LEADER/CLLD approach, an instrument for the rural transformation in the Western Balkans
Four young people, representatives of the Albanian Rural Development Network Youth Hub participated in the LEADER/CLLD Youth Camp, which took place in Mojkovac, Montenegro, on 24-28 May. This youth camp edition was organized by the Balkan Rural Development Network in partnership with the Montenegrin Rural Development Network, financially supported by GIZ.
LEADER/CLLD Youth Camp aimed to strengthen the participation of rural youth in the rural transformation of the Western Balkan countries through the EU LEADER/CLLD approach, a European method for promoting integrated and sustainable rural development. Of particular interest to young participants from Albania was the role and importance of implementing the best European LEADER approach practices in the Western Balkans.
In this context, the youth camp participants – young farmers, activists, and civil society representatives from all over the Western Balkans – visited the Pešić farm, which was a local farm focused on breeding and processing milk. Among other things, the visit to the Pešić farm highlighted the importance of supporting the development of enterprises in rural areas by local institutions and international donors. During the visit to the Pešić farm, the participants were provided with an overview of the farmer’s efforts and achievements towards setting up a big farm. Knowledge of best practices in the region, as well as consultation with experts in the field, contributed to creating a new perspective for the sustainable development of rural areas for rural youth.
