Leader Across Europe and beyond
conference
Announcement: Due to current events, including global travel disruptions, the EU-Moldova LEADER Conference, set for May 13-15, is POSTPONED for an uncertain period!
Stay safe and tuned
Postponed
to a later date
Chisinau
Republic of Moldova
About
The 2nd edition of the EU-Moldova LEADER Conference will bring together both the EU and non-EU countries to network and reflect on the same approach of rural development challenges across Europe.
The main goal of the event is to present the implementation of LEADER approach in Moldova and to create a platform to exchange non-EU & EU LEADER experience. We will celebrate the beautiful achievements the approach acquired last year in the country, including LEADER recognition by the Government. Thus, the Republic of Moldova will be the first non-EU country that implements locally tailored LEADER programme with public funding.
This great achievement is the result of the cooperation and continuous dialogue between public institutions, development partners and local people.
The event is focused on the LEADER across Europe experience, providing the guests with many networking opportunities, and also with a beauty of Moldovan rural areas presented within the LEADER open-air fair.
The conference will gather representatives of 32 Moldovan LAGs and the fellow international LAG members across Europe, representatives of different stakeholders, including the European Commission, authorities from EU and non-EU countries, European LEADER Networks and representatives of European LAGs.
We are looking forward to sharing with you our Moldovan LEADER experience, to show our success stories and we count on your active participation and valuable contribution to the event.
The implementation of the LEADER approach in the Republic of Moldova started back in 2016 with the involvement of different partners and with the support of several donors. At the moment, there are 32 LAGs covering more than 30% of Moldovan rural areas.
Partners & Organizers
Organizers
The event is organised in cooperation and financial support of the European Union by the National LEADER Network in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture Regional Development and Environment of the Republic of Moldova and the National Rural Development Network as well as Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.
Partners
The Conference is organised in partnership with the following institutions and organizations:
How will it work?
Day 1
13.05.2020
wednesday
arrival & networking
Artcor creative hub
31 August 1989, 137 streetDuring the first day, May 13 2020, our international guests, along with the local partners, will explore Chisinau through a "Welcome to Moldova" tour.
They will have the chance to find out more about the locally-driven initiatives implemented in the Capital city of the country and about the beauties of Moldova, as well.
After this touristic intervention, certain parallel working meetings will take place, involving the representatives of the international LEADER Projects, as well as the representatives from the local LAGs.
They will discuss more about what will happen at the Conference, what are the identified strong points of the LEADER approach and what ideas should be proposed during the second day when discussing the future of the approach on both local and international levels.
The day will finish with an introductory session followed by a cultural networking event.
See day 1 AgendaDay 2
14.05.2020
thursday
Conference
day
The Palace of the Republic
Maria Cebotari 16 streetThe second day will start with the open-air-fair gathering people from different rural regions of Moldova. It has become already a tradition that rural people demonstrate and share the distinctive local products, bringing rural areas to the very centre of the capital – LEADER market.
The conference will gather more than 400 guests for a two-panel discussions presenting LEADER in Moldova experience and asking the question to what extend LEADER can be a tool for rural development also outside the EU. The National LEADER Network, together with the representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Regional Development and Environment, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, ELARD, PREPARE, AEIDL and with community representatives all across Europe including Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries, will share their thoughts and accomplishments in the area of local development. In the afternoon, the guests will have the chance to exchange their ideas within the market of initiatives, and participate in workshops covering tourism, smart villages, and LEADER international cooperation opportunities.
See day 2 AgendaDay 3
15.05.2020 - Friday
Wrap-up meetings and field-visits
Artcor creative hub
31 August 1989, 137 streetDuring the third day, the participants will have the opportunity to join one of the wrapping-up meetings: PREPARE General Assembly, LEADER in Moldova – methodology and National LEADER Programme presentation and LEADER in non-EU countries – experience exchange and platform for cooperation. In the afternoon, the guests will embark on a beautiful rural journey to the Moldovan LAGs. The enchanting villages involved in the LEADER process will welcome them with their most interesting traditions and will tell their LEADER stories.
The guests should prepare their dancing shoes for the "Lunca Bicului" LAG active sessions. The ones that want to learn how to bake local placinte, which are pies with the most appetizing veggie and cheese fillings, are welcomed to the rustic culinary adventures of the "Hora Ciulucului" LAG.
The guests that are seeking for a mindful and therapeutic promenade that will feed their souls with new emotions should choose the "Bazinul Lacului Ghidighici" LAG.
See day 3 AgendaSpeakers
Alina
Perju
Ana
Cerneva
Aris
Adler
Aurelia
Bondari
Dmitri
Ianul
Dumitru
Bîrlădean
Galina
Petrachi
Ion
Perju
Kim
Smedslund
Kirsten Birke Lund
Marina
Albu
Marion
Eckardt
Marta
Marczis
Panagiotis
Patras
Peter
Michalko
Petri
Rinne
Radu
Mudreac
Shorena
Sujashvili
Stole
Georgiev
Svetlana
Reguș
Thomasz
Horbowski
Agenda
1st Day – Wednesday – 13.05.2020 – arrival day and networking
Welcome to Moldovan culture & start to network
Visit around Chisinau – short cultural and historical introduction to Moldova
Parallel working meetings of the International LEADER Projects with the involvement of Moldovan
LAGs, incl.: TwinLAG, Balkan Cheese
18.30–21.00
—introduction to LEADER in Moldova & networking – cultural evening: dinner & open-air concert
Artcor creative hub
31 August 1989, 137 street2nd Day – Thursday – 14.05.2020 – conference day
Working and disseminating
The Palace of the Republic
Maria Cebotari 16 streetEvent moderators:
Patricia Varzari, National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
Radu Tucan, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova.
- Marina Albu, President of the National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
- Ion Perju, Minister of Agriculture Regional Development and Environment of the Republic of Moldova
- Peter Michalko, Head of the Delegation of the EU to the Republic of Moldova
- Radu Mudreac, Chairman of the Committee for Agriculture and Food Industry, Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova
- Aurelia Bondari, President of the National Rural Development Network in the Republic of Moldova
- Aris Adlers, President of PREPARE – Partnership for Rural Europe
4 introductory presentations:
- Marina Albu, President of the National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
- Galina Petrachi, Head of Rural Development Policies and Programmes Department in the Ministry of Agriculture Regional Development and Environment of the Republic of Moldova
-
Dmitri Ianul, “Cismeaua Sudului” LAG;
Alina Perju, “Colinele Tigheciului” LAG;
Dumitru Bîrlădean, “33 de Vaduri” LAG;
Svetlana Reguj, “Eco duz Ialpugel” LAG
- Tomasz Horbowski, Country Director at Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova
- 30-minutes panel discussion: speakers & 2-3 LAG representatives
- Moderator: Marina Albu, President of the National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
- Marina Albu, President of the National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
- Marion Eckardt, President of European LEADER Association for Rural Development ELARD
- Marta Marczis, President of the European Association for Information on Local Development AEIDL
- Petri Rinne, Finnish Village Movement
- Stole Georgiev, Executive Director of ”Plackovica” LAG, North Macedonia
- Shorena Sujashvili, Manager ”Kazbegi” LAG, Georgia
- Moderator: Panagiotis Patras, rural development expert
Facilitation: Aris Adlers, PREPARE President & LAG Juras Zeme, Latvia & Ana Cerneva, Executive Director National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
Workshop: „LEADER cooperation both international and transnational level”
Panagiotis Patras, rural development expert & Patricia Varzari, National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
Workshop: “What ”Smart Villages” really are about?”
Kim Smedslund, PREPARE & LAG EMO, Finland & Xenia Marcov, Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova
Workshop: “LEADER as a way to boost tourism in rural areas”
Kirsten Birke Lund, ELARD Council member & Danish LAGs & Vitalie Jereghi, National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
3rd Day – Friday – 15.05.2020 – wrap–up meetings and field–visits
share experience &
create partnerships
Artcor creative hub
31 August 1989, 137 street
1st meeting: PREPARE General Assembly
facilitated by the National Rural Development Network & PREPARE
2nd meeting: LEADER in Moldova – methodology and National LEADER Programme
facilitated by the National LEADER Network & the Ministry of Agriculture Regional Development and Environment
3rd meeting: LEADER in non-EU countries – experience exchange & platform of cooperation
facilitated by the National LEADER Network & Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova
LAGs partnership and networking – open space & LAG P2P
Departure from the venue planned at 12.30 – 3 separate trips – arrival in Chisinau planned at 19.00/20.00 – participants will visit 2-3
implemented pilot projects. LAG members will present to the guests cultural programme and their LAG story.
Field visit 1
Flavourful promenades in the heart of Moldova
Visiting 2/3 projects implemented by LAG ”Bazinul Lacului Ghidighici” and cultural-touristic programme
When traveling to the "Bazinul Lacului
Ghidighici" LAG, you'll come across a fresh view of a man-made lake that is now an important picturesque view in the heart of Moldova. Prepare your mind, body and soul for activities that will help you find your inner peace and physical healing.
This trip is a thoughtful break from your daily routine – wine-crafting, fruity promenades and joyful tunes from a band of local senior artists with youthful vibes are some of the key-words describing this magical afternoon. You will also have the chance to acquire healthy and nectarous snacks - locally produced granola flakes and amber honey.
If you seek for a spiritual quest, this is your opportunity!
Field visit 2
Get into your dancing shoes
Visiting 2/3 projects implemented by ”Lunca Bicului” LAG and cultural-touristic programme
If you are looking for a spectacular welcome in the rural regions, you must choose this heavenly field trip - the "Lunca Bicului" LAG that will spread its arms to embrace you in a dancing frenzy, filled with wonderful wine aromas and dried fruits idyllic roads, where the seasonal flowers will be your best guide and will take on a charming fairy tale.
The LAG is a short drive from the big city. The rustic vibe will fill your lungs with new waves of enthusiasm and curiosity. You will sift through the projects that helped at improving the village's life and activity and that enriched people's routine with new and challenging ideas.
If you want to challenge your movements, join us!
Field visit 3
Rustic culinary adventure
Visiting 2/3 projects implemented by ”Hora Ciulucului” LAG and cultural-touristic programme
Oh, yes! This is the right place and the right time for you to amplify you cooking abilities - we'll give you the space to wander through the condiments and local produces to create something tasty and original. Your dream hosts will provide you with a never ending supply of good mood and inspiration. When exploring the much-loved countryside, you will get to know extraordinary people that work for the good of the community, by developing their own concepts on rustic tourism. The locals are well-acquainted with the venerable houses and timeless views you will have the chance to see. So, prepare yourself for a culinary feast for both your body and eyes! We’ll meet in “Hora Ciulucului” LAG.
There’s never enough chances to become a pro in cooking, so you’re kindly welcomed here!
GENERAL RULES!
- Don’t forget your camera! Gather your memories not only in your mind, but in your albums as well.
- Be patient! The trips might seem long, but we promise you, the time will fly really fast!
- Be friendly! This journey is a one-of-a-kind experience. Make new friends and have together a wonderful trip!
- Sharing is caring! Let’s share smiles, pictures, foods and memories together!
- Take care of Nature! Leave the spaces you visited sparkling clean.
- Have fun! It’s mandatory to enjoy all of these processes. Of course, you will also be able to see how our projects are in the process of developing through the happy faces and kind hearts of our people that will make you feel like you’re on a small vacation, which you’ll wish to last longer.
registration
The Conference is destined to all European LAGs, rural and local developers, networks and those who are interested to share LEADER experience, as well as representatives of local authorities, development partners and other stakeholders who want to contribute to local development.
The participation at the Conference is free of charge and you can register to the event by completing an online registration form until 10th of April. The number of places is limited.
Don’t make any logistic arrangement before you receive a participation confirmation letter.
For more information, contacts us at anatolie.pirlii@solidarityfund.md.
Key contacts
Questions related to the
conference program
Anatolie Pirlii
- Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova
- anatolie.pirlii@solidarityfund.md
- +373 693 11 592
Questions related to the
LEADER in moldova program
Patricia Varzari
- National LEADER Network in the Republic of Moldova
- moldova.leader@gmail.com
- +373 794 20 027