The Community-Led Local Development Strategy of the LAG "Dryanovo - Tryavna - in the Heart of the Balkans" covers the territory of the municipalities of Dryanovo and Tryavna with a total area of 504 sq. km and a population of 18,360 people. The territory includes 169 settlements, 55 of which are uninhabited. The geographical area is characterized by mountainous, semi-mountainous relief, rich biodiversity and a good ecological environment. The development of the strategy follows the "bottom-up" principle, with broad participation of the local community. 15 public events and consultations were held with over 380 participants from the public, private and non-profit sectors, including vulnerable groups and young people. The strategy is fully compliant with the Integrated Territorial Strategy for the North Central Region and European regulations. Its main priorities include: - Development of a competitive local economy, through support for agriculture; improving access to the labor market; promoting entrepreneurship and innovation. - Improving living conditions and social services, through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social support; preserving cultural heritage and local traditions; protecting the environment and increasing administrative capacity. The analysis of the territory shows a good economic situation with active sectors such as crafts, tourism and the processing industry. Social and cultural resources are highly developed, but demographic decline and the need for improvements in infrastructure, especially in villages, are noted. The strategy is an integrated development tool, based on broad public consensus and aims for sustainable socio-economic development of the territory by 2027. In addition to funding from the EAFRD, the strategy includes complementary funding from the Environment Programme, the Human Resources Development Programme, the Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises Programme and the Education Programme.
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