Leader programme in the South Mátra

Wölcz, Andrea – Bárdosné Kocsis, Éva

Keywords: EMVA, LEADER, action groups, partnership, quality of life, South Mátra 11

The greatest number of applications from the South Mátra’s 11 settlements was received from local authorities and civil organisations. The muted presence of businesses and individuals was most likely caused by a lack of own resources. The high number of submitted applications allows us to conclude that there is great interest and that people actually wish to attain the realistic aims, which require a greater degree of cooperation than previously between successful settlements. It is noticeable that those living in the settlements have realised that the programme can produce change in terms of environment, tourism and employment-creation, to which other settlements can subsequently join up, furthering the development of the Mátra and its region. Based on the experiences of the past few years it is useful in any event to emphasise and explain that it is not the expenditure of the 90 million forint funding resource that is the task, but the realisation of effective, sensible investments, in which advice, applicant- and client-friendly implementation, the collaboration of experts, and science, all play a key role. The Róbert Károly Institute of Higher Education, being a Regional Agricultural Innovation Centre of Knowledge, seeks to assist this process.

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