Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Building Local Capacity to Implement the LEADER Approach
Summary
This project, implemented by the Municipalities of Rakitovo & Batak in partnership with private and non profit sectors enabled the creation of the LAG Terra Bessica, fostering local participation and awareness raising of the area identity.
Background
The area of the Municipalities of Rakitovo & Batak is one of the largest in Bulgaria among all eligible for LEADER. The area is predominantly mountainous, with a large share of forests, a great share of protected natural areas, ancient history related to the Thracian tribe Besses. The two main religions in the area are orthodox Christianity and Islam, and this was one of the challenges addressed in the process of building a local action group. The project is funded from the preparatory measure 431, actions 2, which aimed to prepare local areas to apply LEADER.
Objective
The main objectives of the project were to help local actors to acquire skills in order to animate the local community, develop a local development strategy, form and register a Local Action Group, and prepare and apply for the LAG' s recognition under the Bulgarian Rural development programme.
Main activities
The main activities were: launching a communication campaign to inform community groups about the LEADER approach and engage them in planning and elaborating the Local Development Strategy (LDS); organising focus groups and interviews with local stakeholders in order to identify the main priorities for the development of the area, as a basis for the preparation of the LDS; organising training activities targeting potential LAG members and staff; preparing the legal and administrative documents.
Results & Benefits
The project was awarded from the Ministry of Agriculture as the most successful implemented by a Bulgarian municipality. Thank to the project a public private partnership was created with 21 members. The LDS was prepared, including all internal functioning rules for the LAG. The LDS focused on eco tourism development and mountainous agriculture. As a result of the planning process, projects and ideas on eco tourism flourished. An annual festival celebrating the area culture was established.
Lessons learnt
Implementing joint activities oriented towards celebrating the natural, cultural and historical heritage increases engagement and ownership if the process is the result of a participatory process to develop a common vision for the development of the area. The inclusive and longer process undertaken to identify priorities and develop the LDS helped to increase the awareness of the specific identity of the area and its potential for development.
Project location and other information
Municipalities of Rakitovo and Batak forming the LAG territory.
Region
Pazardzhik
RDP Territory
Bulgaria
Total project cost (€)
65 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
48 750
National contribution (€)
16 250
Project website
Contact name
Svilen Topchiev
Telephone
+359 895 755 885
Languages for contact
English, Bulgarian
At a glance
Country
Bulgaria
Final beneficiary type
Public/local authorities, Local Action Group
Budget range
€20 000 - €99 999
Start date:
27/12/2009
End Date:
28/08/2011
Theme / Measure:
Implementing the LEADER Approach
Local Action Group management
431. Running the local action group, skills acquisition, animation
Keywords:
Public participation, Public-private-partnership, Leader, Local Action Group, Local development strategy
Last update
01/08/2013