On the other side of the quark

About the project

”On the other side of Kvarken” is a preparatory collaboration project aimed at building bridges between youth in Leader Lappland 2030 and three leader areas in Ostrobothnia: Aktion Österbotten, Leader Liiveri, and Leader Suupohja. The project is based on a shared interest in rural development, youth influence, and transnational experience exchange.

Through a joint trip to Finland, opportunities are created to explore how a future collaboration project can be shaped – with youth in focus. The goal is to increase participation, pride, and future confidence among young people by creating new networks, sharing experiences, and developing new methods for local influence. The project is also a way to connect coast and inland, mountains and archipelago, Sweden and Finland – across Kvarken.

The initiative strengthens Leader Lappland's work in areas such as youth engagement, social sustainability, and international collaboration, while also contributing to increased knowledge about how different communities work with rural issues. The focus is on building relationships, identifying common challenges, and preparing for future collaboration – where youth are co-creators from the start.

From the Project Application

”Through this project, we also strive to strengthen youth participation and initiative in the future, develop long-term collaborations between the regions, and highlight local resources and identity as important parts of sustainable rural development.”

The LAG board decided to prioritize the application as the project clearly addresses the need to map youth needs and opportunities in rural areas, as well as promotes transnational collaboration and experience exchange that aligns with Leader Lappland 2030's intervention areas and strategic goals.