Within the scope of the LEADER measure, the Managing Authority encouraged the local public, private sector and non-governmental organizations to bring together representatives and establish Local Action Groups (LAG). In this context, local actors have started decision-making processes regarding the projects to be implemented in their local regions and the local development strategies to be implemented.
In this context, the IPARD Management Authority firstly visited Pazaryolu and Ispir, Tortum District Directorates of Agriculture and Forestry with the staff of the Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry. Later, Ispir, Pazaryolu and Tortum Local Action Groups were visited on site in Erzurum and information was received about the work of the LAGs. During the meetings with the president and manager of the Local Action Group, views were exchanged on the activities taking place and what can be done to make the LAG more active. After the discussions with the “Ispir Hanımeli Cooperative”, which operates in the district and was established as the first Women's cooperative in the Eastern Anatolia Region, the Ispir Mayor's Office was visited together with the President of the Cooperative.
During the visit to Tortum Uzundere LAG, the LAG Director provide information about the activities of the association so far. Views were exchanged on what can be done in line with the development goal of the region with rural tourism and local products, which were identified as priority areas in the strategy documents. The issue of how LAGs can play a role in revealing the existing potential by supporting the branding of natural products and the sustainability of established women's cooperatives and other non-governmental organizations were discussed.
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