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