The territory of the LAG "Karlukovski Karst–Cherven Bryag–Iskar" is located in the Northwestern Planning Region (NUTS 2). The two municipalities covered by the local action group – Cherven Bryag and Iskar – are situated within the administrative boundaries of Pleven Province. The total area of the territory is 730.25 sq.km. (486 sq.km – Cherven Bryag and 244.25 sq.km – Iskar), of which 9.78% is urbanized territory. The settlement network of the LAG "Karlukovski Karst – Cherven Bryag – Iskar" consists of a total of 18 settlements – 3 towns and 15 villages. The settlements in Cherven Bryag municipality are 14, including two towns – the municipal center Cherven Bryag and the town of Koynare, and 12 villages. The settlements in Iskar municipality include four – the municipal center, the town of Iskar, and 3 villages. The CLLD strategy has been developed based on local needs and potential, identified through a comprehensive stakeholder survey and socio-economic analysis. A total of 419 stakeholders participated in the process of developing and coordinating the strategy (attending meetings, trainings, and the conference, as well as taking part in the survey). The needs, opinions, and expectations of stakeholders were studied through the survey and consultation campaign, and they serve as the main basis for developing the strategic framework and defining the CLLD measures. The strong interest in the various measures is reflected both in the strategic framework and in the CLLD budget. During the 2023–2027 programming period, the CLLD strategy will be financed by the CAP Strategic Plan (EAFRD) / EAFRD. Based on the local needs and potential of the territory, there is an identified need for additional financing from four more programs, namely: the "Education" Program 2021–2027 within the CLLD, the "Human Resources Development" Program 2021–2027, the "Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises" Program 2021–2027, and the "Environment" Program 2021–2027 within the CLLD.
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