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The officials discussed Georgia’s Rural Development Priorities in Stepantsminda
The First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture, Nodar Kereselidze along with other officials of the Ministry and members of Kazbegi Local Action Group gathered in Kazbegi to discuss rural development priorities and future plans. The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia, supported by the European Union (EU) in partnership with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and People in Need Mission in Georgia (PiN).
The Representatives of the Ministry informed members of Kazbegi Local Action Group (LAG) about the country’s progress in introducing and implementing the new concept of rural development in Georgia and received their valuable feedback. Kazbegi LAG is established with the support of EU in the framework of Rural Development Project implemented by PiN Georgia within the II phase of ENPARD programme. It is one of the eight LAGs created with EU support in several municipalities in Georgia.
The main topics of the meeting referred to the state programmes and initiatives designed to promote rural development through diversification of local economies, improvement of social and public services, increase of employment and sustainable use of natural resources. Thereby, special attention was paid to the issues related to the sustainable development of the environmental protection and rural tourism, the importance to engage local population, public and civil sector in the rural development process.
“Cooperation with Local Action Groups is one of the most important factors for the successful implementation of the 2018-2020 action plan for rural development and preparation for the next strategy. Rural areas face unique challenges as well as unique opportunities. Local Action Groups create long-term legacy of vibrant and strong rural communities which contribute fully to the improvement of social and economic conditions of rural population,” said Nodar Kereselidze, First Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia.
In the coming months, the National Rural Development Action Plan 2018-2020 will also be discussed with Local Action Groups of Kakheti, Samtskhe-Javakheti and the Autonomous Republic of Adjara through public meetings, which will be organized by the Government of Georgia with the assistance from the European Union (EU) and UNDP.
The implementation of the National Rural Development Strategy and Action Plan is supported by the European Union (EU) in partnership with UNDP through the EU funded ENPARD programme. Aiming to reduce rural poverty in Georgia, ENPARD has been implemented since 2013, with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million. Its first phase focused on developing the national agriculture potential, while the second and third phases focus on creating economic opportunities for rural population that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at: www.enpard.ge.