On 7-10 April in Trieste, the CEI-Executive Secretariat, in collaboration with AREA Science Park and with the financial support of the Autonomous Region Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG), organised a study visit for twenty-five local development practitioners from North Macedonia.
The purpose of the activity was to share best practices from Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) by engaging Local Action Groups (LAGs) from North Macedonia, and strengthen their capacity to absorb IPARD III funds for agriculture and rural development in the target country.
The delegation included representatives from five Local Action Groups (LAGs), consisting of presidents, directors, and managers, as well as the State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment of North Macedonia, four mayors, two members of the Balkan Rural Development Network, and several wine producers.
On DAY 1, at AREA Science Park, the delegation participated in three significant working sessions. The introductory module focused on international cooperation for local development, touching upon rural development, research and cooperation with North Macedonia. This was followed by presentations from local companies showcasing best practices in innovation for rural areas, covering topics such as technology, viticulture, water management. Additionally, local development in peri-urban and cross-border areas was discussed, with a session on circular bioeconomy, the presentation of the EU-funded RIBES Project, and last but not least, the firsthand experience of the LAG of Kras and Brkini.
DAY 2 centred on enhancing mainstream economic activities through the promotion of cultural heritage, food, and underutilised assets.
To explore this topic in depth, the delegation traveled to Malborghetto, where they met with the LAG Open Leader to discuss sustainable tourism as a tool for boosting the economy of inner areas. In addition, they had the chance to see the implementation of a project funded under the previous LEADER programme, located in Ugovizza. Then, the visit continued in Tolmezzo, where the GAL Euro Leader shared successful strategies for tackling depopulation and deindustrialisation through enhanced rural development.
Overall, the study visit provided a valuable and engaging opportunity for both the North Macedonian delegation, who gained insights into regional LAGs and companies, and the local participants, who were able to exchange ideas with a diverse group of stakeholders.
For more info: cancani@cei.int
