his project proposal presents the Community-Led Local Development Strategy (CLLD) of the Local Action Group (LAG) “Dzhebel–Kardzhali”, covering a territory of 472.113 km² with a population of 21,524 people across 110 settlements from the municipalities of Dzhebel and Kardzhali. The strategy has been developed following a bottom-up approach with active involvement of the local community, stakeholders, and potential beneficiaries, and is aligned with the Integrated Territorial Development Strategy for the South Central Region as well as the municipal integrated development plans (PIRD 2021–2027). The main objective of the strategy is to enhance the competitiveness of the rural economy, improve living conditions, and preserve natural and cultural resources. Its priorities include the development of agricultural and non-agricultural activities through modernization and innovation, support for entrepreneurship, tourism development, improvement of social and technical infrastructure, and promotion of social inclusion for vulnerable groups. The strategy is based on a comprehensive socio-economic analysis that identifies serious challenges such as aging population, depopulation, and economic underdevelopment, but also highlights significant opportunities, including available natural resources, rich cultural and historical heritage, and an active local community. Through its strategic measures and expected outcomes, the project proposal aims to achieve sustainable development, social cohesion, and economic revitalization of the territory.
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