Communication projects implemented by Lithuanian Rural Network members under Lithuanian Rural Development Programme 2014–2020
A Communication Project implemented under Lithuanian Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 – a communication project prepared and implemented by a member of the Lithuanian Rural Network representing a national umbrella and/or regional organisation, which aims to implement the activities of priority areas set out in the Lithuanian Rural Network Periodic Action Plan and the implementation measures set out in the Lithuanian Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 Communication Plan, the results of which create added value.
The following objectives of the network are distinguished in the Implementation Rules of the Lithuanian Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, measure “Technical Assistance”, activity area “Lithuanian Rural Network”, intended for event communication tools:
• The main objective – to improve the quality of RDP implementation, ensure the exchange of experience and good practices, and improve RDP evaluation;
• Specific objectives:
- to increase awareness of the RDP – to inform the general public and potential beneficiaries about the RDP implementation, agricultural, forestry and rural development policies;
- promote more active participation in rural development processes - involve new rural development actors in agricultural, forestry and rural development processes and the implementation of the RDP, mobilize cooperation between rural development actors and encourage all stakeholders to engage in information and knowledge dissemination processes;
- provide support to EIP action groups, publicize their activities, promote innovations in the fields of agriculture, food production, forestry, and rural areas;
- contribute to the implementation of the EU BJRS policy area "Bioeconomy" - cooperate with the management authorities of the Baltic Sea Region countries / the Network for more effective implementation of the EU BJRS through national rural development programs and seek compatibility of activities;
- provide technical assistance for territorial and international LAG cooperation and LAG training and ensure the organization of cooperation within the network.
It should be noted that the projects of the members of the Lithuanian Rural Network not only contribute to the implementation of the Network's objectives, but also create added value through community empowerment, information dissemination, networking, and promotion of innovations. This activity contributes to sustainable, inclusive and innovative rural development in Lithuania.
In the period from 2019 to 2024, a total of 201 Lithuanian Rural Network member projects were received for the implementation of events and electronic communication measures in accordance with the implementation rules of the Lithuanian Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 (of which 142 applications were approved (71 percent of the number of applications collected). Of these, 86 applications were for projects intended for the implementation of event communication measures and 56 for the implementation of electronic communication measures, as presented below:
It should be noted that, taking into account the pandemic situation caused by Covid-19, 3 calls for proposals for the implementation of electronic communication measures were published in 2021. Since January 2023, electronic communication measures have been integrated into the rules for event communication measures. Applicants, when organizing various types of events, had the opportunity to include the implementation of electronic communication measures in their applications.
In total, it was planned to implement 874 event communication and 695 electronic communication measures. The representation of communication measures according the type is available in the graph below.
The development trend of communication measures over the project implementation period is presented in the graph below.
The description of the communication projects implemented under Lithuanian Rural Development Programme 2014–2020 is available on the Lithuanian Rural Network Good Practice Database.