European LEADER Association for Rural Development
About Elard
The European LEADER Association for Rural Development (ELARD) is an international non-profit making association that was established in 1999 by the National LEADER Networks of different EU Member States.
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The importance of the LEADER method in the context of a local development strategy has been recognised all over Europe, and there are plenty examples under LEADER approach that show how local development strategies can be developed with LEADER funding and how they may continue to have a positive impact into the next programming period.
Read moreELARD Positions
ELARD is convinced that the LEADER methodology is an ideal tool for supporting the Europe 2020 Strategy aims in terms of “smart”, “sustainable” and “inclusive” growth. Thousands of Local Action Groups have demonstrated that applying the specific features of the LEADER methodology can help to find both innovative and environmentally and socially sustainable solutions for rural development and help mobilising the unique human, social, economic and cultural potential of rural Europe. Read moreWith over 56 % of the population in the 27 Member States of the European Union (EU) living in rural areas, which cover 91 % of the territory, rural development is a vitally important policy area. Farming and forestry remain crucial for land use and the management of natural resources in the EU's rural areas, and as a platform for economic diversification in rural communities. The strengthening of EU rural development policy is, therefore, an overall EU priority. (Fact Sheet - THE EU RURAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY 2007-2013, European Commission.)
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The Finnish LAGs Karhuseutu, Joutsenten Reitti and Aktiivinen Pohjois-Satakunta are currently planning a transnational cooperation project whose...
Based on the conference "Commons Strategic Framework: Adding Value to Rural Development?"
7th of December 2011
President report from the Intercontinental Forum on Sustainable Territorial Development
Balneário Camporiú, Santa Catarina, Brazil 22nd-24th November 2011
