To mark the 30th anniversary of the creation of CREAMA (Consortium for Economic Recovery and Activity in the Marina Alta), institutional representatives held a press conference yesterday to commemorate three decades of joint work for the economic and social development of the region.
The mayoress of Calpe, Ana Sala, highlighted that this year her municipality is the capital of CREAMA, as well as hosting the commemorative events. ‘We are celebrating 30 years since that historic 8th of November 1994, when the agreement that gave life to CREAMA was signed in Dénia, a pioneering project born to unite efforts and strengthen our region,’ she said.
Sala recalled how Calpe joined the consortium in 1998, joining an initiative originally promoted by Benissa, Pego, the INEM and the Alicante Provincial Council, and how over the years other municipalities such as Xàbia, Pedreguer, Teulada, Gata de Gorgos, and now El Verger have joined. ‘Creama has managed to establish itself as a national and European benchmark in local development,’ he stressed, recalling the recognition received from the European Union and the University of Valencia.
The mayor of Gata de Gorgos, Josep Francesc Signes i Costa, recalled that his municipality joined CREAMA in 2005 and highlighted the plurality of the consortium as one of its greatest values. ‘Creama has managed to weave unity out of diversity, generating a sense of region, of shared belonging, of common interests that go beyond administrative boundaries,’ he said. Signes stressed that CREAMA not only underpins the territory through technical management, but also through a ‘sense of community, solidarity and a common project’.
For his part, the mayor of Pego, Enrique Moll, recalled the beginnings of the project in 1994, which was promoted with funding from the European Social Fund, and pointed out the tangible impact of the nearly 20 European projects managed by CREAMA, which have benefited more than 2,500 people in the region. ‘This consortium has not been built on imposition, but on alliance and mutual trust. CREAMA is a tool for regional cohesion that shows that together we are stronger,’ he said.
The three representatives agreed on the importance of the collective effort of all the people and institutions that have made it possible for CREAMA to continue for three decades. ‘Today we pay tribute to the commitment, networking and willingness to build a region,’ they concluded.
For his part, the president of CREAMA and provincial deputy for Economic Development and European Projects, Carlos Pastor Ventura, took stock of the three decades of history with some significant figures: more than 700,000 people served, 73 million euros managed —more than 5 million from European funds—, 85 regional projects developed and an active network of local agencies that once again has nine offices following the reincorporation of El Verger. ‘Creama is one of the best examples of territorial cooperation, institutional efficiency and dedication to public service that we have in the province,’ said Pastor.
He also announced that the institutional ceremony to commemorate the anniversary will be held on 3 July in Calp, with the participation of former officials, technicians, suppliers and collaborators of the consortium. ‘We will continue to work together, as a region, as a province, as a shared project,’ she concluded.
The event served as a prelude to the consortium's General Assembly, where the reincorporation of El Verger into the network of municipalities that make up CREAMA was announced.
In its 30-year history, CREAMA has responded to 706,234 requests, promoted the creation of 5,256 companies in the region and carried out 100,451 employment guidance actions. Another highlight of the report is the raising of 73,209,681 euros to carry out its economic revitalisation actions.