Leader Östra Skåne has hosted a visit from a delegation from LAG Holicko in the Czech Republic. Over several days, the guests were able to take part in local projects, meet young people, civil society, municipalities, and project owners – and discuss the future role of Leader in Europe.
The program offered many inspiring meetings. The delegation learned more about the youth project ”Young in Östra Skåne,” the nature and sustainability project ”In our Meadow,” as well as how Kristianstad municipality works closely with rural associations through its rural council. Culture, inclusion, biodiversity, and rural tourism were also on the agenda.
Study visit at In our Meadow, Henrik Mårtensson talked about the Leader project ”In our garden” in Lilla Oberöd.
The conversations revealed both similarities and differences between Sweden and the Czech Republic. A particularly interesting experience was how Czech LAG groups have taken on a clear role in providing support to households, including in energy efficiency. This raised thoughts on how Leader can also be used even more as a local force in community development in Sweden.
Maria Anderberg explained how several Leader projects are working to counteract apple crayfish with search dogs. Mea Andersen showed around in the premises where RÖRD Art Meeting Place for children will be located. Christer Yrkas from LUS, Local Development Sweden, exchanged experiences from a national perspective.
For the youth in Leader Östra Skåne's youth council, the meeting was also valuable. They were able to share their work, practice English and Czech – and see how international exchanges can provide new ideas for youth participation in rural areas.
The participants from the Czech Republic also made a quick visit to Kiviks Musteri and they got to see the sea and Meeting point Vitemölla.
The visit became a fine example of how Leader can create meetings across borders. By sharing experiences, we strengthen both local engagement and the work for a vibrant countryside in Europe.
”In the future, we could develop more exchanges between Leader areas in the EU for the younger generation, to strengthen rural development.”
Ermina Ström, project manager for Young in Östra Skåne
”My feeling is that the former Eastern states are better at involving LAG in the work with the next program period than several Western EU countries.”
Christer Yrjas, operations manager for LUS – Local Development Sweden