xavier

ODISSEU For the return of young people to rural areas

Project n°3

INTRODUCTION

ODISSEU For the return of young people to the rural world” is a Leader cooperation project of Catalan local action groups that accompanies young people interested in better understanding the opportunities that exist in rural environments to develop their professional project, whether they originate from these rural areas or others. Through different activities, the improvement of employability and entrepreneurship of this group is promoted, companies in rural areas and young talent are connected, coordination and networking of local public administrations, companies, educational centers and universities involved is improved. The project also brings the opportunities of the territory and strives to accompany the new inhabitants in rural territories especially people of urban origin, through the electronic platform living in rural and the territorial agents that become antennae of reception.

PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT

The project is structured in three areas: PRACTICUM, TALENT NETWORK and LIVE IN RURAL; which are developed through different activities. The ODISSEU PRACTICUM connects companies in rural territories with young talent; it improves the coordination and networking of local public administrations, companies, educational centers and universities involved. Through university internships during the summer months in rural territories. TALENT NETWORK is the field through which cooperative groups promote the improvement of employability and entrepreneurship of this group through different actions. To boost the return and root young talent in rural regions. Finally, the electronic platform LIVE IN RURAL and the reception antennas facilitate the reception of new population and the roots in the towns. By informing and connecting people interested in developing their life and professional experiences in rural areas, with the values and potential they can offer in rural areas and the opportunities and resources that this areas offer them.

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES

The general objective of the project is to encourage the return of young people to rural counties by facilitating their job placement and promoting young people’s roots in their rural territory of origin . And the specific objectives are: To publicize the professional opportunities and services of rural areas for the construction of the life project in these territories. Facilitate the employment and social integration of young people in these counties, connecting them with their business fabric and with resources for economic promotion and local development. Contribute to improving knowledge about today’s rural world and promote an offer with attractive and quality living conditions for the young population. Raise awareness in the business community about the added value that the ‘talent’ of young people has for their companies and strengthen company-university links.

THE ADDED VALUE OF THE PROJECT

The definition of this project and its practical application is based on the methodological approach LEADER that is based on the active participation of local actors that affect the development of their rural territories. One example is the involvement of all local action groups in Catalonia as groups cooperators that guarantee a multiplier effect of actions and results and a greater Achieving objectives.

In addition to the cooperating groups, the project has the collaboration of other public sector entities and civil society entities with whom we share the challenge of the roots of the young population and the newcomer population in the rural counties.

The Odysseus project is the ideal framework for working together, continuously and closely the return of young people to the rural world with the following actors, both at local-territorial level, and at national level. In addition to the Secretariat for Rural Agenda of the Department of Climate Action, Food and Rural Agenda, the Directorate General of Youth of the Department of Social Rights, the Agency Catalan Youth and the Association of Rural Initiatives of Catalonia must be emphasized commitment to participation of the General Directorate of Universities of the Department of Universities Research and Universities, the Agency for Management of University and Research Grants and the 12 universities of the University System of Catalonia that allows to coordinate one of the main actions of the project, the Odysseus Practicum Grants, an economic incentive to welcome university students who are from rural areas or who have the willingness to set up for the development of internships in companies located in Rural territories, considering that these companies are disadvantaged at the same time to welcome young trainees, as they are located further away from training and training centers They are often smaller companies.

9 editions of the Odysseus Practicum have been carried out they have benefited almost 543 companies located in Leader territory, with a rate of employment of 12% of young people with qualified profiles, after the ones internships. This network of actors provides a solid foundation for the project considering that the challenge of recovering and fixing young talent is not easy and it also involves agents who are outside Rural territories. The project has been able to weave collaborations with other actors with whom we share the concern about depopulation, lack of generational relief and consequent loss of socio-economic dynamism in rural areas. We refer to the Network of Athenaeums Cooperative, areas of economic promotion of county councils, entities premises for the reception of new population such as the Association Reviure les Valls and the Association of Micropobles of Catalonia. Every year, the number of companies and students interested in internships increases, as well as the number of grants awarded. This allows more young people to enjoy a tasting of what their professional and personal future in rural areas can be, and shows companies and entrepreneurs that it is possible to start, maintain and promote transformative projects in rural areas.

Audiovisual project material:

  • Infographic Odisseu project: Projecte Odisseu (youtube.com)
  • Odisseu project experiences:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaZ7wOR0UYU
  • In the Instagram profile of the Odisseu program, they will summarize the
    experiences of aggun from the participating students.https://www.instagram.com/odisseujove/

CONTACT

Referral person : Consorci GAL Alt Urgell-Cerdanya

Partners:

  • Consorci GAL Alt Urgell-Cerdanya
  • Associació pel Desenvolupament Rural de la Catalunya Central
  • Associació per al Desenvolupament Rural Integrat de la zona Nord-Oriental de Catalunya
  • Associació per la Gestió del Programa Leader Ripollès Ges Bisaura
  • Consorci Leader de Desenvolupament Rural del Camp
  • Consorci per al Desenvolupament del Baix Ebre i Montsià
  • Associació Leader de Ponent
  • Consorci Grup d’Acció Local Noguera-Segrià Nord
  • Consorci Leader Pirineu Occidental
  • Consorci per al Desenvolupament de la Catalunya Central
  • Consorci Intercomarcal d’Iniciatives Socioeconòmiques
By xavier, ago

People’s Choice Award – Tierra Minera

Tierra Minera

Project n°2

INTRODUCTION

“Tierra Minera” is an innovative and transformative project that revitalizes historic mining areas into vibrant tourism destinations across Spain. Our mission is to preserve and celebrate the rich industrial heritage while fostering sustainable economic growth and community empowerment. By integrating cutting-edge technology with authentic historical experiences, “Tierra Minera” offers a unique, immersive journey into Spain’s mining legacy with a touristic product. Users can explore underground galleries, interactive exhibits, and augmented reality applications, bringing the past to life in a dynamic and engaging way.

PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT

Our project stands out for its collaborative approach. We unite 6 LAG´s from four provinces across three differents regions of Spain creating a robust network of stakeholders committed to cultural preservation and tourism innovation. Through extensive research and documentation, we aim to uncover and highlight best practices in industrial heritage tourism, ensuring high-quality and impactful visitor experiences. “Tierra Minera” is more than a tourism initiative; it’s a movement to reclaim and repurpose our shared industrial history, promoting pride and identity within local communities. Our target for the next years is create an european network of areas with mining heritage and create a brand of of industrial and mining tourist destinations. At the moment, for the next LEADER period, we are going to add six more LAG´s from differents sites of Spain, two french LAG´s and we have the interest to participate for German Asocciation which manage a mining museum declared a heritage site by UNESCO

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES

The “Tierra Minera” project aims to: Promote and Share Best Practices: Document and disseminate successful strategies for industrial and economic reconversion, focusing on transforming mining heritage into attractive tourist destinations. Catalog and Enhance Mining Heritage: Research, date, and preserve both tangible and intangible mining and industrial heritage, creating a comprehensive database to support tourism and cultural appreciation. Raise Awareness and Engage Audiences: Inform and educate the public about our mining regions and heritage through targeted communication strategies, utilizing advanced technologies and participating in fairs and congresses to attract national and international tourists. Foster Research Collaborations: Establish partnerships with academic institutions and research organizations to scientifically validate our efforts enhancing the overall quality and credibility of our project.

THE ADDED VALUE OF THE PROJECT

Tierra Minera: Transforming Mining Heritage into Vibrant Tourism Destinations “Tierra Minera” is a visionary project designed to breathe new life into the historic mining regions of Spain by transforming them into dynamic tourism destinations. With the support of the LEADER program, this initiative aims to harness the rich industrial heritage of these areas, promoting sustainable economic development, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

Value Added of LEADER

The LEADER program, with its focus on local development through community-led initiatives, is the engine of “Tierra Minera.” LEADER’s emphasis on innovation, cooperation, and local action aligns seamlessly with our project’s goals. The program’s support allows us to engage with local communities, ensuring that the project is deeply rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people it serves. By leveraging LEADER funding and resources, we can develop high-quality, innovative tourism products that showcase our mining heritage while fostering economic diversification and resilience.

Effective Impact on the Territory and Its Scope

“Tierra Minera” actually spans 6 LAG´s from four provinces across three differents regions of Spain, impacting a wide geographic area. Actually we estimate a direct reach on more of 102.000 persons and in the future we are sure that the number of people reached will be increased considerably with the participation of 14 LAG’S. The project aims to create a network of mining heritage sites, each offering unique and immersive visitor experiences. By revitalizing these sites, we stimulate local economies, create jobs, and attract tourists. The project’s comprehensive approach includes the participation and collaboration of museums, town halls, cultural associations, universities and miners associations which contribute to the local participation and empowerment of our communities.

Relevance to LEADER Objectives

“Tierra Minera” aligns with LEADER’s core objectives of fostering rural development and promoting innovative local projects. The project contributes to economic diversification by developing tourism as a new economic pillar in historically mining-dependent regions. It also supports social inclusion and community cohesion by involving local residents in the preservation and promotion of their heritage. Moreover, “Tierra Minera” emphasizes environmental sustainability through the adaptive reuse of industrial sites and the promotion of eco-friendly tourism practices.

Sustainability of the Project

Sustainability is at the heart of “Tierra Minera.” With our touristic product based in virtual guides, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality we want to ensure a sustainable tourism. Also, good practices help project partners to imitate sustainable practices. By establishing partnerships with local goverments, educational institutions, and cultural organizations, “Tierra Minera” fosters a supportive ecosystem that will sustain its impact long after the initial funding period.

Transnational Impact

After a successful first stage during the LEADER 20214-2020 period, we want to extend the Tierra Minera´s brand along Europe. We believe that “Tierra Minera” serves as a model for other regions in Europe facing similar challenges, demonstrating how industrial heritage can be leveraged for sustainable development. By connecting mining heritage sites across Europe, the project promotes cross-border cooperation and cultural exchange. This transnational network enhances the visibility and appeal of the mining heritage, attracting a broader audience of international tourists.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J90FcrLh55RPA0Hz0zdq8vy2oFsNoU5s/view?usp=sharing

CONTACT

Referral person : Pablo Pardo

Partners:

  • Asociación Oficina de Fomento y Desarrollo de las Cuencas Mineras (Association)
  • Grupo de Desarrollo Rural Valle del Alto Guadiato (Association)
  • Asociación Montesur (Association)
  • Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral del Bajo Martín y Andorra Sierra de Arcos (Association)
  • Asociación para el Desarrollo Rural Integral de las Tierras del Jiloca y Gallocanta
  • Asociación para el Desarrollo de la Ribera Alta del Ebro (Association)
By xavier, ago

Cooperation, foresight, attractiveness

Cooperation, foresight, attractiveness

Project n°1

INTRODUCTION

“How will we live and work in our region by 2030? This is the question that the Erdre et Gesvres Community of Municipalities is asking itself as it draws up its strategy for Territorialised Management of Jobs and Skills (GTEC). This reflection, launched in 2017, quickly led to the idea of a cooperation project. At the initiative of the Communauté de communes, a partnership is being built with the PETR Sud Lozère and Témiscamingue, a small rural commune in Quebec. Faced with complementary problems (declining attractiveness, weak territorial identity)

PRESENTATION OF THE PROJECT

Thinking about the future of rural and peri-urban areas using foresight tools? This is the aim of the French-Canadian LEADER transnational cooperation project “Cooperation, foresight, attractiveness”. Implemented between 2019 and 2023, the project brought together three areas facing the problem of attractiveness: the Erdre et Gesvres Community of Municipalities in Pays-de-la-Loire, the PETR Sud Lozère in Occitanie and the rural area of Témiscamingue, in Quebec. The project involved five field visits, as well as the sharing and re-use of foresight methods by each of the territories. The project gave rise to two types of field visit: – “Mirror” visits to the three partner areas, to discover their foresight methods – “Inspirational” visits to the municipalities of Figeac and Florac (Occitanie), which used foresight to define adaptation strategies geared towards living well and making the most of local resources Thanks to these visits, the French partners discovered and re-used the consultation methods implemented in Témiscamingue to work on their 2030 regional project. The Quebec region has shared a number of initiatives, mainly aimed at involving local residents in defining local strategies. By way of example, these initiatives have included the following: – Defining an area’s “branding”: 250 people were consulted over a 16-month period on the image they wished to project of their area. The result? To present Témiscamingue as a region where life is good, thanks to its proximity to unspoilt natural areas. – Territorial planning: following a call for applications, 3 residents were selected to take part in daily municipal discussions. In addition, an ongoing consultation process provides feedback to elected representatives and technicians. Drawing on these participatory methods, the partners have been able to continue their strategic work and define priorities accepted by all the local players.

PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES

  • Analyse and transfer the territorial foresight tools used by each partner.
  • Exchanging best practice on themes linked to territorial innovation and the mobilisation of local players.
  • Reflect on the notion of attractiveness, whether through a thematic approach (mobility, access to services, etc.) or a sociological approach (youth, welcoming families).

THE ADDED VALUE OF THE PROJECT

The project has provided each partner with new tools to meet their challenges and imagine the future of their region. The complementarities between the partners were a real added value: each partner was able to tackle new subjects and discover solutions to issues that had not yet been fully explored (employment and businesses, tourism, agriculture). For each visit, delegations of elected representatives, technicians and representatives of civil society were mobilised; a way of developing their vision of the development of public policies and equipping them with the tools to become the pilots of a new form of territorial coordination. To find out more https://lateliermcomm.wixsite.com/website-5

fiche-capitalisation_Cooperation-Prospective-Attractivite_VF-Nicolas-PlateauTélécharger

CONTACT

Referral person : Nicolas PLATEAU

Partners:

  • GAL Causses Cévennes (PETR Sud Lozère) – France – Occitanie – chef de file
  • GAL Canal Erdre et Loire (Communauté de communes d’Erdre et Gesvres) – France – Pays de la Loire – partenaire
  • Commune de Témiscamingue – Canada – Québec – partenaire
By xavier, ago

Press release : 2023 European LEADER congress

European rural communities take the hemicycle of the European Parliament and call on the EU to strengthen rural development policies

At the European Congress of rural areas involved in the LEADER rural development program on the 18th and 19th of December in Brussels, 800 representatives from 36 EU Member States and candidates countries met to discuss the role of rural development in European policies.

With the European elections in June 2024 just a few months away, and the 2023-2027 European programming period getting underway, the actors of the European rural territories met in congress in Brussels in the hemicycle of the European Parliament. This unique event was organised in partnership with the European Commission, the European Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Council. The congress was an initiative of the French presidency of the ELARD network, the European federation of national LEADER networks.

The event highlighted the importance of the LEADER program and, more broadly, the role of rural development in Community policies. As part of the consultation on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027, this congress was an opportunity for the European Commission, the European Parliament and the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union to reiterate their support towards rural development actors.

The work was organised around two intense days: the first day was a plenary session within the hemicycle of the European Parliament and the second day was in working group format at the European Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Council.

“This congress was an historic moment. For the first time since the beginning of the program in 1991, the European representatives of the LEADER program were welcomed in the hemicycle of the European Parliament, the beating heart of European democracy. This gathering, which went beyond the current borders of the European Union, sent a clear message: rural areas are entitled to their share of Europe, because they are the Europe of territories, in their diversity, and carry in them a part of the answers to the major challenges of the European Union. More than ever, LEADER and, more generally, local development led by local players appear to be one of the answers for a Europe closer to its citizens”, emphasises Thibaut Guignard, President of ELARD.

Putting rural areas at the heart of community policies.

Launched in 1991, the LEADER program – the European Union’s bottom-up, participative rural development policy – is the only European program dedicated to rural development projects. The LEADER approach is founded on local development led by local actors, and is based on experimentation, cooperation, capitalisation, dissemination of good practices and the pooling of resources and networks.

In the presence of Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Carolina Gutiérrez, representative of the Spanish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Isilda Maria Prazeres Gomes, President of the NAT Commission of the European Committee of the Regions, and Peter Schmidt, President of the NAT Commission of the European Economic and Social Council, this European event highlighted the added value of LEADER and its influence on new rural development policies, particularly within the framework of the European Rural Pact.

“LEADER is not just a European fund; it is one of the few initiatives that structures democratically the European project and ensures, since 1993, the presence and visibility of the European Union in every commune and every village. More than just a funding tool, LEADER is a rural development program with its own fundamentals, and remains one of the most popular measures in Europe alongside the Erasmus program. The European Rural Pact is an important first step for rural areas, but it requires financial resources that are currently limited to LEADER-CLLD. We cannot meet all the challenges with just 5% of the EAFRD. It is now imperative to strengthen the LEADER-CLLD approach in post2027 European policies, regardless of the scheme or the solutions, but we need to provide real financial resources for LEADER and rural development”, points out Thibaut Guignard.

These words were echoed by Janusz Wojciechowski, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development: “We are convinced of the importance of LEADER and rural communities. What was initially only a vision is now an essential tool that citizens, authorities and Member States can use. Today, thanks to the ambition and efforts of LEADER, we are implementing the long-term vision through the Rural Pact. But to achieve our ambitions, we must strengthen the LEADER-CLLD approach”. Irène Tolleret, Member of the European Parliament, who supported the organisation of this congress, concluded by adding that: “LEADER is a tool for conquering rural areas, and we need to strengthen it in the next programming period. The voice of rural areas and the needs of those involved in the LEADER program must be placed at the heart of the roadmap for the post-2027 programming period.”

To end the first day of the Congress and as a result of all the discussions, a resolution presented by ELARD was unanimously voted in the hemicycle of the European Parliament. This resolution is based on the following principles: strengthening the role of LEADER-CLLD in European policies, developing new financial resources, simplifying and facilitating access to funds, and launching now the work on the future of LEADER in order to have time to consider all the proposals.

A plea for Europe a few months before the European elections.

With the European elections in June 2024 just a few months away, the Congress was also an opportunity to send a strong message to both the representatives of rural areas and to the European institutions.

“It is essential that citizens of all generations, wherever they are, truly feel that democracy is working in their favor, that democratic institutions designed to serve all citizens leave no one behind, because rural areas are vital to Europe’s future. Rural areas are essential to strengthening democratic resilience throughout the European Union. LEADER is the local cement that keeps all local actors together”, said Dubravka Šuica, Vice-President of the European Commission.

A message underlined by Thibaut Guignard: “We often regret that rural people feel remote from Europe. We need to break the idea of a successful, urban, pro-European Europe against a conservative, Eurosceptic rural Europe that feels neglected. That is why we need to talk about Europe to rural people,and about rurality to the European Union. Rural areas play a major role in Europe’s energy, ecological and economic transition. We need to convince rural people of the virtues of the European Union, at the risk of confirming the people’s disavowal towards Europe which has expressed since 2005. Giving greater consideration to rural areas in the European project could help save Europe from euroscepticism and the return of nationalism”.

Press-Release-LEADER-Congress-2023_v2Télécharger
By xavier, ago

The 2023 European LEADER congress is now drawing to a close

Here’s a look back at the last two days in Brussels, which were very full and rich in the sharing of knowledge and experience of LEADER at European level. Over 650 participants, 36 nationalities and more than 70 speakers attended the event. This is the first time ELARD has managed to organise a European event on this scale.

Thank you all for making this conference possible, and we hope it lived up to your expectations!

December 18th at the European Parliament was marked by a number of top-quality speakers who gave an initial overview of the topics to be discussed throughout the event, not forgetting the European LEADER awards ceremony. You can find the winners and read or reread their projects here.
It was also possible to follow the event online via a web streaming link. Many of you took advantage of this opportunity.

The second day, 19th of December, took place at both the European Comittee of the Region and the European Economic and Social Committee. This was marked by 16 workshops spread over the whole day on Tuesday, led once again by remarkable speakers…

This is the first time ELARD has managed to organise a European event on this scale. Thank you all for making this conference possible.

By xavier, ago

Public vote: the winning project

Technology club Albrechtice nad Orlicí – Tékáčko 

Czech Republic

Introduction

In 2018, the Technology Club – Tékáčko was established in Albrechtice nad Orlicí, designed for children and youth who are interested in creating new, interactive and fun projects, want to learn the basics of robotics, learn the processes of programming, orient themselves in graphic design and 3D printing, work with CNC tools, develop their creativity by building their own objects, or just understand in detail how modern technologies work and how to use them. It is not a classic “circle”, but a professionally equipped leisure activity – a practical workshop “from design to realization”, where children try, explore, discover, where they are not afraid to disassemble something, make mistakes and learn from them. 

The main method is teamwork on “projects”, the outputs are regularly presented, children participate in robotic competitions, etc. In addition to the regular “teaching” sessions, thematic workshops are organised, as well as suburban camps during the school holidays, which are attended by others interested in the subject. 

Presentation of the project

Project location: Albrechtice nad Orlicí, Královéhradecký kral, Czech republic 

Tékáčko is becoming a center of polytechnic education in the region, using new non-traditional forms of teaching and their combination with formal education. The breadth of equipment – 3D printing, cutting plotter, CNC milling machine, sandbox, graphic programs, digital sewing and embroidery machine, 3D scanner, robotic kits, programmable units or Lego model railways with programmable safety systems, etc. makes Tékáčko unique not only at the regional but also at the national level. This is evidenced by the inclusion of Tékáčko in the Regional Network for the Support of Talents, the results of children in various national competitions, and the fact that the Tékáčko project was selected for the presentation of IROP and the use of EU subsidies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOFgQhjMF7Q. 

The benefits of the project are not only for the participants of the Tékáčko activities themselves but also for the whole region, as the pupils “transfer” their knowledge and way of thinking and working to other children in the school and become their inspiration. Tékáčko is a place where children can not only realize themselves but also increase their professional knowledge and practical skills and thus significantly develop their competencies for the future labor market in the Industry 4.0 era.  

Impact on other groups in the region:  

– Citizens, entrepreneurs, and companies in the region: the existence of a modern club with facilities for the professional growth of pupils in non-formal education with a focus on technical fields and working with digital technologies.  

– Primary and secondary school pupils: the opportunity to join the club’s activities, to develop their talent in the field of polytechnics and thus better prepare for their future profession  

– Primary and secondary school teachers: inspiration for the use of technology in individual subjects, to learn how to work with it (preparing teachers for teaching robotics, digital literacy, etc.) 

 – The municipality of Albrechtice nad Orlicí: increasing its prestige in the region and becoming a leader in non-formal technical education  

– Employers who can in the future get ready and motivated employees from among the graduates of the club’s activities 

the role of LEADER in the project: 

MAS supports schools in the region also in the field of IT, robotics and technical education, the Tékáčko center provides methodological support to schools, trains pedagogues, and school pupils attend classes there. 

Tékáčko was also involved in the children’s camps project with the aim of helping working parents during the holidays. 

LAG also implemented a project to support non-profit organizations in Regoin, where Tékačko was one of 30 project partners. The project aimed to support gifted children, training of lecturers and sharing between organizations. 

Tékačka management are members of LAG and actively participate in LAG projects and activities. 

Emblematic character of the project

One of the LAG’s priorities is the support of quality outdoor education for the 21st century, the support of cooperation between organizations – here is the cooperation of LAG, non-profit organizations, municipalities and local companies. 

The aim is not to learn to master specific technologies, but to show the essence of things, to work in a team on “projects”, to help and inspire each other, and to discover one’s own talent. The use of modern technology thus serves to foster creativity, discovery, innovation. 

The club encourages pupils to avoid waste and to be environmentally friendly and sustainable. This year, for example, it purchased a recycler to process PLA/PETG waste from 3D printers. 

The project is LEADER’s priority because of supports children in acquiring technical knowledge because the region doesn’t have enough technically qualified schools. This leads to more kids being prepared for Industry 4.0. They also cooperate with many tech companies in the region. They combine the knowledge of older, more experienced people, and modern technologies, for the best result for the children. 

The project also comes as a hub for teachers, where they can get new knowledge about modern technologies. This can also be useful for other LAGs because they can collaborate.  

Finally, the project respects horizontal topics, it is wheelchair accessible, gender equal, and there are many girls in the club. It also promotes environmental responsibility. Overall, the project prepares young people for their future in the tech field. 

Pictures

RG RYCON z.s. 

NAD Orlicí, o.p.s. 

Czech Republic 

By xavier, ago

Jury vote: 1st place

VILLAGES OF PORTUGAL

(LEADER Cooperation project)

Portugal

Introduction

The “Villages of Portugal/Aldeias de Portugal” are an interactive and collaborative network of villages, based on sharing and using the methodology and principles of the LEADER approach for the co-construction of a development and valorization project for each village, based on its resources and potential and in the involvement of the community and local actors, led by the Local Action Group in each area with the support of ATA – Associção de Turismo de Aldeia, a national association dedicated to capacity building marketing and promotion and dissemination of local endogenous resources.

Presentation of the project

The project’s intervention area is Mainland Portugal and its objective is to enhance the cultural heritage of rural areas, reinforcing the demographic fabric of the most isolated regions. In this way, it is possible to promote social inclusion and alleviate poverty in these territories. Promoting its villages and empowering its community, in order to consolidate the “Aldeias de Portugal” network, expanding its representation at national level and the expected social impact.

With the active participation of 16 Local Action Groups, the project was able to classify 61 villages, providing significant improvements in the quality of life and the preservation of rural traditions in Portugal. This achievement is the result of the promotion and conservation of rural heritage, using memory and local identity as essential resources.

Community involvement is crucial to success, and each local stakeholder must contribute with their work, thus ensuring the continuity and success of each village project. The importance of exploring the deep emotional bond between inhabitants and their village is also highlighted, using this bond as a driver for local development. Each local person/organisation personal investment not only ensures the continuity of the project, but also strengthens the feeling of belonging, essential for the sustainable defence and promotion of each village.

Emblematic character of the project

The Network Villages of Portugal is a driver of aggregation and valorization of sustainable dynamics that aim at the development of the territory, through the dynamization of its endogenous resources and assets that characterize its identity.

1.Cultural Preservation: Many villages have significant cultural and historical value. Preserving these aspects not only maintains local identity, but can also attract cultural tourism.

2.Local Economic Development: Investing in infrastructure, promoting rural tourism and supporting local economic activities in villages generates jobs and stimulates economic growth in rural areas.

3.Environmental Sustainability: Villages, often located in natural environments, benefit from strategies that aim to balance economic development with environmental conservation.

4.Social Inclusion: Combat rural depopulation, promoting social inclusion and providing opportunities for rural communities.

5.Increased Quality of Life: By investing in local services, such as education, health and leisure, villages can improve the quality of life of their inhabitants and attract the return of “children of the land”.

In summary, the “Villages of Portugal” project and network play a crucial role in the LEADER supported Local Development Strategy of each LAG partner, as they represent strategic locations in their areas to drive sustainable economic development, preserve culture and promote quality of life in rural areas, promoting social inclusion and combating poverty in these territories.

The most emblematic activities of the Aldeias de Portugal are registered on the social networks:

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA

Some villages already have their own social networks, such as:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087857500059

https://www.facebook.com/bocoaldeiadeportugal

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083126269262

Activities in several villages include remembering/reactivating community traditions related to agrifood heritage, creation of new events to promote local products, local participator assemblies to decide on future events of the project or training the community to welcome visitors with the initiative “Have lunch and dinner with us”:

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA/videos/153471021157933

https://www.facebook.com/AldeiasdePortugalATA/videos/6191485110953457

Pictures

ADRITEM – Associação de Desenvolvimento Regional Integrado das Terras de Santa Maria (leading a consortium of 16 Local Action Groups)

LAG ADRITEM (Associação de Desenvolvimento Regional Integrado das Terras de Santa Maria)

Portugal

By xavier, ago

Jury vote: 2nd place

The Green Experience

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/

By xavier, ago

Jury vote: 3rd place

Supporting mobility in rural areas

French Guiana

Introduction

Making mobility accessible and overcoming the barriers of isolation – Auto-École Sociale Nomade turns the challenges of Guyana’s isolated regions into opportunities. Faced with remoteness and the limited development of transport, these communities find the driving licence a ‘sesame’ towards social integration and employment. Our innovative project ‘goes to’ the student, bringing the learning of the Highway Code and driving to the heart of remote areas. In our specially equipped lorry, fitted with a driving simulator, we offer much more than lessons: we build self-esteem and confidence, the keys to success. Working in partnership with social workers, we identify and address the obstacles to professional integration. The Auto-École Sociale Nomade is more than a driving school: it’s a bridge to autonomy for the people of Matoury and Roura in French Guiana, with the potential to inspire and adapt to other isolated regions across Europe.

Presentation of the project

The European LEADER programme plays a fundamental role in funding initiatives aimed at facilitating social and professional integration in isolated areas where transport is limited. The association, aware of the challenges posed by the lack of a driving licence, has set up a mobile scheme. Using a specially-equipped vehicle with a driving simulator and an area dedicated to learning the Highway Code, lessons are given right in the heart of remote communities. Launched in April 2021, this project is aimed in particular at people on the margins of the labour market, such as jobseekers, young people outside the school system, students in precarious situations, RSA recipients, apprentices and those with learning difficulties. By focusing on training for a driving licence and raising awareness of road safety, the aim is twofold: on the one hand, to encourage social and professional integration, and on the other, to combat the exclusion of vulnerable people by strengthening their independence and mobility, which are key factors in access to employment and training. LEADER’s financial support has already borne fruit: in the communes of Matoury and Roura, 35 candidates from rural areas have been supported, with 12 of them successfully obtaining their driving licences and actively seeking stable employment or training leading to qualifications. On the strength of this success, the project leaders are planning to extend their action to other communes in 2024, thus affirming LEADER’s role as a catalyst for regional development and social inclusion.

Emblematic character of the project

This project is a priority for LEADER because it directly addresses the problems of mobility and insecurity that are prevalent in French Guiana, two issues that are holding back the region’s social and economic development. By fitting in with the Agglo’GAL strategy under the objective “Development of an endogenous and territorialised social and solidarity-based economy”, the project meets a fundamental need: access to mobility to promote professional integration and access to education. The major challenge to which the project responds is therefore twofold: on the one hand, it tackles the geographical isolation of populations by providing them with the necessary means to get around, and on the other, it works against economic marginalisation by offering young people and adults the tools to acquire professional autonomy. Obtaining a driving licence is an undeniable asset for accessing the job market and training courses leading to qualifications, which are mainly concentrated in the towns. In addition, the project illustrates a collaborative and inclusive approach, working in partnership with local organisations such as Pôle Emploi and relying on a 1901 law association. This collective working method strengthens the local social and economic fabric and contributes to a shared development dynamic. As for the transferability of the project to other Local Action Groups, the success of this model in French Guyana is a testament to its adaptability. The Agglo’GAL unit, in conjunction with the association, is ready to share its experience and good practice. Setting up this project requires an understanding of the specific local challenges and tailor-made adaptations. However, the principle of the itinerant social driving school can be applied in other contexts where rural mobility issues are hampering socio-economic development. By sharing the tools, methods and lessons learned, the project can inspire and guide other areas to implement similar solutions adapted to their own challenges.

Pictures

Auto Ecole Sociale Nomade

Agglo’GAL

Guyane Française

By xavier, ago

18 December is available for web streaming

The day of the 2023 European LEADER congress will be available for streaming!

If you unfortunately can’t be present at the congress, don’t panic! You can at least follow the day of Monday, December 18 by streaming:

Webstreaming – Congrès Européen LEADER (leadercongress.eu)

This day will consist of the introduction of the congress with Janusz WOJCIECHOWSKI, Peter SCHMIDT, Isilda Maria Prazeres GOMES, Irene TOLLERET and Thibaut GUIGNARD;

Then, the plenary congress on the exchange of views on Rural Development policies will begin with Radim SRŠEŇ, Hartmut BERNDT, Mihail DUMITRU and others;

Follow-up, the congress go on with the awards ceremony for the 2023 European LEADER awards. You will then discover the 3 winners rewarded by the juries and the winner of the audience award that you have elected.

The day will conclude the second plenary congress on the post-2027 ELARD resolutions.

We are waiting for you many in physics, but also in virtual!

By xavier, ago