Discussion on the first National LEADER/CLLD programme in Georgia

Millions of people rely on rural development policies for their well-being and livelihoods. For Georgia, rural development is also one of the areas that define the country’s European path.
 
The EU member countries build their national rural development based on the principles that ensure sustainable employment, green growth, social and economic opportunities for rural communities and the people's engagement in decision-making. These principles are described as a LEADER approach and Community-Led Local Development.
 
To introduce the same model in Georgia, the Rural Development Agency of Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture is launching a new support programme for rural areas. The initiative will be implemented with the EU and UNDP support, under the #ENPARD initiative.  
 
On 27 July, representatives of Georgia’s Government, local authorities, community organizations, Local Action Groups, the EU and UNDP got together to discuss the new programme and agree on its implementation strategies.