Practical information and implementation The Leader method - transferring V4 experiences to Georgia (No. 21370057) The LEADER Approach. Practical information and implementation Institute of Urban Development Magdalena Dej, Ph.D. Łukasz Sykała, M.Sc. Tbilisi, 5th March 2015

Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion The LEADER Approach as a part of the Rural Development Programmes (RDP) AXIS 1 - Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector AXIS 2 - Improving the environment and the countryside Rural Development Programmes (88) European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development AXIS 3 - Quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy AXIS 4 - LEADER

Implementing the LEADER Approach at the local level Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach at the local level Capacity building 1 Bringing together local actors 2 Territory analysis 3 Identifying existing activities / initiatives 4 Creation of a partnership 5 Preparation of a local development strategy 6 Source: The Leader Approach. A basic guide, 2006, European Communities.

Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 1. Capacity building Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 1. Capacity building Acquiring knowledge and experience KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY

Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 2. Bringing together local actors Members of the Local Action Groups PUBLIC SECTOR ECONOMIC SECTOR SOCIAL SECTOR local authorities, cultural institutions small enterprises, local producers local associations, natural persons

Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 3. Territory analysis Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 3. Territory analysis NATURAL RESOURCES (natural and landscape values, protected areas) ECONOMIC RESOURCES (economic activity, agriculture and entrepreneurship) Analysis of local resources (strengths and weaknesses of the area) CULTURAL RESOURCES (cultural heritage, local traditions and customs) HUMAN RESOURCES (human capital, social activity of inhabitants)

Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 3. Territory analysis Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 3. Territory analysis small size (villages and small towns) between 10000 and 150000 inhabitants no predefined boundaries Area of the Local Action Groups (area covered by the local development strategy) homogeneous and cohesive common traditions and identity common development needs

Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 4. Identifying existing activities / initiatives IMPLEMENTING ENTITIES (foreign and national entities, regional and local actors) THEMATIC SCOPE (development of infrastructure, workshops and training) Analysis of projects in rural areas TARGET GROUPS (farmers, entrepreneurs, social organizations, local authorities) SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION (areas with the largest and smallest scale of aid)

Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 5. Creation of a partnership Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 5. Creation of a partnership Authorities of the Local Action Groups MANAGEMENT BOARD OF LAG COUNCIL OF LAG AUDIT COMMITTEE representing the LAG selection of projects for funding internal control of LAG activity

Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 5. Creation of a partnership Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 5. Creation of a partnership Preparation of local development strategy Selection of projects for funding Main tasks of Local Action Groups Implementation of cooperation projects with other partnerships Organization of training for local leaders, promotion of the LAG area, etc.

Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 6. Preparation of a local development strategy Diagnosis of the socio-economic situation (analysis of local potentials and resources) Objectives and priorities of local development Improving the quality of life of the inhabitants Protection and conservation of cultural heritage Enterprise development and diversification of the economy Tourism development

Implementing of Local Development Strategies Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing of Local Development Strategies (case study of Poland) CENTRAL LEVEL Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (management of the Rural Development Programme) Agency for Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (making payments to the beneficiaries of projects) REGIONAL LEVEL Marshal Offices (selection of Local Action Groups for funding, overseeing the functioning of Local Action Groups) LOCAL LEVEL Local Action Groups (preparation of a strategy, selection of projects for funding) Beneficaries of projects (implementation of projects)

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Renewal and development of public spaces Source: http://www.nasliwkowymszlaku.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Construction and modernization of cultural infrastructure Source: http://www.wielickawies.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Construction and modernization of sports infrastructure Source: http://www.wielickawies.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Construction of recreational infrastructure Source: http://www.nasliwkowymszlaku.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Development of tourism infrastructure Source: http://www.nasliwkowymszlaku.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Protection and conservation of local cultural heritage Source: http://www.nasliwkowymszlaku.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Construction of playgrounds for children Source: http://www.wielickawies.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Purchase of machines and equipment for local enterprises Source: http://www.nasliwkowymszlaku.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Purchase of equipment for cultural institutions Source: http://www.wielickawies.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Installation of information boards Source: http://www.wielickawies.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Organization of cultural events Source: http://www.wielickawies.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Organization of art workshops Source: http://www.wielickawies.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Purchase of clothes and equipment for folk artists Source: http://www.wielickawies.pl

Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Local Development Strategies (examples of implemented projects) Development of promotional and information materials Source: http://www.nasliwkowymszlaku.pl

Implementing the LEADER Approach Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Questions 1. Spatial diversification of social activity in the country. Causes of divergence: space, social conditions or demography. 2. Diversification of an entrepreneurship level. 3. Public sector in Georgia – an active or passive partner? Relations and cooperation with other sectors. 4. A self-government reform. Factual and forecasted impact on development.

Implementing the LEADER Approach Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Questions 5. Success versus local leaders. The role of active community. 6. Potential of sectors to involve in Local Action Group. Where to seek a leading sector? 7. Is the bottom-up cooperation between territorial entities present in Georgia? 8. LEADER area-based approach in Georgia. Is there a necessity to modify it in terms of the number of inhabitants, settlement patterns and population density in rural areas?

Implementing the LEADER Approach Proposal 1: Georgian LEADER I Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Proposal 1: Georgian LEADER I ORGANISATION LEADER-type cooperation within Municipality delegated powers, following the cooperation principle. FINANCING State target transfer. Grants. ENTITIES „Municipalities network” (initiating power), NGO, natural persons, entrepreneurs. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Adopting of the modified LEADER approach and „Municipalities Common Strategy” as pre-conditions to apply for the funds.

Implementing the LEADER Approach Proposal 2: Georgian LEADER II Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Proposal 2: Georgian LEADER II ORGANISATION LEADER-type cooperation within Municipality own powers. FINANCING Municipal budget. Creation of “village/settlement” fund (a share of municipal budget designated to fulfil Local Action Group’s initiatives). State equalization transfer. ENTITIES Non-productive (non-profit) legal entity serving as Local Action Group: Municipality, Village Trustee, NGO, natural persons, entrepreneurs. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Adopting of the hybrid LEADER mechanism and Local Development Strategy as pre-conditions to apply for the funds.

Implementing the LEADER Approach Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Proposal 3: ODA LEADER ORGANISATION LEADER-type cooperation under the aims of Official Development Aid. FINANCING Official Development Aid funds. ENTITIES Non-productive (non-profit) legal entity serving as Local Action Group: Municipality, Village Trustee, NGO, natural persons, entrepreneurs. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Adopting of the hybrid LEADER mechanism and Local Development Strategy as pre-conditions to apply for the funds.

Implementing the LEADER Approach Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Proposal 4: EU LEADER ORGANISATION Bottom-up LEADER-type cooperation. FINANCING EU funds. ENTITIES Non-productive (non-profit) legal entity serving as Local Action Group with full presence of each of the three sectors. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Adopting of the full LEADER mechanism in order to develop frames for future EU pre-accession funds.

Implementing the LEADER Approach If not: Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Implementing the LEADER Approach Discussion Are the above-mentioned proposals possible to implement? If not: 1. What should the financing be and in what way should it be distributed? 2. At which level should the LEADER-type cooperation be supported – European, national, regional or local? The role of the regional level (regions/Unions of Municipalities). 3. The Official Development Aid way of support – a time for a change?

Practical information and implementation The Leader method - transferring V4 experiences to Georgia (No. 21370057) The LEADER Approach. Practical information and implementation Institute of Urban Development Magdalena Dej, Ph.D. Łukasz Sykała, M.Sc. Tbilisi, 5th March 2015