“FLAGs ON THE MOVE: the second wave” FARNET Seminar for FLAGs Sofia March 2010 Yves Champetier Active project development and selection

2 IT’S TIME Active project development and selection Territory Strategy Partnership BUSINESS PLAN Creation of new jobs, of new opportunities for the area Criteria are not adapted projects are not pertinent, “bonanza effect! Criteria are not adapted there is no project!

3 A VERY, VERY CRUCIAL TOPIC EUROPEAN COURT OF AUDITORS Special Report n°5/2010 Implementation of the Leader approach for rural development” « The Court found weaknesses in the soundness of the financial management by the LAGs. In particular, LAGS gave grants to projects without regard to efficiency. Procedures were not always transparent and did not sufficiently demonstrate that the LAGs took decisions on an objective basis, free from conflicts of interest ».

4 2 VERY DIFERENT TASKS  SELECTION A FLAG SELECTION COMITTEE

5 2 VERY DIFERENT TASKS AWARENESS RAISING, ADVICE, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, NETWORKING.. A FLAG STAFF MEMBER TRYING TO CONVINCE FISHERMEN

6 Build on what exists  Deserted playing fields Trust Confidence Motivation Small scale exemplary projects Visible community win-wins  Crowded playing fields Brokerage Division of labour Flagship and federating projects.

7 Selection methods  Needs to reflect the implementation of the strategy on the ground  Calls for projects can take diverse forms A single call for projects at the start of the program  a single selection date  open submission throughout the program Regular calls at regular intervals Calls related to specific strategic priorities, specific target groups, specific target areas, specific size…. Aid intensity  Application and decision making processes : Consistency, Rigor, Impartiality, Transparency, Communication

8 Active tools  Information and communication  Policy for openess, friendliness, accessibility of offices  Targeting priority audiences  Working committees per area or sector of activity  Training courses for specific projects  Active and tecnical assistance to project promotors  Assistance in finding funding  Flagship projects or anchor projects led by the FLAG

9 SOME COMPLEMENTARY POINTS  The work is not finished when the selection is done: communication, mentoring, networking  Use the Farnet network to know the best practices and exchange with other FLAGS  Don’t forget the cooperation projects  Regularly revisit and update methods and tools  If necessary, revisit and update strategy with stakeholders INVOLVEMENT, TRANSPARENCY, EFFICIENCY