EU supported Local Action Groups from Kazbegi, Lagodekhi and Borjomi attended LINC Conference in Estonia

LINC is a European Leader conference which combines European exchange of experience with sport events and European culinary. It is an initiative from LAGs and National Network Units for rural development in Austria, Germany, Estonia and Finland. The conference aimed to present the results and innovative methods achieved using the European LEADER approach to rural development, exchange the professional experience of representatives of the European LEADER areas and establish links for international cooperation.

LINC 2019 Conference opened with a gathering in Parnu city and the traditional parade. On the next day, the conference participants visited the ongoing projects in Parnu and city sightseeings.

In the framework of the conference organized a cooperation corner for the participants to discuss and develop project ideas for future cooperation.

The event participants had an opportunity to participate in sports activities and interactive games.

The visit was quite fruitful for the Georgian delegation: The members of Georgian delegation were actively involved in all events organized within the framework of the LINC conference. Borjomi project manager, Mikheil Lomidze, made a presentation about the project achievements in Borjomi Municipality and have got conference participants interest and excitement.

“Borjomi Local Action Group has been participating in the LINC Conference for the second year now, which is very important and I think, very necessary. We have the opportunity to meet the representatives of LAGs from different countries, gain best examples of how to do our business successfully and, most importantly, share project ideas for potential future collaboration. “ – said Borjomi LAG member Lana Chaduneli

The EU-funded ENPARD project “Strengthening Rural Development Models in Georgia” is implemented by EU partner organisations Mercy Corps, People in Need and CARE in Borjomi, Kazbegi and Lagodekhi municipalities. The project aims to contribute to poverty reduction and improved employment and living conditions in rural areas of Georgia. Through the establishment of a model of participation and cooperation in local development that takes into account the European experience, the project helps foster the expansion of non-farm rural enterprises as well as the modernization of the agricultural sector to boost its income-generating capacity.

The EU is supporting agriculture and rural development in Georgia through the ENPARD programme. Implemented since 2013 with a total budget of EUR 179.5 million, the main goal of ENPARD is to reduce rural poverty. The first phase of ENPARD in Georgia focused on developing the potential of agriculture. The second phase focuses on creating economic opportunities for rural population that go beyond agricultural activities. More information on ENPARD is available at www.enpard.ge