The Strategy Design
What is the minimum content of the LDS ?
Definition of the area and population covered by the strategy
The links between the LAG area, partnership and strategy lie at the core of the LEADER approach and clearly differentiate LEADER from the other elements of the Rural Development Programme (RDP). The related section of the LDS should therefore define the proposed LAG territory and local partnership providing a clear rationale which justifies each of these, their relevance to the LDS and the relationship between them.
Focus on the bigger picture
Ines Jordana from the ENRD CP advises on how to use the LDS as a strategic territorial development tool
These definitions must be consistent with the overarching territorial and partnership criteria set out in the relevant EU regulations1 and guidance2 together with any further specification regarding these set by the Member State or region.
Area
The LDS must clearly define and describe the proposed area including its population which it addresses. The minimum common requirement is that the areas be sub regional i.e. below NUTS 3 level and that they be specific. The aim here is to provide a realistic description of the area and how it functions drawing out the key features of relevance to the LDS. This should explain why this is an appropriate area upon which to base the strategy, e.g. by drawing out the key distinguishing features and the factors which give it a coherence in social, economic and environmental terms.
Using ‘needs analysis’ information
Mireille Groot Koerkamp from a Dutch LAG notes the importance of using ‘needs analysis’ information in a LDS
In order for an LDS to be realistic and viable an area should possess sufficient levels of coherence and critical mass of human, financial and economic resources3.
There is no requirement in either the CSF or RD Regulation that a LAG boundary follow any administrative boundary; a functional boundary may be more appropriate for a rural area. It is however almost inevitable that administrative territorial boundaries are involved in area definitions as these often form the basis of many key data sets which are essential in accurately describing an area and inform the LDS analysis. There may also be operational benefits in terms of the organisational capabilities required to deliver the LAG and LDS.
Back to "What is the minimum content of the LDS"
1Rural Development Regulation EC 2011/0282 (COD), CSF regulation EC (2011) 615
2To be published spring 2013
3as currently specified in Article 62(3) of Council Regulation (EC) N°1698/2005