A delegation from the Republic of Moldova, it’s about presidents and vice-presidents from two Local Action Groups (LAG’s) and members of Institute for Development and Social Initiatives (IDIS) ‘’Viitorul’’, did a study visit in Tartu town, from Estonia, between December, 8-10. 2021. It was organized in the ‘’Development of rural areas in Moldova using the LEADER / CLLD approach’’ project, implemented by IDIS ‘’Viitorul’’, Estonia Development Cooperation and two LAG’s from Estonia, it’s about "Tartu County Development Association" and "Pärnu Bay Partnership", with the financial support of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the visit was visited Tartu Center for Creative Industries, where the participants found about activities of the Tartu County Development Association. Also, they went to Elva municipality, which is part of the city of Tartu, where they discussed with local authorities, visited farms in the areas, and the local farmers market. As well, they went to visit the Tartu Science Park and had an onion tour. At a samovar house and an onion farm, participants ate onion and tea pie. So, they visited Peipsimaa Center, wherein a workshop they made inscriptions on drums for shopping. Then, they had a local wine tasting and visited Alatskivi Castle.
The purpose of the visit was to get an overview of the work of the Tartu County Development Association, to summarize the ongoing project, and to prepare a new cooperation project, which will be launched next year. Also next year, part of the team members from Tartu, Estonia, will pay a new visit to the Republic of Moldova.
The project "Development of rural areas in Moldova using the LEADER / CLLD approach" was signed in 2018. Through the project, IDIS "Viitorul" contributed to the creation of two Local Action Groups "Lunca Nistrului" in Ștefan Vodă district and "Subregion CULA" in Ungheni district. The LAGs meanwhile gathered members and received funding for the implementation of about 20 local projects. The project was implemented in two stages. In the first stage, four beneficiaries from "Lunca Nistrului" and five from "Subregion Cula" received financial support. In the second stage, financial support was provided for four beneficiaries from the "Dniester Meadow" and for five from the "CULA Sub-Region", including the LAGs. At the same time, during this period, IDIS "Viitorul" organized training seminars, information visits for all project beneficiaries. On October 1, 2021, in Chisinau, a mini-exhibition was organized in which the local products made within the “Cula Subregion” LAG, Ungheni district was presented and promoted.
There are 32 LAGs in the Republic of Moldova, involving approximately 350 administrative-territorial units (35% of rural areas) and around 1200 local institutions/organizations, including LPAs. LAGs are at different stages of development: some LAGs are in the process of being created, others have already implemented/are implementing local development projects.
"Cula Subregion" LAG from Ungheni district (Cornești town, Cornești, Rădenii Vechi, Bumbăta, Alexeevca, Teșcureni, Măgurele, Boghenii Noi, Sinești, Hârcești, Curtoaia, Condrătești, Năpădeni, Cornova, Romanovca villages – about 23000 population, the creation of which was facilitated by IDIS "Viitorul"), represents a vast territory in a picturesque area crossed by important national and international roads. The LAG consists of 34 villages, organized in 13 town halls. The localities are sparsely populated and quite scattered, which increases the actual costs of building and maintaining road infrastructure and social services delivered locally.
"Lunca Nistrului" LAG from Ștefan-Vodă district (Căplani, Carahasani, Crocmaz, Palanca, Purcari, Olănești, Tudora, Viișoara villages – about 20000 population, the creation of which was facilitated by IDIS "Viitorul"), is located in the southeast of the Republic of Moldova, on the border with Ukraine. There are many wine companies in this area, most of them produce wines with the protected geographical indication "Ștefan-Vodă". The subregion has a favorable geographical position for the development of the local economy, it has traditions and experience in growing multiannual crops.
The project ‘’Development of rural areas in Moldova using the LEADER/CLLD approach’’, was implemented by IDIS ‘’Viitorul’’, Estonia Development Cooperation, "Tartu County Development Association", "Pärnu Bay Partnership", with the financial support of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from development cooperation and humanitarian aid funds.
More photos from the visit can be viewed here.
