The proposed strategy is a natural continuation of the activities of the LAG Western Balkan-Berkovitsa, Godech and Dragoman for sustainable development and revitalization of the territory of the municipalities of Berkovitsa, Godech and Dragoman, which has been actively implementing the LEADER since 2010. The LAG covers a homogeneous territory in the mountainous and semi-mountainous border regions of Northwestern and Western Bulgaria. The strategy was developed entirely on the basis of local needs and potential, together with representatives of the local community from different sectors of socio-economic life, who joined their efforts to create a strategic document aimed at improving the environment and quality of life, promoting entrepreneurship and cooperation in its various forms. The local community decided to support the strategy mainly from one fund - the EAFRD, using the opportunities for complementary funding under the Education and Environment Programmes. The strategy provides for measures to support public projects to improve the offered public services and infrastructure, measures aimed at the economic growth of micro-enterprises, the development of competitive agriculture and crafts, measures to unite local actors and develop joint cooperation activities, as well as measures for innovations related to "smart" village. The LAG strategy is considered by the local community as an opportunity to finance small projects with high value for local people, building on the actions of local and regional authorities for sustainable development, preservation and development of human capital, and economic growth with care for the environment. The implementation of the LDS in two programming periods has undoubtedly proven the benefit for the territory from the implementation of the LEADER approach and has given confidence to the Management Board and the team to expand the territory of operation of the LAG and continue to work actively for local sustainable development.
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