“INTEGRATED APPROACH FOR SUSTAINABLE RURAL DEVELOPMENT” Proposal of Heraklion Development Agency SA

PRESENT SITUATION  The economy of Crete is still very much dependent on the primary sector (Employment >25 % Contribution to Gross Regional Product <20 %)  Old organizational schemes like Agricultural Cooperatives are not modernised and they are unable to support rural sustainable development  Social problems due to the abandonment of the small villages and to immigration

CHALLENGES (1)  Introduction of new technologies into the agricultural production and the distribution chain, e.g. Organic farming e-business  Alternative tourism (cultural, agrotourism, conference, athletic, religious, etc)  Integration of the local production to the tourism product

CHALLENGES (2)  New forms of organization models e.g. women cooperatives  New ways of economic activities in the rural areas  Exploitation of the cultural stock in the rural areas, e.g. Festivals Local cuisine Monuments, natural environment etc

PROPOSAL TITLE “Integrated approach for sustainable rural development” Main Goals  Introduction of new technologies for rural development  Linking local production with the market  Organic farming  Traditional quality products  Increase cultural identity and promote existing opportunities  Social integration  Promote innovation and regional competitiveness  Preparation for the next programming period

PARTNERS PROFILE  Municipalities and regional authorities  Research institutions and labs  Development Agencies  Cooperatives  Integrated Territorial Pacts With experiences in rural development To transfer knowledge and good practices

PROJECT AIMS The main aims of the project are: To link local production with the tourism market, the promotion of the traditional quality products, and organization of a network of distribution channels To increase cultural identity and promote tourism in rural areas To use new technologies in supporting regional planning and development To support for better planning in the next programming period

PROJECT WORK PACKAGES WP0: Project Management WP1: Kick-off seminar, dissemination of results WP2: Study of best practices on the promotion of local products and links with distribution channels WP3: Study of best practices on the promotion on cultural identity WP4: Best practices on the use of new technologies WP5 : Organization of a final conference and festival Estim. budget : €

INFORMATION Artemis Saitakis