STUDY OF THE DYNAMICS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE TERRITORY OF LAG “TUTRAKAN - SLIVO POLE” FOR THE PERIOD 2018 - 2021 OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMMUNITY-LED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

Abstract

Rural areas in Bulgaria are characterized by economic, social and cultural backwardness, an aging population, a low standard of living, deteriorating infrastructure and the resulting negatives. This is the result of objective processes, but also of the neglect and underestimation of the consequences of this unfavorable development. At the same time, these areas have significant natural, human, economic and cultural potential, the development and full use of which is a must.

Rural development policy is part of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which has become increasingly important over the years. It promotes sustainable development in Europe's rural areas and aims to address economic, social and environmental problems in different areas. More than half of the EU's population lives in rural areas, which cover 90% of the EU's territory. One of the CAP's tools for positive impact on rural development is the Community-led local development approach. This is an innovative approach that has been applied in Bulgaria over the last decade through Local Action Groups (LAGs).

The implementation of SWOMR - Strategy for community-led local development of “LAG Tutrakan Slivo Pole” for the period undoubtedly has contributed to the dynamics of local economic development in the municipalities of Tutrakan and Slivo Pole. The survey will allow the LAG "LAG Tutrakan Slivo Pole" to get real results for the dynamics of economic development, the balanced implementation of SWOM on the territory and others.

During the last 4 years of the implementation of the SWOM, Tutrakan Slivo Pole LAG has been working through various forms and methods with its stakeholders by sectors and with the local community. In order to continue maintaining high engagement and activity on the territory, it is necessary to measure the effect of the activities of the Tutrakan Slivo Pole LAG with the groups, with the representatives of the local community, with the population as a whole. As well as to make recommendations for maintaining and increasing this activity, which will be key for upgrading the territory with the next Strategy.