Since 1991, the Leader method has been a cornerstone in the EU's work for rural development. The proud slogan is that the method is based on local engagement, bottom-up perspective, and collaboration. But what does that mean in practice? And what happens when the EU's strategies and those working with local rural development meet in reality?
In Landet – the podcast beyond the big city, we highlight the added values of Leaders and what two new reports have concluded on the matter.
Participants:
Marion Eckardt, operations manager Local-led development Halland
Göran Hallin, consultant who is now an advisor for WSP, a company that has conducted two evaluations of Leader projects.
Kerstin Hallenborg, operations manager in the Leader area Skånes Ess
”The Leader method is a method for local actors to develop their local environment, in principle, so that not all strategies and projects are determined from the top down.”
– Marion Eckardt
”One emphasizes the important aspect of concrete, physical investments that are close to where people are and operate in their daily lives.”
– Göran Hallin
”And it is the majority who have received support, who have said that it is not really just, or primarily, the support but that someone has believed in and helped to further develop what they want to do.”
– Kerstin Hallenborg