LEADER approach in 2007 – 2013 in Slovak Republic

Slovak rural areas, what we are speaking about? No official definition There is: 85% of the total surface of the SR 48% of the total population SR live in rural areas 95,2% of the total number of villages: out of 2883 are in rural areas

Why we need the integrated rural development in the SR (SAU Nitra, typology of rural areas /OECD/ )

Need for the instruments to support area based integrated development instrument In order to improve the situation we needed the instrument to support the integrated, area based/endogeneous rural development approach

What it means – integrated rural development Principles Inovative approach towars rural development Needs, problems and solutions are in hands of local people - „Bottom up“ Natural identification of the territory Intersector partnership – local action group in Leader Participation Interactive approach – experts with people rather than for people Integrated approach – all areas of life Strategic approach – long-term wise and sustainable programming of development Preferable use of local resources Suitable instruments

What it means – integrated rural development Sustainability in all aspects Decisions are in hands of local people and they are in line with investments Strengthen civil society – responsibilty for development lies on many more people Investments in order: – 1.building capacities, 2. public goods, 3. private investments

4 main Axes of RD policy Competitiveness of agriculture and forestry Environment and landscaping Broad rural development – quality of life and diversification LEADER approach

Base of the RD policy Rural development LEADER CompetitivenessEnvironments Quality of life and diversification Single program, financing, monitoring and audit Single fund

LEADER Approach – Axis 4 Implementation of local development strategies in order to achieve one or all objectives of all thematic measures Interterritorial and transnational cooperation Building capacities and running of local action groups

LEADER beneficiary Local action group – LAG: – inhabitants Comprehensive rural region Socio-economic homogenity Multisector partnership – three sectors, in decisive body no more than 50% from public sector Local development strategy prepared Implementation rules prepared Official registration within the national legislation/status