ASSESSMENT OF THE STRATEGY OF THE LOCAL ACTION GROUP „PARTNERSHIP OF REZEKNE DISTRICT COMMUNITIES”

The paper is produced based on the authors’ research “Assessment of the Introduction of the Rural Development Programme 2007–2013 Activity “Local Development Strategy” by the Partnership of Rezekne District Communities and Proposals for its Further Development”. Research on the activity of local action groups (LAGs) and their influence on the overall development of regional territories became urgent in recent years, given the implementation of the European programme LEADER. The research object of the paper is a LAG – the Partnership of Rezekne District Communities – that is located in Latvia, Latgale region. The research aim is to assess the strategy of the local action group. The research employed the monographic and descriptive methods as well as analysis, synthesis, the graphic method, data grouping and a sociological research method – a questionnaire survey. A survey of project submitters identified three major fields in which it is planned to submit and implement projects in the next programming period in the LAG’s territory. They are: promotion of active recreation and sports; reconstruction of the territory; and organisation of and contribution to cultural events. The surveyed residents agreed with the following assertions regarding their lifestyle: an enhanced surrounding environment and natural, cultural and other significant historical objects foster tourism; the establishment and functioning of youth centres contribute to useful spending of leisure time by youths and their communication; the availability of sport and fitness equipment and of sports grounds increases local residents’ interest and wish to practise a healthy and physically active lifestyle. Based on the data acquired and the interpretation of findings, proposals were made for the further development of the territory as well as the research methodology was explained for the purpose of carrying out analogues research studies in the future.