Projets Prix LEADER Européens

Netherland

Summary

The aim of the project was to create a reciprocal transfer between farmer and citizen; making farmers and citizens more aware of each other and a establish a transfer of opinions and interests that encourage both parties to rethink and change behaviour. 

Various activities were organized during the project in which a realistic picture of the current Zeeland agricultural sector was provided, and farmers and citizens discussed agricultural products, the growing of the products and social issues regarding the theme of ‘future-proofing the agricultural sector’. During the implementation of the project, the emphasis was on the younger generation, the future generation that will have to bring about changes, so the educational sector was also extensively involved in the project. Students from secondary vocational education centres were offered educational activities, either in the form of ready-made lessons given by their own teacher or by a farmer as a guest teacher. In addition, teaching chests were made for scholars from secondary and intermediate vocational education,  

Website: www.zeeuwsekringloop.nl.

Presentation

Project location 

The provincie of Zeeland 

Elements of context (need for action / problem) 

The agricultural sector is an important sector in Zeeland, with a major influence on the Zeeland landscape and a major contribution to the Zeeland economy. Despite the fact that there are many agricultural activities in Zeeland and the landscape is not reclaimed, citizens are unfamiliar with this sector. 

The ‘Zeeuwse Kringloop’ project was created through a collaboration between various parties. The Zeeland Agricultural Youth Contact, Zeeuws Land & Viscollectief and Scalda have joined forces to overcome the gap between farmer and citizen. The aim is to make farmers and citizens more aware of each other. During the project, the emphasis is on the young generation if they want to bring about change in the future. 

Objectives 

The impact of the project is that a transferable methodology has been developed that form a broadening and deepening of the current Green Education curriculum. It furthermore reduces the boundaries between citizens and farmers, which can lead to more understanding, but also to more students choosing a career in the agricultural sector. 

Actual or expected outputs 

• Teaching materials 
• Interactive teaching material has been developed from the Zeeuwse Kringloop project that can be used, in the subjects of citizenship and career orientation. The lessons have been developed for secondary eduction / secondary scientific education and secondary education. 
• All secondary schools in Zeeland will receive a teaching box with teaching materials about the agricultural sector. This box is full of fun games for students. All games are interactive and of course very educational. 

• Guest lessons 

From the Zeeuwse Kringloop project, various farmers give interactive guest lessons during the citizenship and LOB subjects. In these guest lessons, the entrepreneurs explain who they are and what they do at their company. They also tell all kinds of fun facts about the sector and talk to the pupils/students in an interactive way. The aim of this guest lesson is to get students to think for themselves where their food comes from and what choices they make. 50 guest lessons have now been given.  

• Excursions 

Various agricultural entrepreneurs in the province of Zeeland open their doors for school classes. During an excursion, students can really experience farm life. 

• Events 

Varios activities have been organized such as : 

1. Cooking workshops 
2. Workshop ‘you can learn to communicate’  
3. Dinner and lunch at the farmer’s house 
4. National outdoor learning day 
5. Farm boot camp 
6. Interactive performance ‘relationship between city and countryside’ 
7. Farmers talk to citizens at a local market 

• the role of LEADER in the project (funding, support, networking, etc.) 

During the intake interview, the LAG adviced about the content of the project and pointed out possible partners and projects with wich a link could be made. Without LEADER recources it would not have been possible to realize this project.  

The emblematic character of the project

The innovation largely lies in the way of communicating. Communication often takes place by social media or by placing signs and is one-sided. Through mutual communication, conscious choices can be made by both farmers and citizens. In addition, the partnerships that have emerged are innovative. 

The theme of ‘living agriculture’ is strongly reflected in this project. This project strengthens the social position of agriculture. Farmers and citizens discuss the current and future-proof agricultural sector, which strengthens the connection between society and the agricultural entrepreneur. There is room for each other’s opinions on discussion papers/issues within the theme ‘future-proof agricultural sector’. Various new partnerships are being established within the project. The partners involved in the project are part of the new partnerships, through the implementation of the project new and deepening partnerships are being created. During the implementation of the project, farmers organize activities on the farm and with their products that they would not normally organize. These activities may lead to a new revenue model for the farmer. A revenue model that focuses on contact between farmer and citizen. If some farmers seek more contact with citizens, this will have added value for the entire agricultural sector. 

The problems in the province of Zeeland are not specific to this region. The objective of the project can also be achieved in other parts of the Netherlands and possibly even beyond. The activities and workshops set up for the project can also be deployed in other areas. Depending on the area, possible with other agricultural products. The partners are open to sharing knowledge about the project, to promote transferability. The portability of the teaching material is also great. Teaching materials are put online for teachers. Teachers who teach outside the province of Zeeland can also use this. 

Pictures

Website: www.zeeuwsekringloop.nl 

Spain 

Introduction 

It is the trip to the best of nature in Castilla – La Mancha, recognized through our network of Red Natura 2000 spaces, with tourism companies committed to conservation and local development, and that have established a collaboration with the managing entities. of protected natural spaces, and whose common thread is the Recognition System for the sustainability of Nature Tourism in the Natura 2000 Network.  

Presentation of the project 

“ECOTOURISM IN THE NATURA 2000 NETWORK OF CASTILLA – LA MANCHA” is an innovative and demonstrative project that emerged with a vertical, bottom-up, comprehensive approach by linking to the Ecotourism Club in Spain, with the aim that the results of the cooperation project have continuity. The product and the experiences created will improve the use of natural heritage (natural spaces, geology, flora, fauna, landscapes) and cultural heritage (rock art, archaeological sites, transhumance, etc.), positively influencing the economy of the participating territories. Given the fragility of these spaces, it is necessary for tourism companies to apply good practices, which is why it is planned to implement the “System for recognition of the sustainability of nature tourism in the Natura 2000 Network”, designed by the General Subdirectorate of Biodiversity and Natural Environment of MITECO, together with the Secretary of State for Tourism. This system consists of a process of training and supporting companies to help them create their own ecotourism offer, while improving their costs and being more efficient, and informing their clients of how they can enjoy the spaces of the Natura Network. 2000. 35 tourism companies in Castilla – La Mancha have been able to take measures to make their activities more sustainable, and use the interpretation of natural and cultural heritage as a tool to configure ecotourism experiences (nature observation and photography, hiking, astrotourism, scientific tourism, geotourism, environmental education activities, etc.). The result has been that companies are better prepared and offer experiences that act as promotional elements for the participating territories. Its general objective has been to create the Ecotourism product in Castilla – La Mancha with tourism companies located in a network of regions with Natura 2000 Network spaces, and the participation of the environmental and tourism administration, to contribute to the sustainable development of the regions. involved, improving the profitability of small tourism companies and carrying out differentiated promotion of these regions to reach consumers. The cooperation project is aimed at the following recipients: small businesses and self-employed workers in the tourism sector, tourism managers, managers of Red Natura 2000 spaces and the local population. The Natura 2000 Network areas of application and that have joined the SRSTNRN2000 are the following: ZEC-ZEPA SIERRA MORENA (Ciudad Real. VALLE DE ALCUDIA); ZEC-ZEPA SIERRA DE ALZARAZ Y SEGURA AND CANNONS OF SEGURA AND MUNDO (Albacete. SIERRA DEL SEGURA AND SACAM); BONILLO STEPOPE ZONE SPA (Albacete. SACAM); ZEC – SERRANÍA DE CUENCA SPA (Cuenca. PRODESE); ZEC PLAINS OF OROPESA, LAGARTERA AND CALERA AND HUTS (Toledo. CAMPANA DE OROPESA); TIETAR VALLEY SPA AND ROSARITO AND NAVALAN RESERVOIRS (Toledo. CAMPANA DE OROPESA); ZEC-ZEPA ALTO TAJO (Guadalajara. MOLINA DE ARAGÓN-ALTO TAJO); ZEC-ZEPA MONTES DE TOLEDO (Toledo. MONTES DE TOLEDO; Ciudad Real. ENTREPARQUES); ZEC – SPA TABLAS DE DAIMIEL (Ciudad Real. ALTO GUADIANA MANCHA).  

The Project assumes that 33,950 km2 of protected natural spaces are under a Sustainable development and management model, covering 70% of the Natura 2000 Network of Castilla – La Mancha and 294 municipalities. 105 companies have been trained in Red Natura 2000, and more than 50,000 people have been reached on social networks.  

The LEADER approach has been the common thread in public-private collaboration at the local, regional and even national level, with collaborating entities of the Project at the national level being the Secretary of State for Tourism and the Ecotourism Association in Spain. At the Regional level, apart from the 9 participating Local Action Groups, there are the General Directorate of the Natural Environment and Biodiversity from the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the General Directorate of Tourism and Crafts of the Ministry of Economy, Business and Employment, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Rural Development that co-finances the Project (7%), together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (3%) and the EAFRD 90%.  

Innovative character of the project:  

• Relationship of the EDLP of the participating GDRs with the objectives of the cooperation project, they have large areas of protected natural spaces in common.  
• Innovative principle and demonstrative effect for any territory by applying a seal of sustainability and tourism quality at the national level, which contributes to the Sustainable Development of spaces and tourism companies (Accommodation and service companies), contributing to Sustainable Development.  
• Objective of shared interest, prioritizing the conservation and local development of the territories.  
• Public-private collaboration between the managers of the spaces and the companies that operate in those territories.  
• Eligibility conditions: Technical assistance, training and territorial promotion.  
• Framing of the actions to the associated priorities and focus area: 1 A, 1 B and 1 C. 4 A and 6 B.  

• Scope of action: Regional. Applicable to any Territory.  
• Beneficiaries: GAL, tourism companies, tourism managers, ENP managers and the local population.  
• Network management. Common actions.  
• Promotion and dissemination of the project.  
• Coordinated execution control and monitoring system.  
• Collaboration agreement and economic commitment.  

Pictures 

Spain 

Introduction 

Rural territory that under the legal umbrella of the company Ruralgimia and our green experiences project, we have:  

• El Rincón de Pau+Las Casuchas: accommodation where guests have the opportunity not only to stay, but also to carry out different activities, in which, among others, are its other two lines of business which are:  
• Mediterranean Bike Tours: Travel agency, which carries out bike trips of several days and allows our accommodations to benefit from these overnight stays and guests of not only our accommodations, but from the rest of the territory, can also do cycling tourism activities such as Bike&Orange, which is where the next line of business comes in…  
• AGC: Farm dedicated mainly to the cultivation of oranges in which apart from marketing its own production (part of it BIO), offers guided tours and in turn makes that for every traveler who makes a bike trip with us, we plant a tree which has the opportunity to sponsor and receive at home their own fruit.  

These three projects, under the same umbrella, feed off each other and add value not only to each other, of course, but also to the rest of the stakeholders in a very wide area.  

Presentation of the project 

Our project is located in the Valencian region of Camp de Morvedre in the municipalities of Torres Torres and Algímia d’Alfara. We are in a rural territory with an important traditional agricultural weight, but it is a sector in recession. Therefore, it is necessary to create new alternatives for local development and address problems such as depopulation, abandonment of activity or environmental problems derived from the loss of traditional management of the territory.  

Our objectives focus on taking advantage of local resources such as natural and cultural heritage and traditional agriculture to link them with sectors such as tourism or recreation. Our project goes beyond mere tourist services and provides the client with an experience linked to the territory and that serves as an introduction and showcase of it. With its development, the aim is to expand, develop, innovate and implement new formulas adapted to new technologies, while offering new alternatives linked with respect for the environment and a differentiated products offer. So, we set the following objectives:  

• Provide added value to the territory through the tourist use of its resources.  
• Take advantage of the presence of the Ojos Negros Greenway as the backbone of our cycle tourism offer.  
• Link sectors such as agriculture, cycle tourism and recreation.  
• Generate our own offer of activities and accommodation, relating it to our agricultural activities.  
• Be an innovative and replicable model experience that favors the development of other initiatives in the territory.  

The result of our work has been the creation of 10 rural accommodations, a travel agency and the development of an innovative cycle tourism offer that includes the possibility of trips throughout the Valencian territory with stages in accommodations in various Valencian regions. Today we have a network of more than 200 travel agencies around the world specialized in cycle tourism and that market our packages. Many of these agencies have signed an agreement with us guaranteeing an annual minimum number of tourists for the activity. Our offer consists exactly of:  

• agricultural exploitation  
• Accommodations  
• Gastroshop.  
• Biker’s Boutique.  
• Traveler’s Café  
• Biker School.  
• Cycle routes.  

Currently our cooperative consists of 5 members and 6 employees. We also have various recognitions for quality and our work, such as being members of the Invat.Tur and Creaturisme networks of our regional government and we participate in the Valencian Institute of Tourism Studies. Our establishments also have recognitions such as the Q certificate for tourist quality and are included in the regional offer of « Temps d’Interior ».  

LEADER has provided us with various benefits. On the one hand, it has provided us with financing for the development of various projects. On the other hand, it has also provided us with support and advice during the development of our business plan. In addition, it has also collaborated in the dissemination of our philosophy and project by including us in various promotional and technical publications. Participation in activities organized by the LAG has allowed us to establish contacts and expand our local network of work and associated products. 

Our project has been innovative from various perspectives. On the one hand, it has started from a comprehensive perspective of sustainable use of multiple local resources. On the other hand, it has relied on local networks of producers and the offer of new activity services. Furthermore, we have opted to become a travel agency ourselves and market this powerful offer that was being underused.  

Our proposal faces various major territorial challenges. On the one hand, it helps establish population in a territory at risk of depopulation through the creation of jobs and the hiring of auxiliary services. On the other hand, by supporting the maintenance of agricultural activity we face environmental challenges in the Mediterranean environment such as the fight against erosion, desertification, the risk of forest fires and the fight against climate change. A fight that is enhanced by our promotion of the use of a sustainable means of transportation such as the bicycle.  

Likewise, we contribute to giving visibility to our territory and new forms of sustainable tourism that are frequently unknown in an area dominated by coastal sun and beach tourism. To achieve this, we rely on the use of new technologies and the continuous expansion of our networks at all levels.  

Our project can be transferred from two different perspectives. On the one hand, other territories can replicate our business model in whole or in part. On the other hand, our philosophy and approach of taking advantage of local resources for their valorization on a global scale through the expansion of networks and the intensive use of innovative work and communication methodologies can also be replicated in other areas and sectors.   

Pictures 

https://fb.watch/o30YgRMtgk/

Spain 

Introduction 

The project “Productive capacity expansion and cutting line improvement ” has consisted on the state-of-the-art technological equipment acquisition that allows large iron sheets plasma cutting into custom-made pieces which are necessary for forestry machinery manufacturing process; being Talleres Ramón Castro, S.L. main business activity at its facilities located on the Oscos-Eo region (Asturias, Spain). 

Talleres Ramón Castro, S.L. is a company that designs and manufactures exclusive and patented forestry machinery, such as forestry harvesters, felling heads and biomass compactors.  

The project´s idea arose to optimize the production process since the manufacturing of this forestry machinery requires custom-made parts with specific shapes that the market did not offer under favorable conditions.  

In this way, Talleres Ramón Castro, S.L., carries out the entire manufacturing process with the consequent increase in productivity and can thus meet the high demand for existing forestry machinery not only nationally but also internationally.  

It is a company that captured the needs of the local forestry sector and knew how to satisfy them by creating specific machines.  

Presentation of the project 

Talleres Ramón Castro, S.L. is a family company located on Barres Industrial Estate, in the municipality of Castropol (Asturias-Spain), founded in 1980 that, at first, focused its activity on agricultural machinery repairment and marketing.  

As time went by and due to the increase of lumber clients with breakdowns in their machines, the company decided start manufacturing processing heads with greater resistance than those on the market, capable of working with eucalyptus wood. Thus, its foray into the forestry sector dates back to 1997, when it created its commercial brand MONRA FORESTAL (MONRA). Under this brand, it offers comprehensive solutions including exclusive forestry machinery design, development, manufacturing, assembly and after-sales service.  

One of MONRA’s main competitive advantages relies on its products specialization in eucalyptus processing. Delimbing this species entails greater difficulties for lumber workers due to the hardness and branches insertion angle. To solve this problem, it manufactures exclusive machinery suitable for this process. It should be noted that most of the equipment manufactured in Europe is not adapted to working conditions required by eucalyptus. This is why MONRA is the only equipment manufacturer with the level of versatility and demand appropriate for working with hardwoods.  

Among its range of products are also the ENFO biomass compactors, with great recognition in the sector and whose design is protected under an international patent. The availability of this equipment on the market encourages forest biomass use as a source of renewable energy, offering great advantages from an environmental, social and economic point of view. Thus, the use of forest residues is promoted, facilitating repopulation on one hand, and, on the other, the generation of tied, packaged, stackable bales deliverable to any biomass processing company.  

Currently, the company has managed to consolidate itself in the national market by being the only manufacturer of forest biomass processors, harvesters and compactors specialized in hardwoods.  

In 2000, MONRA managed to quickly position itself in the South American market, specifically in Chile and Argentina as well as in Poland and Portugal.  

The subsidized project in 2022 consisted of of a new large plasma cutting machine with the latest features acquisition to improve productivity and diversify its production and which is included in a larger project to expand the company´s productive capacity. This equipment will be installed in a recently built warehouse in the Barres Industrial Estate.  

During the LEADER 2014-2023 period, Talleres Ramón Castro, S.L., has received two grants in the amount of €113,286.80, thus contributing to the economic development of rural areas.  

What gives this project its innovative character is the ability of a small family company, located in rural areas, to adapt to the times and know how to satisfy the needs of a sector.  

What stands out in this company is its great expansion, going from a small company for the repair and marketing of agricultural and forestry machinery with a clientele at the regional level, to a company with more than 5,000 m2 of facilities, which designs, develops, manufactures, assembles and sells its own forestry machinery, differentiating itself by its innovative and exclusive character, and with an international clientele. It is a clear example that rural areas do not prevent global business. It sould also be highlithted Talleres Ramón Castro, S.L. founder´s commitment with his hometown, as he had the opportunity to move to other industrial estates closer to the big cities and that offered more expansion possibilities, but he decided to stay and grow in his town because of the strong roots he has in it. He currently employs 23 people in the area in addition to his self-employed position and his wife´s, both partners in the company.  

The CEDER Oscos-Eo Participatory Local Development Strategy aims to support the economic activity of the Oscos-Eo Region, improve quality and innovate in production processes. This project contributes to forestry sector growth by offering the possibility of working in the mountains with greater comfort and obtaining better results, being the reason why it is considered a priority for LEADER Oscos-Eo.  

This project is a clear example of you can work, grow and even internationalize in rural.  

Pictures 

Company website: https://www.monraforestal.com/index.php/es/  

The Asturian Local Development Network (READER) made several videos of LEADER aid beneficiaries for broadcast on local television and other media. In the following link you can see that of this company: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grXAKOmoRQc 

Spain 

Introduction 

This project promotes rural, sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism. 

It consists of the installation of 3 cottages, two for rural tourism apartments and another for reception and common services. They are located in a small village in a rural area, in a mountains and meadows environment, and natural materials (mainly native wood). Ecological materials were used for their construction, therefore promoting minimal environmental damage. 

It also has renewable energy means for its operation, both its own by capturing sunlight, and that of the network supplier, which guarantee the supply of 100% renewable energy.  

It also has an “A” energy rating in global CO2 emissions.  

Presentation of the project 

These cottages, whose commercial name is “Cabañas Huma”, are located in Las Cruces, a small village of 16 inhabitants in the municipality of Vegadeo, which belongs to the Río Eo, Oscos and Terras de Burón Biosphere Reserve, ideal territory for hiking and for activities in nature.  

They are perfectly integrated into the environment thanks to the use of ecological and sustainable construction materials, such as the external and internal finish in native wood (local pine). They also have low consumption equipment with the use of aerothermal energy, in addition to having photovoltaic panels so that external energy demand is minimal, which is also from 100% renewable sources.  

The “Cabañas Huma” are located on an extensive property of about 4,500 square meters and are 2 cottages for 2 rural tourism accommodations and one more cottage that serves as reception and common services. Each cottage has the capacity to accommodate two adults and one child in a total area of 40 square meters and an outdoor terrace of 12 and 24 m2 respectively. They are equipped with bathroom with a shower and hydro massage jets, ecological amenities, one 150 cm bed, kitchen, living area with a sofa convertible in bed, air conditioning, heating, aero thermal heating for DHW, TV and Wi-Fi. It has a 5930 W photovoltaic installation with which it seeks to minimize external demand, also having an electric charger for vehicles of clients who might require it.  

In order to fully integrate into the environment, it has a garden in which on the one hand there are completely organic and seasonal garden products (onions, lettuce, peppers…) and, on the other hand, there are aromatic plants such as parsley, mint, thyme, lavender, oregano, lemon balm…, all for the guest’s enjoyment, even if it is symbolic.  

Outside there is a terrace with garden furniture and beautiful views. And all this in a simple design and a Nordic-inspired interior design. Outside, during the usable season, it also has a Spa area with an outdoor jacuzzi perfectly integrated into the environment.  

As a proof of its energy sustainability, the result of energy consumption is published on it´s website, showing of a lower energy consumption compared with the energy produced during the first 11 days of the month.  

This project is innovative because of its respect for the environment:  

• Perfect integration into the environment by using native materials (local pine) in most of its construction.  
• Sustainability, by being self-sufficient with renewable energies.  
• Low CO2 emission, which gives it the highest energy rating in terms of efficiency.  

In the rest of the region´s territory covered by this Local Action Group (GAL) there is no other accommodation of these characteristics, and taking into account the rise of ecological and sustainable tourism, it is likely that it will serve as a reference for other projects, both scope of action of this GAL as well as others, since this project appears in several nationwide tourism publications.

  

Pictures 

Spain 

Introduction 

The project aims, through SMART technology, to develop the automation of opening, video monitoring and closing of more than 80 centres/small museums located – 23 of them are located in villages with less than 100 people- in different rural municipalities in 9 provinces of Spain (Castilla y León and Galicia) and Central Bohem in Czech Republic, promoting the ethnographic, cultural, historic heritage, environmental values of 20 rural territories (LAGs) and creating elements of tourist attraction; improving local environmental education infrastructures, and increasing the self-esteem of the local population.  

With the implementation of the Living Museum system, visitors from rural areas can independently access museums or interpretation centers by managing their visit through an app that ensures availability at opening and security during the visit.  

Presentation of the project 

This project has been developed in the provinces of Burgos (37 museums / 6 LAGs), León (12 museums / 3 LAGs), Segovia (4 museums / 1 LAG), Soria (19 museums / 4 LAGs) and Valladolid (8 museums / 1 LAG) in the region of Castilla y León, and Orense (1 museum / 1 LAG), La Coruña (1 museum / 1 LAG) and Lugo (3 museums 1 LAG) in Galicia (Spain); as well as Lovec (1 museum / 1 LAG) in Central Bohemia of the Czech Republic.  

This project arose to respond to the need to re-open the museums that had closed due to the Global Economic Crisis and the COVID-19 Crisis and the lack of budget in small rural municipalities.  

As agents devoted to revitalising rural areas, the Local Action Groups (LAGs) in Spain and the EU contribute to promoting ethnographic, cultural and natural values in their territories. Since 1992 the Local Action Groups (LAGs) have contributed to the promotion of their rural values in their territories through the LEADER. One of the tools chosen had been the creation of Interpretation Centres, Nature Classrooms, small Museums and other elements that have made tourism activities possible. However, after the 2008-2013 Global Economic Crisis, which particularly affected Mediterranean countries such as Spain, many of these centres were closed to the public due to lack of funds and after the COVID-19 was a hard blow for tourism in rural areas.  

The Smart system has allowed these museums to reopen and show the rural world, the territories and their population the ability to adopt new technologies to provide solutions to their cultural, social and economic problems.  

86 nature centers/ethnographic museums/castles/churches and other elements have been opened to the public and visitors and tourists; and as of October 31, 2023, 117,000 visitors have already been reached.  

This LEADER project has been a clear example of cooperation between the 20 LAGs of Spain and the Czech Republic and is a project that responds to problems in the rural world; and shows the solution for other LAGs and rural territories.  

But Mseos Vivos always makes it clear to museum owners (municipalities and local entities) that it is not a project that serves to destroy jobs, but rather to provide a solution when the museum is already closed due to lack of resources.  

Our web platform www.livingmuseums.eu is an innovative solution and a clear example that our territories are also Smart Villages; because its system of reservations for visits, opening of museums, video monitoring of visits and closing is an example of how territories must adapt to Crisis situations and how they must adopt tools that allow territories to achieve sustainable rural development. 

 

Pictures 

Promotional video 2023 (11’09’’)  

Promotional video (2’25’’)  

Web  

Inicio

Spain 

Introduction 

The action consists of setting up a new line of business dedicated to the production, packaging 

and marketing of organic fertilisers and fertilisers with organic certification for agriculture. 

Presentation of the project 

Location 

The company is located in the industrial estate of Archidona (Málaga), Spain. 

Background and developments 

PERCOFAN has more than 30 years of experience in the hunting sector, in which it has become a 

reference in the South of Spain, with more than 20 employees. However, this sector is 

experiencing a decrease in its turnover. 

To face this situation and ensure a more solid business future, PERCOFAN has launched a new line 

of business, dedicated to the marketing of organic fertilisers and organic fertilisers with ecological 

qualification. 

Description of the project and objectives achieved 

Activity of elaboration and distribution of fertilisers with certificate for an ecological, sustainable 

agriculture, avoiding the incorporation of harmful chemicals to the soil, contributing to the 

improvement of the environment in general. 

The subsidised investment consisted of machinery and facilities for the production and packaging 

of the products. 

Objectives: 

• Diversification of the activity of a rural enterprise with a new activity. 
• To increase the economic competitiveness of the company. 
• Contribute to the maintenance and creation of employment. 
• Environmental contribution 

After more than 2 years of activity, the evolution of the project is remarkable in terms of market 

acceptance and sales volume. The activity continues to grow and expand. 

Specifically, the project seeks to diversify the activity of more than 30 years carried out by the beneficiary company, expanding its activity and contributing to the maintenance and creation of employment in the rural area. 

The project activity contributes to the strategy of the RDG by its environmental character: it promotes sustainable agriculture. 

Generally speaking, because of its demonstrative effect on the territory. 

Pictures 

https://www.fraymendel.com/abono-fenorganic-ecologico-evita-usar-quimicos-en-cultivos-agricolasel-

producto-elaborado-en-base-a-una-biotecnologia-propia-se-llamara-fenorganic-y-se-envasa/ 

France

Introduction

Dans la commune rurale de La Chapelle Au Riboul, le conseil municipal, totalement renouvelé aux dernières élections en 2020, engage une réflexion sur la coopération et la participation citoyenne. Il s’agit de co-construire le projet de la commune, de travailler avec l’ensemble de la population, et de ne pas considérer les élus comme « sachant tout ». L’objectif est de rédiger la trame d’un projet de territoire, une sorte de boussole qui fixe les orientations pour la décennie à venir, en s’inscrivant dans une démarche éco-citoyenne et de développement durable, en cohérence avec l’Agenda 21. « Notre réflexion est menée en coopération pour réfléchir ensemble sur le devenir de notre village, son attractivité, son aménagement et sur notre transition écologique. »

Présentation du projet

La Chapelle Au Riboul, village comptant 500 âmes, se situe à une quinzaine de kilomètres de la ville de Mayenne, au nord-ouest du département. La nouvelle équipe municipale réfléchit à son projet de territoire avec plusieurs objectifs dont le maintien, développement et création de lien social ainsi que l’attractivité du bourg pour à terme accueillir de nouveaux habitants. Elle commence par mettre en place un comité de pilotage et réalise un diagnostic en interne pour définir les atouts et les faiblesses du village. Ensuite, une consultation citoyenne est opérée sous forme d’un questionnaire distribué à tous les habitants de plus de 12 ans du village. Les plus jeunes sont consultés grâce au travail collaboratif entre l’équipe enseignante et la mairie. Le souhait de la municipalité est « d’embarquer » la population dans toute sa diversité pour travailler à la constitution d’un projet commun, partagé et fédérateur, se concrétisant notamment dans le projet d’aménagement du centre-bourg. Il s’agit également de développer des outils de participation et de coopération citoyenne favorisant la démocratie, l’expression et l’entraide. Mais assez rapidement, la jeune équipe est confrontée à un nœud concernant la mise en œuvre, celui de l’ingénierie et de la communication. Comment coordonner ? Avec quel temps ? Pour mener ce travail de grande ampleur et plutôt ambitieux, les élus recrutent pour les épauler Elisa Lamy, en contrat Volontariat Territorial en Administration, dispositif financé en partie par l’agence nationale de la cohésion des territoires ; une autre partie étant financée grâce aux fonds LEADER, soutien indispensable pour ne pas que la dynamique s’essouffle. En parallèle, la municipalité se fait accompagner par l’entreprise Le Facteur Urbain se définissant comme artisan de l’urbanisme participatif. Elle les guide dans la démarche « En route vers les en- communs », visant à redéfinir les espaces publics, à l’image de l’aménagement du jardin de la mairie, trait d’union entre la campagne et le bourg. De nombreux outils de participation citoyenne pour la revitalisation du bourg sont mis en place : café-trottoirs, réunions sur la place publique, ateliers participatifs, journal communal « Les Niouzes », commissions extra-communales… Grâce à ces différents outils, le comité de pilotage définit ses orientations : – Vers une transition écologique de notre territoire communal – Attractivité du territoire – Santé et cohésion sociale – Favoriser le vivre ensemble, la participation citoyenne et la démocratie – Revitalisation du bâti et du cadre de vie De ces axes sont dégagés des objectifs et de nombreuses actions comme le développement des liaisons douces pour relier la campagne au bourg, la création d’un marché de producteurs, de quatre logements communaux à destination de jeunes couples, la mise en place d’une commission extra[1]communale en vue d’accueillir un nouveau médecin généraliste, le soutien aux associations qui a pour effet de tripler le nombre d’associations dans le village… Elus et habitants s’impliquent ensemble dans la mise en œuvre de leur projet de territoire à travers des journées citoyennes et des chantiers argent de poche pour les plus jeunes. Ce projet continue de s’écrire et de se vivre. Les élus évoquent un « tourbillon citoyen » !

Le caractère emblématique du projet

La revitalisation des bourgs se trouve au cœur de la stratégie du GAL Haute Mayenne : il s’agit de favoriser la relance commerciale, artisanale et médicale, de tisser du lien social, d’aménager des espaces publics attractifs, de faciliter la mobilité en promouvant des modes de déplacement durables… Il a pour objectif d’essaimer en montrant les possibles pour un village de 500 habitants de s’inscrire dans une démarche éco citoyenne et d’entamer sa transition. 500 habitants invités à réfléchir et à participer sur le devenir de leur commune. Avec la volonté de mettre en avant la nécessité des partenariats, la coopération et la mutualisation avec les autres communes. Cette opération a pour enjeu d’être un laboratoire d’expérimentation de la démocratie participative en milieu rural et a vocation à servir d’exemple pour d’autres territoires. Après plusieurs voyages d’études, les élus municipaux se nourrissent de plusieurs exemples très inspirants comme la ville de Kingersheim, précurseuse en matière de démocratie participative pour mener sa transition écologique, ou d’autres expériences en milieu rural dans la Creuse ou la Drôme. Aujourd’hui, la commune bénéficie d’un soutien médiatique car elle se positionne en tant que « pilote » sur la mutualisation des moyens tout en gardant son identité. « Nous sommes une petite goutte qui dit c’est possible ! »

Photos

Commune de La Chapelle Au Riboul

GAL Haute Mayenne

Pays de La Loire

Spain 

Introduction 

The SENIOR SPACE project seeks to promote the creation of communities and territories friendly to the elderly, acting on DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGE, making the group of older people visible, both in decision-making and in seeking the implementation of services that treat this sector of the population as a generator of employment and not as an irreversible problem and thus facilitate a new economy linked to the silver economy. 

Objectives:  

• Enhance the contribution of older people and social organizations in the process of territorial development. 
• Create friendly and inclusive environments for all people throughout their life cycle and regardless of their circumstances. 
• Establish a governance model that incorporates the perspective of population ageing into local policy planning.  
• Generate and propose strategies, alliances and intervention policies in favour of active ageing. 

Actions:  

• Awareness campaigns, conferences. 
• Elaboration of an Intervention Framework with the elderly   
• Computer management tool, which measures the friendliness of each community.  
• Website: https://www.espacioseniorextremadura.es/ 
• Local Action Plans in each of the municipalities. 

Presentation of the project 

It is a LEADER regional cooperation project that unites 6 LAGs: ADERCO, ARJABOR, LA SERENA, LA SIBERIA, TAGUS and ADESVAL (coordinator). A total of 105 municipalities in six rural territories with a population over 65 years of age of more than 20%. Three counties of Cáceres and another three of Badajoz, all with the common problem of ageing and population loss.  It was developed between October 2021 and December 2022, with a view to continuity in the next 2023 – 2027 Strategy. 

The location and data regarding Extremadura are:  

The analysis of the economic and demographic situation of the six territories and the current context makes it possible to act: the new model of attention and care that the Junta de Extremadura is promoting is largely based on local services in rural areas. This new model, together with the transition in the care model at the national level and also in the European Union, makes us propose the project as a proposal to bring the elderly closer, not only in the object of the services, but also in the subject of what they must propose through their participation.  

The project works from several perspectives:  

• The World Health Organization’s (WHO) idea of active ageing. 
• Governance understood as the balance of all public agents and civil society in the construction of age-friendly communities. 
• The creation of local services in rural areas that allow the elderly to decide where they want to live. 
• The creation of employment in rural areas, mainly through the creation of new local services in rural areas. 

All of the above elements should constitute a powerful antidote to rural depopulation.  

The LEADER EDLP 2014-2020 programme offers the framework and funding to be able to do so, although it has not been possible to do so at national level, it has allowed the initiative to be known and has been disseminated in several forums and conferences: RRN 16 June 2021, participation in RURALISONS L’EUROPE! UNIS DANS LA RURALITÉ, 16 MARS 2022, participation in the I Extremadura Demographic Challenge Forum or in the selection of good practices for national projects, among others.  

With the results of the project, in the Alagón Valley in particular, there is already a line of work on social entrepreneurship linked to proximity services. Especially aimed at qualified women and young people, who are being excluded from our precarious labour market and in which they are only represented as employees, very scarcely as entrepreneurs with the collaboration of municipalities, SEXPE and LEADER EDLP. 

The project proposes a change of outlook towards the senior world and makes them aware of the fact that they are still active people in their community, and not only as care seekers, but also as consumers of services.   

It generates capacity to combat the demographic challenge and promotes strategic development for the territory of action for the following reasons: 

– A methodology based on raising awareness among all the actors involved in it, giving an active presence to the elderly (social innovation).  

– Public (city councils) and private collaboration represents a line of work of production of alliances and business dynamism from the commitment to the definition of new modalities of services and job creation (now refining towards collective entrepreneurship, social economy).  

– It also proposes the creation of products or services with an important innovative component, such as those linked to local services. 

– The municipalities and the territory will have a computer tool for registration and continuous improvement of the degree of friendliness with the elderly.   

The project can be replicated in regions with significant problems of ageing and unemployment of the population, as is the case in different territories of Extremadura and Spain. 

Actions to promote transferability have already been carried out: The project has been presented at regional and national meetings (NRN and ENRD) and in France. We have produced a LEADER Good Practice sheet for the NRN and the project has been included in the Social Innovation Manual. 

The territories of Extremadura can see the project replicated since they present similarities in their administrative and population structure: small municipalities, aging, depopulation, portfolio of services to dependency. 

However, the transfer of the project must always be carried out with the participation of the actors, of the local population, which is a hallmark of LEADER. 

Pictures 

https://www.espacioseniorextremadura.es/

Spain 

Introduction 

The objective of LEADER-NORDESTE Local Action Group hopes to the SINGULAR DESTINATION project is to create a unique tourist destination in the NORDESTE region. It is quality, sustainable, accessible and intelligent, which provides the visitor with a differentiating experience, based on the creation of a unique product that combines the diversity of the territory’s resources: history, culture, heritage, wine, thermalism, nature, certified quality, designations of origin, etc. 

There have been many actions carried out on the occasion of the Destination Singular project.  

We begin by customizing and designing an advertising campaign image and a website design www.destinosingular.es. Among other actions and within the advertising and promotion campaign, posters and advertising signage are installed. In addition, there is a call for an international contest of emerging ideas and heritage. Traveling exhibitions are held in the Northeast territory, in neighboring tourist destinations. Kits have been made to assist promotional fairs for different entities of differentiated quality or recreationalfestivals. A promotional video and audiovisual clip have also been made. 

Presentation of the project 

Destino Singular is the star project of the GAL during the 2014-2020 programming. It arises from the participatory process and at the proposal of different socio-economic sectors of the region. Our region known as NORTHEAST of the Region of Murcia integrates two territorial systems, the Altiplano composed of Jumilla and Yecla and the eastern municipalities of Abanilla and Fortuna. A territory with a strategic location that favors access to potential markets and a strategic potential in terms of the tourist and excursion offer to our territory. There is no sense of identity as a region, despite having multiple synergies that unite them and make us unique, for this reason DESTINO SINGULAR arises, as a link and creation of synergies or potentialities. 

Singular Destination has been a challenge in the region by uniting the potential resources of the municipalities of Abanilla, Fortuna, Jumilla and Yecla, and has also fostered new emerging potential through the creation of new works that attract tourism, through the International Contest of emerging ideas and heritage. The mural painting work on the staircase of the high place, “La Mirada de un pueblo” in Abanilla, the sculpture “Vestigios al Sol” on the Paseo de Los Baños, in Fortuna, the work in an old grain silo with the painting of the Monastrell grape variety titled “Raíces que miran al cielo” and the digital tool “Destínate” offers information and a tourist route through the municipality of Yecla. Own and priority project of the Northeast GAL of the Region of Murcia and to which LEADER funds have been allocated and co-financed by the CARM. A colorful image has been designed and created, where the large sectors that create a territorial identity are personalized. Based on this design, the municipalities and small population centers have been marked with various signs, including a route of a religious trail, “Lignum Crucis”.  

Promotional campaigns have been created with advertising mupis in the region’s capital. Stand to go to different fairs with the regional design. In addition to a traveling exhibition “Journey to a Singular Destination”, which with photographs of the region and an informative QR code invited tourists and passers-by from neighboring regions to come and visit us. We concentrated on a Fam Trip agents from the tourism sector who visited the breadth of tourist resources, ensuring that the region has ideal conditions to make different and varied tourist packages that attract new visitors and consolidate new market niches. All this accompanied with an important promotion on the website www.destinosingular.es, the commitment to promotional videos and clips have turned the Northeast into a Singular Destination. 

The objectives achieved have been to create a territorial identity, with joint planning of territorial development and rebalancing of the territory. Actions have been implemented that create territorial and economic synergies between the different municipalities. 

The DESTINO SINGULAR project is a project of the Local Action Group and has been financed by FEADER funds in 63% and co-financed in 37% by the Department of Agriculture of the Region of Murcia. 

Destino Singular is the most ambitious and innovative GAL project that has been carried out by the Association. It has undoubtedly contributed to creating synergies in the territory and creating unity as a brand or tourist destination. The entire project has been built with the help of local entities, cultural, festive, heritage, gastronomic associations, based on their needs and tourist projections, supporting them in their promotion of events, as well as showing their actions and particular characteristics to the bordering regions. The great advertising campaign through the regional newspaper “La Verdad”, the exhibition of “Journey to a Singular Destination”, the signage and identity as a Singular Destination, etc. and other actions developed with this project are leading to an increase in new visits to the different municipalities, as verified by their tourism offices. 

There are many resources and potential that the region has, as well as the concentration of agri-food products with differentiated quality is very relevant, building a strategic axis in agri-food and tourism terms, thus the Protected Designations of Origin of Wines from Jumilla and Yecla, Pera from Jumilla, Cheese from Murcia and Cheese with Murcia wine.  

This promotion of wine tourism is combined with the Wine Routes of both Jumilla and Yecla. All of this, together with the great heritage wealth, festive tourism, focused on Holy Week, Moors and Christians festivals of Abanilla, thermal tourism of Fortuna, the rich gastronomy turn the NORTH EAST into a Singular tourist destination, creating networks and new opportunities. 

The project has a unique identity, because it has been built according to the resources that our territory has. The idea could be transported to other GALs by building it to measure, from their potential and resources at their disposal. 

Pictures 

Promotional video: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyoEenPY5M1qCBkw4lYRZewovV 

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