Presenting ELARD & its role in promoting TNC

by Stefanos LoukopoulosELARD Coordination & Communications Officer * 22nd of June 2011

Building Bridges for Transnational Cooperation

IdentityInternational non-profit organization founded in 1999 by 5 European National LEADER networks :French LEADER Network - LEADER FranceGreek LEADER Network - E LEADERIrish LEADER Network - Comhar LEADER na hEireannItalian LEADER Network - AssoLEADER Spanish LEADER Network REDR

Today, ELARD is representing 686 Local Action Groups through national and regional voluntary networks in 18 countries:Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Czech Republic, Latvia, Hungary, United Kingdom (Scotland and Northern Ireland), Belgium, Lithuania, Poland, Slovenia, Denmark, Romania and Croatia.

ELARD aimsOne of the most important aims of ELARD is to: "campaign to spread the philosophy, principles and reach of the LEADER method grounded in the seven specific features in order to achieve sustainable rural development across Europe".

The association aims also to:"represent the interests and needs of its members in front of other international, European, and national institutions to liaise with other stakeholders and institutions working towards an integrated rural development and to influence EU policies in favour of rural development".

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ELARD aims

promote experience exchange, sharing information and cooperation activities through its members, partners and European Institutions;

To serve as a forum for the LAGs, the various NGOs, rural groups and other organisations that wish to exchange their views and experiences on rural development and the future of rural areas in Europe;

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To liaise with similar networks and institutions that work towards an integrated rural development;

To support the partners/members in their efforts to carry out innovatory actions in the field of rural development;

To organise meetings and thematic conferences between different Local Action Groups (LAGs) at European level;

To encourage initiatives that will lead to cooperation;

*ELARD aims

Network PresidencyRotation rule: each member Network assumes the Presidency of ELARD for a term of two years;

Past Presidencies: Italian Network (99-01), French Network (01-03), Spanish Network (03-05), Irish Network (05-07), Greek Network (07-10);

Current Presidency: Finnish Network (Jan 11- Dec 12).

The Finnish PresidencyAims of the Finnish Presidency of ELARD:

Strengthen the LEADER Method by disseminating it to new policy fields (regional, urban ,environmental, employment and development policies).Development of the operational environment of LEADER. (restore the flexibility and specific characteristics of LEADER as it faces challenges emerging from mainstreaming).Expansion of ELARD membership base.Establish closer contacts with all LEADER actors.Promotion of international cooperation of LEADER actors.

ELARD and ENRDELARD has been accepted since September 2008, as the European Association representing Local Action Groups at European level in the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD).Representatives of ELARD are participating both :in the Co-ordination Committee of ENRD;in the LEADER Sub-Committee of ENRD;ELARD co-chaired the Focus Group 1. Implementation of the bottom-up approach under LEADER Axis;ELARD representatives involved in two Thematic Working Groups of ENRD: TWG 1. Targeting territorial specificities and needs in Rural Development Programmes;TWG 4. "Delivery Mechanisms of European rural development policy;

Being a member of ELARDTransnational level:Information and experience sharing through all European LAGs and other European Rural Development Networks: www.elard.eu, Newsletter, events, internal mailing list.Contact with other European LAGs in order to facilitate transnational cooperation.European Level:Direct information concerning Rural Development Policies and Actions and the future of Rural Development by the European Commission.Provide a strong platform from which the voices and concerns of ELARDs members are heard and taken into consideration.Brussels offices to coordinate and support members visits or actions.

ELARDs role in promoting TNCELARD in itself, as a pan-European association of LEADER Networks provides an ideal platform for the promotion and development of transnational cooperation.

It brings LEADER actors together, unites them under the ELARD banner and hence contributes towards the creation of strong contacts and the establishment of lasting trust.

The above are essential elements for successful transnational cooperation.

ELARDs role in promoting TNCELARD views TNC as an integral component of the LEADER method.

The Finnish Presidency of ELARD has set the promotion of TNC as one if its core priorities.

ELARDs role in promoting TNCOn a more practical level ELARD promotes TNC through:

ELARD Network internal mailing list;ELARD website (TNC tool);ELARD social media page (fb);ELARD Newsletter;Organisation of international events;Establishment of relevant activities/programs;

ELARD Network internal mailing list:

ELARD encourages its members to transmit TNC requests to the Brussels office. The TNC requests are then disseminated amongst the vast network of ELARD through the associations internal mailing list. ELARD may on occasion act as the intermediary.

ELARDs role in promoting TNC

ELARDs role in promoting TNCELARD website & fb page:TNC requests are regularly posted on ELARDs website News Section and fb page. In addition a TNC forum has been recently developed which allows for both ELARD members and non members to post their requests and interact online.

ELARDs role in promoting TNCELARD Newsletter;

Developed a new section on ELARD News entitled LAGs Corner. This part contains among other ELARD member LAGs best practice projects as well as TNC requests when available. The Newsletter is distributed electronically throughout the ELARD mailing list , thus reaching all ELARD members as well as through the website and subscriptions (wider audience).

ELARDs role in promoting TNCOrganisation of international events:

15th-16th of June 2011, ELARD organized the LAGs Global Networks seminar in Sastamala-Finland.

Over 155 participants from 20 countries;Optimal environment for networking and establishment of contacts for future cooperation;Included a TNC Corner set up by the ENRD which provided participants with a whole range of TNC offers and requests.

Establishment of activities/programs;

LAGs Staff Exchange program:Set to begin as pilot next Autumn;Aims at promoting TNC between LAGs;Enhance the dissemination of the LEADER methodology;Collection and future dissemination of best practices;Offer a low threshold opportunity for ELARD members to cooperate.ELARDs role in promoting TNC

Thank you for your attention!

Find further info about ELARD at:www.elard.euelard@elard.eustefanos.loukopoulos@elard.eu

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