Position, Mission and Role of Local Action Groups (LAG) in the Stability and Development of Rural Space

Abstract

In the present paper, possibilities of using LAG as an ideal platform for the initiation of actually functional and long-term development of rural regions are described. The countryside in the Czech Republic faces an exodus of young people, a relatively decreasing level of education, and particularly a non-conceptual approach to the solution of the issues of rural development. The current support, particularly the legislative one, is not adequate to the importance of that issue. Possibilities are identified of using the management staff of local action groups as an animator in the given region, who thanks to detailed knowledge of the region can target various forms of financial support where it is really necessary and at the same time they can initiate such a cooperation at different levels that will contribute to the actual and complex targeting of support. The prosperous rural region is such region in which local businesses function with support of local governments and where the level of the local (or regional) education system is successfully maintained or increased and to which educated persons return after studies in larger towns. LAG may substantially contribute to the solution of the above-mentioned issues.