This project is funded by the European Union Towards Prospering Rural Areas

SARD LEADER for community driven rural development initiatives in , and neighboring rural communities

REPUBLIC OF 2016-2018 represent local authorities, businesses AS

E What is the SARD and civil society. LAGs decide on the R The LEADER Initiative territorial delineation of their activities, A Programme? LEADER (a French acronym meaning establish formal partnerships, prepare Links Between Actions for the and agree on integrated local rural

URAL URAL The Support to Agriculture and Development of the Rural Economy) development strategies, and identify and R Rural Development (SARD) is an EU initiative, a method and implement local development actions. programme instrument to support

ING ING Programme is a three-year R initiative of the European locally-driven rural development PE Union implemented by UNDP interventions to reinvent rural areas and create local jobs. LEADER in Moldova

ROS in the Republic of Moldova. The frst LEADER programme started in Local implementation of the SARD The main objective of the EU Member Countries in 1991. LEADER Initiative started with an programme is to foster Because of its development efciency awareness-raising campaign aimed at confdence-building by and popularity in rural communities, mobilizing local partners in targeted LEADER still exists in the EU. It has 26 regions. The result was the creation of TOWARDS P targeting regions and territorial years of experience in thousands of eight local development partnerships, administrative units with special rural areas where the programme has covering the greater part of the rural status. successfully been implemented. areas of Gagauzia and Taraclia, and rural Since 2013, the LEADER method has communities of neighbouring districts. The programme connects been expanded to apply to coastal Following the bottom-up, territorial national and regional authorities and urban areas under the title principles, the eight partnerships of and structures facilitating ‘Community-Led Local Development’ local public, business and civil society dialogue in the development (CLLD), and it has also been extended representatives have formalized their of national strategies. The main geographically. Local Action Groups, which are the fagship LAGs in Moldova. programme components, It has been implemented in EU pre-accession and neighbouring To accord with the principle of integrated implemented in a synergic countries with the aid of EU and other development, they have designed their and comprehensive way, donor-fnanced programmes. strategic action plan, including economic, aim to enhance community The key actors of all local LEADER/ social, cultural and environmental empowerment, develop local Community-Led Local Development actions. Coaching, mentoring and entrepreneurship and SMEs, initiatives are the so-called Local Action technical assistance and guidance for Groups (LAGs) formed by local partners each milestone have been provided encourage investment into in a bottom-up way. by SARD to the eight LAGs. SARD also small-scale infrastructure The LAGs are responsible for local creates the necessary conditions for refurbishments and promote governance in development and networking between the LAGs. inter-municipal cooperation. The activities of each LAG cover a group of villages with populations of between Implementation of LEADER LEADER principles 11,000 and 34,500. The number of LAG (a French acronym meaning ‘Go local’ by implementing the members is about 30 on average, with Links Between Actions territorial, bottom-up and partnership the balance of each stakeholder group for the Development of approach; focus on integrated represented by 30 per cent. the Rural Economy) and development, sustainability and One of the objectives of the SARD the Community-Led Local inclusiveness. The development LEADER Initiative is to gather the process is managed locally, and Gagauzian and Taraclian implementation Development (CLLD) approach networking and cooperation ensure experiences and provide support for is an innovative, cross-cutting mutual beneft from the experience. the institutionalization of the LEADER 2 measure of the programme. approach in Moldova. THE SARD LEADER INITIATIVE 3 AS

E LAG ECO Bugeac R

A he communities of , TChiriet-Lunga, , Besghioz, Tvardita and Valea Perjei, located in URAL URAL

R the Bugeac steppe geographical area, work together in this LAG (22,369

ING ING inhabitants). All localities in the LAG R territory have a strong multi-ethnic and PE multicultural tradition. Every village has

ROS a local museum and craftsmen representing diferent cultures: Bulgarian, Moldovan and Gagauzian. Avdarma is the historical and ecological heart of the Bugeac steppe, TOWARDS P

ergei, an unemployed resident Sof the village of Chiriet-Lunga, has created a drum for the frst time in his life. With all his love for the small motherland, he revives traditional festivities such as the singing of Christmas carols and introduces Gagauz traditional percussion instruments to the younger generation. His drum refects Gagauzian frmness and openness by using two types of skin (cow and goat). Sergei is famous all over the LAG. He is now planning a new project – cow-skin shoes. All the inhabitants of ECO Bugeac would thus be able to dance in one hora.

4 famous for its surrounding nature, agricultural production. The common Tomai (31,452 inhabitants). One of the THE SARD L old steppe springs and its diferent vision is to develop the South Moldovan advantages of the LAG is that the villages activities and initiatives, including a tourist centre through links between ECO are close to regional routes, which parachuting cup, a school robotics club Bugeac localities, aiming to promote rural positively infuences the development and a local Media Centre. Tvardita, a small and sports tourism and focusing on the of local business. At the same time, a E town, has great economic potential that development of ecological production in favourable climate, fertile soil and water AD

can be used for local development, small farms. source from local lakes are important for E including a free economy zone. agricultural development. A common R IN purpose of territorial cooperation is to

This historical and ecological potential ITIATI reinforce local culture. Each locality has provides a common basis for territorial LAG Gagauz Koraflari a strong cultural ensemble: Ukrainian, cooperation. The strategic mission of Gagauz Pattern

Bulgarian and Gagauzian. VE ECO Bugeac LAG is social and economic development by ensuring modern AG Gagauz Korafari unites the There are many craftsmen, and the comfortable and safe living conditions Lcommunities of , Besalma, conditions are promising for the creation of while actively promoting organic , , Gaidar and workshops to produce traditional costumes.

5 AS E R A URAL URAL R ING ING R PE ROS

Tomai is well-developed in terms of rural cultural centre in the region, with point (Giurgiulesti International Port). diferent business sectors: agriculture, well-developed infrastructure and tourism The territory consists of three localities, services and manufactories. There are aimed at sustainable growth of living Alexandru Ioan Cuza, Cismichioi and

TOWARDS P several famous regional products and standards. , populated mainly by Gagauz relevant festivals, including the traditional and Moldovan people. The localities are Gagauzian Carpet Festival in Gaidar and part of the Autonomous Territorial Unit the Wine Festival in Tomai, complemented of Gagauzia and the district of by the unique and delicious local cuisine. LAG Сișmeaua Sudului (10,987 inhabitants). The LAG’s mission is to reinvent traditional activities and develop rural tourism based Southern Water Spring The villages in LAG Cișmeaua Sudului on the promotion of the multi-ethnic his LAG is situated in the south-west have a rich history and local culture. The local cuisine and cultural values. The Tof the Republic of Moldova, not territory is characterized by its natural vision of the LAG is to become the largest far from the country’s southernmost heritage and a lovely local cuisine.

6 There is brilliant potential for wine THE SARD L cultivation. Cattle cultivation and the production of milk and cheese is increasing, but still has potential. In the village of Alexandru Ioan Cuza, artisans sew E

traditional clothes and work with wood. AD The village of Chismichioi has a Media E

Centre and a very active youth network. R IN The local business sector is relatively experienced and civil society is vigorous. ITIATI The purpose of LAG Cișmeaua Sudului

(defned in their strategic mission) is to VE foster sustainable local economic growth, tourist attractiveness and territorial cohesion within the microregion. In fve years, based on the commonly agreed strategic vision, their territory will be known for the diversity of its locally processed food, its attractive tourist locations and the quality of its social services.

LAG ECO Düz Ialpugel ECO Düz Yalpugel CO Düz Yalpugel gathers together Ethe villages of , , , and Cietu from the Autonomous Territorial Authority of Gagauzia and neighbouring districts, thus representing an example of inter- ethnic cooperation at the local level (17,193 inhabitants). It is difcult to translate the name of this LAG from Gagauzian to English. The name refers to their ecological approach, the value of truthfulness and the River Yalpugel, which runs along the steppe, bringing life-giving water. Within the LAG, Congaz is famous as the biggest village in Europe. Lots of young to support local ethnic cultures and local economic activities and social and people are involved in the LAG. Business traditions. The LAG’s strategic document cultural infrastructure.’ In fve years, LAG representatives attract many young includes the following line: ‘We, LAG ECO DÜZ Yalpugel aims to be known for people, who plan to open new businesses, ECO Düz Yalpugel, promote sustainable its prosperous business environment, especially relating to apiculture. There economic development by supporting accessible social infrastructure and the is a need identifed by LAG members the initiatives of diversifcation of our attractiveness of its touristic locations. 7 AS E

R LAG Zhemchuzhina Yuga A Pearl of the South

URAL URAL he territory of LAG Zhemchuzhina R TYuga comprises of 20 small multi- ethnic rural communities of , ING ING

R Gagauzians, and Ukrainians in , Budai, , Salcia, PE , , ,

ROS Burlaceni and Moscovei. It is in the south-west of the Republic of Moldova, part of the Autonomous Territorial Unit of Gagauzia and the districts of Taraclia and Cahul (13,850 inhabitants).

TOWARDS P The landscape combines hills and valleys, with Salcia Mica, Salcia Mare and other small rivers fowing along them. Two natural reserves and several lakes are located in the territory. The main economic activities are growing grain and wine grapes and livestock farming, mainly sheep. Ciumai Winery, one of the most well-known winemakers in the Bugeac steppe, is also situated here. Bee-keeping is becoming more widespread within the territory. The fruit preserving (table grapes, plums) infrastructure, and local food processing (dry plums, juice making, etc.) are to be developed in several localities. The communities plan to update public utilities and social infrastructure to ensure better living conditions for the residents and to support service providers (commerce, craft, accommodations) and cultural initiatives to increase the tourist attractiveness of the region. The strategic objectives of the LAG are the ddiversifcation of economic activities in the microregion, ensuring access to quality public services and utilities and the revitalization of the public spaces and sustainable 8 development of the natural resources. THE SARD L LAG Bugeac Kilim Bugeac’s Carpet

AG Bugeac Kilim’s villages, , E LCorten, , Cealic and Svetlii, AD are located next to the Chisinau–Ismail E R IN and Chisinau–Gurgulesti roads (14,462

inhabitants). The local lake unites three ITIATI of the localities: Balabanu, Corten and Cazaclia. Svetlii Technical College is famous in South Moldova. Important VE archaeological research has been conducted in the LAG territory. The purpose of the LAG is to promote socially-oriented small businesses based on educational, scientifc or Afanasy Kol, an entrepreneur from and entrepreneurial cooperation to Fthe village of Cazaclia, the outdoor zoo motivate local citizens not to migrate, is not just a business, but a way to unite or encourage them to come home. LAG the community with nature. When Afanasy Kilim Budzhaka has identifed some bought some noble-bred rams from special local initiatives. There is a plan to Austria, he wanted everyone to appreciate open a mini-zoo and to revitalize an old the unusual beauty and positive energy of mill. There are craftsmen in the territory, the animals. working with wood.

9 inhabitants). A strong partnership exists vegetable growing, fsh farming, AS

E at the local level between the local apiculture, etc. The bigger business R LAG Steaua Bugeac

A authorities involved in the LEADER sector is limited to a few farmers, mostly The Bugeac Star initiative. grain producers, who are open to Public institutions are active in cooperation. There is a plan to develop URAL URAL the local apiculture association. All R he villages of Bascalia, Bugeac, generating projects for improving the TBorogani, Cioc-Maidan, public utilities and social infrastructure. villages are located in the area,

ING ING and Local business representatives practice which ofers various economic and R are united within this LAG (21,010 various activities: grape, fruit and social advantages and opportunities PE ROS TOWARDS P

10 (educational and health services). THE SARD L There is also a national road connection nearby. LAG Steaua Bugeac’s purpose is to improve the living and business environment by carrying out economic, E social and environmental development AD activities and programmes in the region. E

Its strategic objectives include sustainable R IN development of local small- and medium- sized enterprises, the improvement of ITIATI local infrastructure and public utilities and the increase of the territorial capacity to VE attract investment and civic activism.

agauzian people are descendants LAG Dolina Rodnikov Gof medieval Turkish nomadic tribes. Their traditional food consists Spring Valley mainly of meat dishes. Mihail, a resident of the village of Copceac, he LAG villages of , , safekeeps the recipe and the TCopceac and have a manufacturing technology of baur. very clear common identity, symbolized by the fact that they all have springs. That is why they decided to name themselves ‘Spring Valley’. Local business focuses on agriculture and fowers (roses). The localities have a well-developed network of international partners in EU countries and in Turkey (14,328 inhabitants). The top priority for all LAG members is local economic development and the creation of new jobs. One of the initiatives is to develop the local production of traditional Gagauzian sausage (baur). The mission identifed by the LAG is to develop the economy of the villages by using traditional resources and attracting tourists through traditional local cuisine and local wine, growing and exporting organic crop and livestock breeding products, the promotion of healthy lifestyles and the maintenance and promotion of cultural diversity. The LAG’s vision is to become a centre for ethnic food and recreational tourism. 11