DESA (Desha) has sponsored the successful revival of the local craft of silk-production, thus helping the war devastated Konavle region reconstruct their traditional costumes. With silkworms donated from France and acres of mulberry trees planted by refugee families, silk is again being produced -- with the hope that in the future, silk-production may become a viable commercial activity for the women of Konavle.

Goals of the project

The main goal is to restore the national costume as a symbol of national pride, memory and commitment to ancestral tradition, and the way of life as it used to be.

• Promotion of traditional customs of life
• Promotion of ecological values
• Improvement of women's social position and providing good prospects for coming generations
• Increase in motivation of rural women towards new sources of income
• Development of cooperation in groups - organization of cooperatives
• Promotion of tourist offer in Dubrovnik region

Results of the project

• Today, around ten different households from Konavle region are actively engaged in silk-production. on the large territory spreading from Vitaljina to Cavtat.
• "The Silk Road of Konavle"is today used as itinerary for excursions, being a part of a regular tourist offer.
• The Silk Project has contributed to self - reliance and dignity of rural peole, especially older women who have participated in the project with their knowledge, skills and experience, re-gaining, thus, their status within their families and within the rural community.