this blog post to know more about ActionAid’s work on citizen engagement.