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THE REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF PLUNGE: A LOCAL ACTION GROUP

The Association of the Regional Municipality of Plungė – A Local Action Group – is a voluntary organisation, registered 22 July 2004, with the approved Articles of Association including the most important idea – encouraging of rural residents to contribute actively to improvement of quality of life in rural areas.

The Plunge Local Action Group (PLAG) unites around 40 members. The board of the PLAG, which is made up of 50% of socioeconomic partners and associations, 25% of business representatives and 25% of representatives from local authorities, represents different interests of rural residents. The board of the PLAG includes one representative for young people and a person competent in environmental issues; it also maintains gender balance. Total number of the board members amounts to 16 people.

The main goal of the PLAG is even and effective stimulation of social and economic development of rural areas by absorbing EU support.

The Local Action Group pursues the following objectives:

Active participation in organising and implementing rural development schemes and programmes in the area of the Regional Municipality of Plunge.
Pooling the efforts of local authorities, NGOs and other institutions or organisations interested in developing optimal solutions for economic and social prosperity of rural areas.
Encouraging and supporting initiatives of rural residents in the areas of business, environmental protection, education, culture and social support.
Submitting proposals for development and implementation of schemes and measures for rural development to local and national institutions and authorities.
Drawing up a rural development strategy for the Regional Municipality of Plunge.
Providing education and training necessary for actors of rural development.
Mastering and providing support for implementation of projects and initiatives of rural communities.
Encouraging cooperation with different NGOs at NATIONAL and international level and with other Lithuanian or foreign institutions and organisations.

The mission of the PLAG is the introduction of the LEADER method while implementing rural development strategies, ensuring socio-economic integrity of rural areas in the Regional Municipality of Plungė, and fostering economic growth through proper use of natural and cultural resources.

The PLAG represents different sectors, consults with communities, local authorities and businesses, encourages “bottom-up” initiatives, and examines the needs of rural residents. Major activities of the PLAG include implementing of the local development strategy, initiating innovative projects for rural development, counselling, pooling financial resources for implementation of the local development strategy, monitoring and further development of implementation strategies. The PLAG also strives for active involvement of women and young people in the development of rural areas.

The PLAG assists to rural communities in developing their skills of managing rural resources, coordinating rural development, developing alternative income generation activities. It encourages young people to participate in project activities, builds up the image of rural areas and enhances their competitiveness.

The PLAG has drafted “Rural development strategy for Plunge region by making the optimum use of natural and cultural resources in rural development” 2010 – 2015.

Priority 1: Public infrastructure management and adjustment to rural areas by making the optimum use of natural and cultural resources in rural development.

Priority 2: Encouraging community movement and its active involvement in public life of the region.

Priority 3: Stimulating rural businesses and employment.