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

2. 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) 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 AXIS 1 - Improving the competitiveness of the agricultural and forestry sector AXIS 2 - Improving the environment and the countryside

3. 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. Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion

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

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

6. Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 3. Territory analysis 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) NATURAL RESOURCES (natural and landscape values, protected areas) ECONOMIC RESOURCES (economic activity, agriculture and entrepreneurship) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion

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

8. Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 4. Identifying existing activities / initiatives 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 ENTITIES (foreign and national entities, regional and local actors) THEMATIC SCOPE (development of infrastructure, workshops and training) Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion

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

10. Implementing the LEADER Approach Step 5. Creation of a partnership 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. Preparation of local development strategy Selection of projects for funding Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion

11. 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 Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion

12. Implementing of Local Development Strategies (case study of Poland) CENTRAL LEVEL REGIONAL LEVEL LOCAL 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) Marshal Offices (selection of Local Action Groups for funding, overseeing the functioning of Local Action Groups) Local Action Groups (preparation of a strategy, selection of projects for funding) Beneficaries of projects (implementation of 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

27. Implementing the LEADER Approach Questions Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion 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.

28. Implementing the LEADER Approach Questions Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion 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?

29. 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 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.

30. 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 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.

31. Implementing the LEADER Approach Proposal 3: ODA LEADER Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion 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.

32. Implementing the LEADER Approach Proposal 4: EU LEADER Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion 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.

33. Implementing the LEADER Approach Discussion Introduction Capacity building Bringing together local actors Territory analysis Identifying existing activities Creation of a partnership Preparation of development strategy LEADER in Poland Discussion Are the above-mentioned proposals possible to implement? 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? If not:

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