Description
The project addresses the lack of a common vision for a balanced and sustainable development of the municipalities from the Srednogorie Region in a single system. The project proposes to establish a long-term and efficient partnership between the stakeholders (local authorities, the local mining companies, NGOs, social partners and local communities). First, an analysis and evaluation of the development plans of 7 municipalities in Srednogorie will be carried out. Second, about 100 people will be invited to take part in the two round tables on the main issues to do with the development of the region. A Concept for integrated sustainable development Srednogorie 2020 will be drafted and a Local Development Council will be set up. The project will benefit the two main groups of local communities and decision-makers as well as all the other stakeholders joined in the effort for a long-term and efficient partnership.
Summary of project results
The project addressed the lack of a common vision for a balanced and sustainable development of the municipalities from the Srednogorie Region in a single system. The implementation of the project increased the contribution of REGION.BG Foundation and the established NGO network to the sustainable development and insured the participation of the network in supporting policies for a balanced development and sustainable use of natural resources in the Srednogorie area. The project: 1. Elaborated the "Srednogorie 2020" Concept, which was adopted as a shared value by the target groups and local authorities and will speed up the development of SEZ "Srednogorie" in partnership with the NGO network, the business and the social partners. 2. United the 7 municipalities and the businesses of SEZ "Srednogorie" around common priorities and projects for the period 2014-2020 by applying for the first time in the region an integrated approach to planning - unity of economic, social, environmental, spatial and management targets and mechanisms to influence the development process. 3. Increased the capacity of the NGO network and the active representatives of the target groups to operate in a consolidated manner to achieve beneficial common goals and strengthened their authority and self-esteem. The very good knowledge of the specifics of the target group (TG) and the enduring contacts with them were among the preconditions for motivating them to participate in the project. The TG representatives participated in the activities and made significant contribution to: 1) the development and promotion of the SEZ "Srednogorie” model; 2) the discussions to develop the "Srednogorie 2020” Concept, which was adopted as a shared value; 3) support to the Local Development Council, which continues work on the realization of the "Srednogorie 2020” Concept. The target groups benefited from the immediate results of the project by getting involved in the preparation and implementation of realistic plans and projects for accelerated development of SEZ "Srednogorie ". In the period 2014-2020, they are determined to participate and benefit from the results of the improved environment for better quality of life in the zone. Achieved was an enhanced trust between the beneficiary, partners and target groups, as an important prerequisite for the success of this and future projects.
Summary of bilateral results