LOCAL DEVELOPMENT

Local development requires goodwill and is aimed at improving the situation of an area and its inhabitants, notably by developing local resources and focusing on the assets of the area.

In a world which is becoming more and more globalized we could ask what can still be done by the local people who want to have a say in their future ?
Local development of the area isn't a limit based sector; it’s decided by the local authorities. They determine the priorities and offer solutions to develop the area. They are not against decision centres (Europe, Country, Region, Department) but they tend to organise working relationships with them.
In this way each area can organise their own development. So local development can be seen by its diverse actions according to the strategy chosen.

• Attract new populations: projects targeted on services
• Develop local resources: projects concerning local production.
• Raise the level of local qualifications: projects concerning training
• Everything depends on local priorities.

We found all the successful local development projects had common points :

• A strong knowledge of the area. This generally is defined by analysing the strong and weak points of the area.
• A strategy based on this analysis is determined by the local authorities
• A strong commitment to the long term implementation of this strategy
• For example, the strategy of the “Pays du Bessin” in Vire, shown in a “development charter” which underlines 5 points:

Axe/Point 1: Promote a coherent development plan of the region.
Axe/Point 2: Support economic development particularly the food-processing industry
Axe/Point 3: Exploit the potential of tourism
Axe/Point 4: Maintain the population and develop a politic of welcoming new arrivals
Axe/Point 5: Preserve and favour natural resources, landscapes and the heritage

Charte du Pays du Bessin au Virois
Téléchargez notre charte au format PDF