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Description
Ongoing rural abandonment, a lack of an integrated policy of "top-down" support and the underdevelopment of civil society actors leads to a shrinking of the dynamism and development prospects of regional areas. Rural sustainability can only be achieved through endogenous sustainable local development initiatives that motivate and empower local populations - for which active, local Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s) are a prerequisite. The Alliance for Sustainable Local Development (SymATA) that will be created through the proposed project aims to strengthen 12 regional CSO‘s- the so called "Members Network" – that operate locally for sustainable development with an emphasis on three pillars: nature, culture and the primary sector.
Empowerment will be achieved in two ways:
(a) through networking amongst them but also with reputable national and supranational bodies - the so called "Initiative Team" - of which MedINA (PP) will be a member, in order to exchange know-how, information and good practices. As part of the project, 2 networking meetings and 3 participatory workshops will be organized for the members of SymATA.
(b) by capacity building and support provision on matters of advocacy- led by the specialized project partner (Green Tank) –, sustainable local development, internal organization and governance -through collaboration with the "Support Tank" consultants-. The aim is to strengthen the operational and participatory capacities of the "Members Network" as well as advocacy skills that will enable an active stance on matters of interest. As part of the project, 6 capacity building seminars and provision of consulting services and / or mentoring will be organized.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address the ongoing rural abandonment, the lack of an integrated support system for rural areas, and the underdevelopment of civil society actors in these regions. These factors were leading to a shrinking dynamism and limited development prospects for regional areas. The challenge was to promote sustainable local development through the empowerment of local Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), which are essential for driving local initiatives. The project sought to address these issues by building a strong network of local CSOs, improving their advocacy and operational capacities, and fostering collaborations that would enhance their impact on sustainable development in rural areas.
The project, "Alliance for Sustainable Local Development" (SymATA), undertook several key activities to strengthen the capacity of regional Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and empower them to promote sustainable development in rural areas. The activities included:
1. Networking and Collaboration
- Establishment of the Members Network: The project created a network of 12 regional CSOs, focusing on building a sustainable local development network that emphasized the pillars of nature, culture, and the primary sector.
- Networking Meetings: The project organized two official networking meetings—one online and another in-person in Athens. These meetings enabled the organizations to get to know each other, share experiences, and co-create a road map for the network''s future.
- Creation of SymATA’s Formal Framework: Two official documents were created and signed: the Memorandum of Cooperation between the members and the Regulation of Operation for the Initiative Team. This formalized the network and its governance structure.
2. Capacity Building and Empowerment
- Workshops and Training Sessions: The project organized several capacity-building activities to strengthen the skills of network members:
- Online and Live Training: A total of 36 hours of online training and 10 hours of live participatory workshops covered topics such as advocacy, fundraising, and sustainable local development.
- Counseling and Mentoring: 10 hours of group meetings on communication, strategic planning, and human resource management were held, along with 24 individual mentoring sessions and legal consultations.
- Capacity-building Seminars: Six specialized seminars were provided to build internal organizational skills and advocacy capabilities.
3. Needs Mapping and Strategy Development
- Needs Assessment and Mapping: A key activity in the project was the identification and mapping of the needs of the network members. This was essential for tailoring the support and ensuring the activities addressed the real challenges faced by the CSOs in rural areas.
- Strategic Planning: Based on the needs assessment, the network collaboratively developed a strategic plan for 2023–2025, outlining future priorities and actions for the network’s sustainability and development.
4. Public Communication and Outreach
- Press Conferences: Two press conferences were held—one at the start and another at the end of the project—to communicate its goals, progress, and results to the public, local communities, and relevant stakeholders.
- Creation of Digital Platform: A platform was developed to serve as a communication hub for the SymATA network members and to disseminate information about the project. The platform hosted resources, updates, and materials for members and the general public. It also enabled easier collaboration and networking among the members.
5. Impact Documentation and Reporting
Reporting and Publications: The project generated several publications, including the final strategic plan for the network’s future, and communicated results through digital media, including social media platforms and the project website.
The SymATA (Alliance for Sustainable Local Development) project achieved several significant outcomes that positively impacted rural Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), local communities, and regional development initiatives. The beneficiaries included the 12 participating CSOs (the Members Network), rural communities they represent, and broader stakeholders involved in sustainable local development.
Overall Impact
- The project successfully empowered 12 regional CSOs, enhanced their capacities, and built a collaborative network that will continue to drive sustainable local development initiatives in rural areas.
- By focusing on nature, culture, and the primary sector, the project provided a strong foundation for preserving regional identity while promoting economic and environmental sustainability.
- The project’s outcomes benefit not only the CSOs and local communities they represent but also stakeholders invested in long-term rural resilience and development.