LINC: Declaration of the LINC Conference 2012 concerning LEADER programme

Allikas: LAG Tartu Rural Development Association 10. juuli 2012. a

Declaration of the LINC Conference 2012 concerning LEADER programme LEADER has improved the quality of life, strengthened regional identities and increased cooperation and networking in rural areas. In the next programming period, the greatest challenges for LAGs will include creating jobs and developing entrepreneurial opportunities. LAGs are more than just a source of support funding. They are regional development organisations, and their innovative solutions have been effective in supporting rural areas and various stakeholders in developing partnerships. LAGs are ready to use various funds using the LEADER principles to implement local development strategies. To make the use of other EU funds effective LAGs needmore information, training and guidance. LAGs know the needs and potential of each region better than anyone and can meet local targets. In order to implement the LEADER programme more effectively it is necessary to reduce bureaucracy, to find solutions for co-financing From 12 to 14 of June 2012, more than 200 delegates from Leader local action groups from 15 EU countries gathered in Tartu, Estonia, at the LINC conference in order to exchange experience and ideas about LEADER and local development initiatives. The conference provided plenty of fruitful conversations, discussions and visits to project sites, and at the end the participants filled in a questionnaire. As we are coming closer to the next programming period, the questionnaire aimed to clarify the opinions of LINC 2012 participants about the influence of LEADER and its future in rural development. LINC 2012 organisers, local action groups from South-Estonia (Tartu Rural Development Association, Võrumaa Partnership Assembly, Valga County Partnership Board, Põlva County Partnership Board, Borderlands Leader) and Estonian Rural Network, have analysed questionnaires and have put together a declaration that represents the views of about 100 LAG members and development workers from all over Europe. Additional information about the conclusions of questionnaire and declaration: Mrs. Kristiina Liimand +372 5340 9873 LAGTartu Rural Development Association kristiina.liimand@tas.ee    www.info-linc.eu