Our strategy

A strategy that promotes local rural development through the leader method. Access to nature and outstanding nature experiences is both a strength and a constant development opportunity for the entire area.

The development of the strategy

An area characterized by drive, cooperation, community, freedom, and security.

During 2021, Leader Lappland has worked to develop the strategy together with the board and engaged participants from various sectors in our eight municipalities. Through digital meetings and surveys, we have gathered insights from approximately 230 people's opinions, including entrepreneurs, youth, and officials. The strategy has focused on cooperation and inclusion, as well as emphasized the area's resources and positive potential. The process has been characterized by openness, inclusion, and adaptation to the area's specific needs and challenges.

We have seen the area's opportunities for development and how important it is to have a balanced lifestyle and health. The local nature and various businesses provide a stable foundation for strengthening local, small-scale, and sustainable projects. Moreover, this benefits the economy and engagement at the local level. We have created three goals based on needs and opportunities, which are built on cooperation and will lead us towards our vision.

Our vision 2023-2027

With strength togetherwe create development and a life in balance – simply a place to long for!
Our three goals

Strengthen and develop an attractive area where people live sustainably and in balance

To retain current residents and create opportunities for increased immigration, clear objectives for physical and mental well-being are required. Additionally, by utilizing the potential that local solutions, digital technology, culture, and nature offer, we can create a foundation for a sustainable living environment. The place has the ability to attract people from all over the world, both for enjoying living and visiting.

Strengthen and develop local entrepreneurship.

To meet the area's challenges, active cooperation, sharing of knowledge, and mutual interaction are required. We must also collectively strengthen places that promote inclusive and gender-equal entrepreneurship to benefit diversity. Furthermore, increased stimulation for entrepreneurship in the area plays an important role in achieving greater self-sufficiency and a more balanced economy. Small-scale initiatives, circular models, and local production become significant within the existing ecosystem where businesses operate.

Strengthen and develop voluntary engagement.

Many engaged people in the area participate voluntarily and actively contribute to positive development. At the same time, we need to support and encourage these individuals. By increasing engagement among citizens, an opportunity is created, especially for those who do not actively participate in community life today, such as youth and foreign-born individuals. A strengthening of the voluntary sector could thus be realized. Moreover, this would give more people the chance to influence their leisure time and actively participate in community development.

Our focus areas.

Our areas of focus

We have identified four specific areas that we focus on, which we call intervention areas. These areas constitute central tools in the strategy and define where development efforts should take place to meet the strategy's goals.

Leader support will be available for development projects during the period 2023-2027. Each supported project constitutes an important piece of the puzzle to achieve our goals. Furthermore, all development projects must be carried out within one of the four intervention areas to effectively contribute to the fulfillment of the strategy's overall goals.

The board then uses developed evaluation criteria to assess which projects best contribute to our goals and aspirations. 

Attractive and sustainable residential region

Within this specific intervention area, development projects that actively contribute to improving our region's attractiveness and sustainability are included. These projects encompass both physical and mental environments and also take into account various aspects of environmental sustainability. In this work, we collaborate with different actors and involve the community to create a more inclusive and forward-looking community.

To give some examples, it can involve the following:

  1. Community-building park project: Develop a park where people can meet, participate in activities, and strengthen community ties. It creates a balanced living environment and increases well-being.

  2. Cultural and recreational offerings for all: Organize diverse cultural and recreational activities that attract residents and visitors. A vibrant recreational and cultural life enhances attractiveness and improves public health.

  3. Visitor attractions for the place's charm: Develop new destinations and sights that attract both locals and tourists. It strengthens the place's economy and attractiveness.

The intervention area is directly linked to the following global goals:

Circular economy, environment, and climate

Within this intervention area, projects that actively strive to shape an intelligent countryside are included. Here, the concept of enhanced social, economic, and environmental sustainability is discussed. Additionally, we apply circular economic models. We also emphasize the importance of highlighting local resources and stimulating local production.

To give some examples, it can involve the following:

  1. Sustainability fair and workshops: Organize annual fairs and workshops on sustainable consumption, recycling, and green innovations. It supports economic growth and environmental protection.

  2. Nature conservation and restoration projects: Initiate projects to preserve and restore local biodiversity through, for example, forest improvements and endangered species. It promotes the ecosystem's well-being and natural values.

  3. Sustainable urban planning for the future: Develop an urban planning strategy that includes green spaces, renewable energy, and sustainable resource use. The project involves the community, reduces climate impact, and promotes long-term sustainability.

The intervention area is directly linked to the following global goals:

Strengthened people and social environments

Within this specific area of intervention, development projects actively make efforts to strengthen people's physical and mental well-being. Here we focus on addressing issues related to LGBTQI, intersectionality, integration, diversity, and promoting an inclusive and accepting attitude.

To give some examples, it can involve the following:

  1. Inclusive LGBTQI education: Implement educational programs and workshops to increase understanding and acceptance of LGBTQI issues. It promotes inclusion and justice.

  2. Mental well-being and self-care: Create programs that improve people's mental and physical well-being through workshops and activities. It creates an attractive living environment and enhances well-being.

  3. Youth engagement and inclusion: Start a platform where young people can engage in community development and influence issues. It gives young people the opportunity to participate and get involved.

The intervention area is directly linked to the following global goals:

Collaboration and new networks between local companies

In this area, we particularly focus on developing innovative collaborations at the local level. By using smart strategies, we strive to establish networks and create clusters of small businesses. In this way, we stimulate joint development and promote innovation. We are convinced that voluntary engagement and participation from individuals play a crucial role. These efforts prove particularly rewarding when they include multiple villages and/or municipalities.

To give some examples, it can involve the following:

  1. Business clusters for innovation: Start a network where local companies collaborate to develop new innovative solutions in a specific area. It promotes cooperation and creates conditions for growth.

  2. Regional business network for creative industries: Organize a network for companies in creative industries across municipal borders. It creates new collaboration opportunities and promotes industry growth.

  3. Youth entrepreneurship: Develop a platform where young entrepreneurs can collaborate, exchange ideas, and drive projects. It creates new networks and strengthens entrepreneurship among youth.

The intervention area is directly linked to the following global goals: