IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (LDS)
The LEADER Programme represents the innovative approach to participatory rural development, based on public-private partnership and the mobilization of local community resources in the territory of the Codru Moma LAG Association.
What is the LEADER Programme?
The LEADER programme provides new opportunities for rural development, establishing the foundation for identifying local needs, strengthening community capacity and implementing local development strategies in order to conserve rural and cultural heritage, develop the economic environment and improve the organizational skills of local communities.
Changes in the agricultural sector resulting from Common Agricultural Policy reforms, increasing consumer demands, environmental pressures, technology diffusion and rural depopulation require a programme focused on building public-private partnerships and leveraging local resources (physical, human and financial).
At the European level, the need for the LEADER Programme emerged in 1990, when public programmes were limited and managed traditionally from the top down. Transitioning to the LEADER approach has consolidated over 2,000 Local Action Groups across all European Union member states.
LAG Partnership
Development structureThe 7 Essential Features of the LEADER Approach
The effectiveness of the LEADER method lies in the synergistic combination of these 7 key elements:
1. Territorial approach
Efficient use of local resources in a homogeneous area, integrated activities and a shared development vision.
2. Partnership approach
Creation of a solid public-private partnership, the Local Action Group, directly managing funding decisions.
3. Bottom-up approach
Active participation and direct consultation of local residents in strategic planning, decision-making and implementation.
4. Integrated approach
Multi-sectoral strategies based on interaction across all rural sectors: agriculture, craftsmanship, tourism and services.
5. Innovation & experimentation
Identifying novel, modern and creative solutions to existing economic and social challenges in rural areas.
6. Cooperation projects
Implementing joint inter-territorial or transnational cooperation initiatives between rural communities in Romania and the EU.
7. Networking
Continuous exchange of experience, good practice transfers and cooperation within the National Rural Development Network and EU CAP Network.
Territory Identification Criteria
To benefit from LEADER funding, the LAG territory cumulatively satisfies the following characteristics:
- Small size and homogeneous rural character: Area sharing common historical, cultural and economic bonds.
- Well-dimensioned population: Between 10,000 and 100,000 inhabitants.
- Low population density: Maximum 150 inhabitants / km², per international OECD guidelines.
- Sufficient local resources: Viable natural, human and economic potential to sustain development.
- Strong local identity: Traditions, specific heritage and community willingness to cooperate.
Advantages & Strategic Objectives
Benefits of implementing the strategy across local communities in the Codru Moma area:
- Direct response to specific needs: Funding targets the exact challenges identified by residents.
- Mobilization of local actors: Encourages youth, small producers and authorities to take initiative.
- Balanced and decentralized development: European funds reach grass-roots levels directly without centralized bureaucracy.
- Participatory local governance: Project selection decisions are taken transparently in the territory.
- Rural economy diversification: Strong link between agriculture, forestry, tourism and service infrastructure.
Institutional Framework & Programme Funding
The LEADER programme is funded through the National Rural Development Programme (NRDP) and the CAP Strategic Plan, implemented by the Agency for Financing Rural Investments (AFIR) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADR). Programmes are co-financed by the European Union and the Government of Romania through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
