The association “Cēsu District Rural Partnership” is developing a development strategy for 2023-2027. for the year. Representing the interests of the residents, the association offers to use the “Leader” program to promote development in the countryside.
In order to find out the opinions and suggestions of both residents and possible implementers of “Leader” projects, the association organizes discussions in parishes to specify what to allocate money to, promoting business development, arranging public infrastructure in order to strengthen public activities.
Last week, the meeting with residents took place in Drabešu and Jaunpiebalga parishes. There was little interest. “There was information about the conversation in the parishes, but the residents are not ready to talk, discuss future possibilities. When it is clear who will receive funding in the program, then they will assess whether it is an opportunity for me, and they will be interested in what needs to be done to receive the money, what conditions, obligations,” says Daiga Rubene, the administrative manager of the association.
Little by little, the financing directions and actions of the “Leader” program are crystallizing in conversations with local government specialists, businessmen, and community representatives.
“The priority in business will definitely be the projects promoting the development of production. Discussions are about food production, which could have additional support. We should also emphasize projects where green solutions and innovations are sought in production, digitization and the use of recyclable materials are important today,” explains Ieva Kalniņa, chairman of the association’s board.
Since in the new planning period of the European Union the “Leader” program will be available not only to rural entrepreneurs, but also to Cēsus, it is expected that the competition for funding will be high. “There are different opportunities to start or develop something in a parish that is close to the development center, and in one that is far away, to which asphalted roads do not lead. When evaluating projects, this should definitely be taken into account, because the goal is a balanced development,” expressed the opinion of Elita Eglīte, head of the administration of the Association of Trade Unions. “If someone wants to implement a project outside the development center, additional points will be awarded to it in the evaluation,” emphasized D. Rubene and reminded that the project “Investment in canned food production and service in Kaives parish” implemented by businessman Edgars Leimans in Kaives parish was nominated for the Latvian rural partnership competition “Dižprojekt” 2022″ and received a very high rating.
“Unfortunately, entrepreneurs, at least those who apply for “Leader” projects, lack innovative ideas on how to use what we throw away. By developing the technology, starting small, you can gradually develop production. There are many such examples in Latvia,” emphasized Anda Briede, the project manager of the partnership, and pointed out that there are wide opportunities for the production of organic products.
As before, “Leader” will allocate funding for the improvement of public infrastructure. These projects are mostly implemented by municipalities and non-governmental organizations. During the talks, it was said that many parishes do not have public toilets, well-equipped swimming areas, and there is no place for tourists to eat. “It’s relevant in the summer. Just like an organized tourism infrastructure,” said D. Rubene and added that when thinking about tourism, one should look more broadly and implement projects not only within the boundaries of one parish. Although the arrangement of the edge of Gauja is relevant for the residents and tourists of many parishes.
“Even in these negotiations, it is important to find out what is needed, what the local residents want, why exactly this is important to them on a daily basis,” stressed project manager Kristina Sprudža and said that when implementing infrastructure or public benefit projects, the citizens’ opinion and support will be needed.
The Rural Partnership will continue to strengthen local communities. “It has been suggested that the preservation of cultural heritage should be promoted as important for the community, as it is related to the preservation of identity, promoting interest in the place where one lives. Of course, we will listen to the citizens’ proposals at the meetings,” said K. Sprudža and added that there will also be funding for strengthening public activities.
Among the activities of the new planning period of “Leader” is the improvement and diversification of the availability of social services. Local governments, non-governmental organizations and entrepreneurs can look for solutions here.
“If an entrepreneur does something important for the community, even unprofitable investments are allowed, then when implementing the project, such high achievable indicators are not required. Local governments should also pay attention to such possible actions,” explained D. Rubene.
I. Kalniņa emphasized that when developing a strategy, it is important to hear opinions and proposals. The strategy cannot be written at the table, the association must know the goals and ideas of entrepreneurs, municipalities and associations, communities, how to improve the environment in which we live, to diversify everyday life.
The rural partnership of Cēsi district has already met with local government specialists. A survey is also being conducted to find out the possible development directions of the territory, taking into account global and local challenges, the vision of residents and experts.
“When marking the distribution of funding for the next planning period, it is important to find out the opinion of residents, entrepreneurs, communities, non-governmental organizations in order to determine the development needs of the territory, set goals and actions that are really important for the residents. We are at the beginning of discussions. The goal is one – to move towards a better living environment for ourselves and the future generations together,” says I. Kalniņa.
After collecting all proposals and recommendations, a strategy will be developed, which will be submitted for public consultation in May, to be submitted to the Rural Support Service in June, which will evaluate the “Leader” financing directions and goals determined by the association.
The association “Cēsu district rural partnership” unites 21 parishes in Cēsi and Smiltene counties, as well as the cities of Līgatne and Cēsi.
