Europe has recently faced a number of crisis : the Covid-19 pandemic, the economic crisis,
the war in Ukraine, etc..., which have had a particularly strong impact on rural areas that were
already suffering from a lack of dynamism and attractiveness, especially amongst young people. On the other hand, awareness of the ecological crisis has never been stronger now that its effects are starting to be seen everywhere. It is in this context that the meeting of 3 actors gave birth to the YOUTH 4 RURAL project. These creators are JOAMAR2010, a Spanish company that values the production of local farmers; EUROPEAN ALPE ADRIA PANNONIA CLUSTER, a cluster founded in Serbia with the objective of rural development and cooperation between European regions; and finally, LAG Bosutski niz, a Croatian local action group with a mission of sustainable development in rural areas.
The project aims to support the promotion of locally produced goods, also known as zero-
mile products. By encouraging the consumption of local products, the project addresses the need to adopt sustainable and environmentally friendly consumption habits, as it greatly reduces the
environmental impacts associated with goods transportation. This also promotes the development of rural enterprises and social entrepreneurship, which are considered effective approaches to stimulate economic growth in rural areas. By promoting local products and sustainable economic practices, the project aims to reactivate the economy in these regions, yielding positive results for its implementation.
The project emphasizes empowering young people living in rural areas, helping them become
agents of change in promoting local products. Young people in rural areas often face challenges in
accessing opportunities and resources. This project aims to provide them with the necessary skills
and knowledge to develop their entrepreneurial potential. It also supports immigrant workers by
offering them opportunities to participate in entrepreneurship and contribute to the local economy, thus combating unemployment and social exclusion in rural areas.
The project's objective is to strengthen the connection between consumers and nature by
encouraging the consumption of local products and giving them the opportunity to know where and how their products are produced. This can foster a greater appreciation for the environment and its preservation as well as strengthen local solidarity.
In summary, the Youth 4 Rural project is essential in promoting sustainable economic
growth, addressing environmental concerns, and empowering young people to become agents of
change in their communities. It aligns with the objectives of supporting rural enterprises, combating climate change, and promoting inclusive and sustainable economic development.
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