FLGR has successfully accomplished the organization of an information campaign entitled "Possibilities for Rural Development in Bulgaria: European Union Policies and the LEADER Approach", which has been held in 6 regions in the country during the period 14 June - 4 July 2006. The information campaign has been organised within the "Rural Network and LEADER" project, a partner initiative between the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, the United Nations Development Programme and the Foundation for Local Government Reform.

The information events were held in Vurshets, Trun, Razlog, Haskovo, Kurdali and Topolovgrad and provoked the interest of more than 250 representatives from the municipal administrations, the municipal councils, NGOs, citizens, businesses, farmers, agricultural producers, community centres and villages. A team of experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MAF), representatives from the "Sustainable Rural Development" project of the MAF/UNDP and practitioners from the existing Local action groups in the country provided valuable and up-to date information and practical experience focusing on the future Common Agricultural Policy of the EU, the National Strategic Plan for Rural Development of Bulgaria, the application of the LEADER approach and practical experience from the process of establishing and strengthening the Local Action Groups. All information events were marked with strong interest on behalf of the various local and regional stakeholders and provided public forum for discussions and debates.



The project will continue to work for the better information environment related to the future of the rural areas and sustainable development, as well as encouraging and mobilizing the potential of the National Rural Network. Forthcoming initiatives within the project will be focused on training and capacity building at the local level, additional information campaigns and dissemination of information important for the local and regional interested in the rural development organizations, institutions, authorities and businesses.



Additional information about the on-going project activities you can find on:

www.flgr.bg >> Rural Network section


For contacts: Marina Dimova, Programme Coordinator, FLGR, e-mail: [email protected]