Independent Consumers Union (ICU) of Azerbaijan started implementation of project with financial support of European Union on development of ecotourism and alternative sources of energy in mountain areas of Azerbaijan.

Project title is Sustainable development of a village: Civil Society – Municipality Co-operation Model” (COSMO).

Project start: 06.12.2011

Project end: 06.12.2013

The project envisages an establishment of municipality resources centers, carpet and handcrafts museums at Chichi, Elik and Sohub villages of Guba region and investigation of available potential resources for development of local tourism and ecotourism services at these villages and aim to promote sustainable tourism and usage of alternative and renewable energy sources at these regions.

The project support the governmental strategy outlined in  The State Program on Socio-Economic Development of Regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2009-2013 stipulates the improvement of social life of rural population including those living in mountainous villages of Guba district, and development of tourism in general and President decree on announcement of 2011 Year as a year of Toursim in Azerbaijan.