Programme to Support Integrated Rural Development LEADER NSK
About this good practice
LEADER NSK is a unique instrument that provides funding for small-scale projects in the Nitra Self-Governing Region (NSGR), in Slovakia. It is based on the principles of the generally-known EU initiative LEADER (Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de le Économie Rurale), but it does not use any EU funding; it is funded entirely from the budget of the NSGR.
In 2017, thanks to the BIOREGIO project, new sub-activities related to bio-based circular economy were introduced into the LEADER NSK, e.g. design of bio-waste energy strategies or support of bio-waste processing technologies.
NSGR acts as a subsidy provider. Final beneficiaries are the Local Action Groups (LAGs). Final users are applicants and project promoters, e.g. municipalities; municipality associations; civic associations; foundations; non-profit organizations, interest associations of legal entities and business entities – natural or legal persons registered in the territory of LAG.
In 2020, the modified selection criteria for LEADER NSK projects have been approved. New project proposals submitted from 2020 must comply with a new criterion – the environmental focus of the project. Therefore, ecological projects, circular economy projects or environmental protection projects are preferred. In the submitted grant application, these projects should have an allocation of at least 20% of the total amount of the requested grant. Such oriented project proposals are also preferred in the evaluation and scoring process.
Resources needed
In 2017, 550,000 EUR was allocated for LEADER NSK of which EUR 13,000 EUR was used for environmental/CE projects. In 2020, 42 environmentally oriented projects were approved with a total funding 117,000 EUR. The value of one project can be up to 9,500 EUR. Programme is operated by 4 employees.
Evidence of success
LEADER NSK is as an innovative and successful instrument reflecting local needs through the "bottom-up" principle. Since the extension of LEADER NSK with environmental activities and the circular economy, the demand for such projects is constantly growing and the number of implemented projects increased. Projects have achieved more efficient separated waste collection and higher environmental awareness of citizens.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Nitra Self-governing Region is currently the only region in Slovakia that financially supports the implementation of Community Led Local Development Strategies for LAGs in the form of grants from the programme such as LEADER NSK. This kind of programme can be implemented also in other self-governing regions. Nowadays, we can see the efforts of other self-governing regions to introduce similar support to improve the quality of life in the rural areas.
Small projects focused on e.g. supporting community bio-waste composting, reducing the environmental burden through waste treatment or educational activities in the field of waste separation for children show the growing potential and demonstrate the validity of the new environmental criteria set out in the LEADER NSK programme. The programme shows that even with smaller financial resources, it is possible to significantly improve the quality of life of communities at the local and regional level.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Office of the Nitra Self-governing Region