Leader areas in Sweden

Transcription

1 Leader areas in Sweden

2 Leader in Sweden is now well underway. An impressive 63 Leader areas have been established and are now active throughout Sweden s rural areas. Leader has proven itself to be a successful method for developing the possibilities of rural areas. Leader areas in Sweden The strength of the Leader approach is its deeply rooted local perspective and focus on cross-sectoral cooperation. The partnership in LAG, Local Action Group, combines the responsibility of the public sector with the efficiency of the private sector and the commitment of the non-profit sector Creative, enterprising people are essential and are a prerequisite for continued development. Leader makes it possible to renew and foster enterprise and encourage business initiatives throughout rural Sweden. In this Leader catalogue you can read about all of Sweden s Leader areas. This makes an impressive read, with visions for a flourishing, healthy countryside with healthy companies and attractive housing and living conditions. You can also see the priorities of the various Leader areas, from the climate, entrepreneurship, added value processing and adventure tourism to youth participation and changed attitudes. I very much look forward to seeing what Leader will achieve over the next few years. The commitment and opportunities are already there. I m certain that they will produce results. Read on and be inspired! Mats Persson Director General, the Swedish Board of Agriculture

3 Table of Contents Editorial Leader Polaris Leader Mare Boreale Leader Tornedalen Leader URnära Leader Spira Fyrkanten Trekom Leader Leader Höga Kusten Leader Lappland Leader Timråbygd Leader Sollefteå Leader 3sam Leader Storsjöbygden Leader Åres Gröna Dalar Leader Mittland Leader Hälsingebygden Leader Södra Fjällen Leader DalÄlvarna Leader Falun Borlänge Leader Gästrikebygden Leader Nedre Dalälven Leader Upplandsbygd Leader UROSS Leader Gränslandet Leader Bergslagen Leader Norra Mälarstranden Leader Södertälje Landsbygd Leader Västra Mälardalen Leader Inlandet Leader Kustlinjen Leader Folkungaland Leader Mellansjölandet Leader Värmlands BergsLAG Leader Närheten Leader Växtlust Värmland Leader Norra Skaraborg Leader Dalsland och Årjäng Leader Ranrike Norra Bohuslän Leader Terra et Mare Leader Göta Älv Leader Göteborgs Insjörike Leader Västra Skaraborg Leader Östra Skaraborg Leader Sommenbygd Leader Astrid Lindgrens Hembygd Leader Kustlandet Leader KalmarÖland Leader Västra Småland Leader Mitt i Småland Leader Sjuhärad Leader Kustbygd Halland Leader Landsbygd Halland Leader Linné Leader Småland Sydost Leader Skånes Ess Leader Blekinge Leader Skåne Nordväst Norra Leader Skåne Nordväst Södra Leader Lundaland Leader Lag PH i Snapphanebygd Leader MittSkåne Leader Ystad-Österlenregionen Leader Söderslätt Leader Gotland Leader creates development!

4 1. Leader Polaris The Leader Polaris area is located to a great extent north of the Artic Circle and is richly endowed with lakes and running water. The entire western section comprises high-fell areas, while the connecting links are the completely unregulated Kalix Älv river, which does not have hydroelectric plants, the regulated River Luleå, the E10 highway and the Malmbanan railway, used for carrying iron ore. Our local business sector is largely oriented towards utilising existing resources, either open-air tourism or mining and its associated service functions. Our local land-based businesses are largely in the fields of forestry and reindeer herding. The Leader Polaris area has around 66,000 inhabitants, comprising the municipalities of Gällivare, Jokkmokk and Överkalix as well as parts of the municipalities of Kiruna and Kalix. Our vision Our area will become an attractive place to live in, with the aid of new communication and service solutions. It will be just as easy to run a business here as in the cities. New companies will start up and existing companies will grow stronger. A conscious commitment will be made to developing and marketing new products that possess a distinctive local character. Visitors from all over the world will come to the area to enjoy its natural and cultural values. In all the larger villages there will be groups and organisations that help generate new ideas and develop them. The entire area is to be characterised by a forward-looking approach, creativity and optimism with regard to the future. Our priorities Communications, infrastructure and IT: utilising broadband networks for communications and marketing, developing ideas and ways of using modern technology and new solutions for small-scale infrastructure and transport solutions. Innovation and entrepreneurship: developing new products and services based on land, forests, water and iron ore, widening the business sector associated with reindeer herding through cultural activities, tourism, handicrafts and food product development. Experience, nature and culture tourism: developing nature tourism through experiencing nature in various ways, and developing a small-scale visiting industry and experience industry aimed at both local and international markets. Visibility and marketing: giving priority to attitudecreating activities; developing skills, competence and quality within local marketing and spotlighting the area. ADD TO SHOPPING CART BUY 4

5 The past is the key to the heart of this area and its future 5

6 2. Leader Mare Boreale Mare Boreale is Latin and means the Sea of the North Wind. The area comprises the coastline and archipelago between Haparanda and Skellefteå and is bound together by factors such as the shallow brackish waters of the archipelago, partially low accessibility, the coastal fishing tradition and the partly protected cultural and natural sites, the sea ice and the Northern Lights. Today, forestry is actively practised along the coast and on the larger islands, while fishing and reindeer herding are also undertaken. Industry is also strong in certain places thanks to its location close to harbours and former transportation routes. The area has many closed down industrial sites located in attractive settings, as well as major potential for outdoor leisure activities, recreation, hunting and sports fishing. Around 36,000 people live in the Mare Boreale area, which includes islands, coastline and coastal districts in the municipalities of Skellefteå, Piteå, Luleå, Kalix and Haparanda. Our vision We will use local natural and cultural values to enhance the year-round attractivity of the coastline to residents, visitors and the business sector. A platform is in place for collaboration among various actors and activities, with which we can provide new opportunities for employment, housing, services and other living environmental factors vital to the establishment of local sustainable development. We will also create many new opportunities to ensure a living area all year round within the most northerly archipelago of the European Union. Our priorities Developing local attractivity through the nature and environment: creating a holistic view of the landscape, protecting and developing its attractivity, local administration and new ways of administering natural resources. Economic growth in the business sector and the visiting industry: stimulating entrepreneurship, contributing to international awareness of the area and enhancing its appeal through high quality and excellent customer relations. Awareness of local qualities and distinctiveness: stimulating skills and competence development as well as external analyses to gain knowledge and experience, setting up meeting-places for young people with the emphasis on education/training and enterprise culture. Infrastructure: improving access and finding long-term solutions for the maintenance of small-scale infrastructure. 6

7 Promoting collaboration within the coastline and archipelago of the Bay of Bothnia 7

8 3. Leader Tornedalen The nature in the north of the Tornedalen area resembles the tundra and is characterised by a low-fell district with extensive marshlands. In the southern parts, the soils are more fertile with a forested landscape. Down towards the Bay of Bothnia, the river valleys have gradually formed excellent agricultural land. Tornedalen contains a multitude of river systems, of which the most important are the Torne Älv and Kalix Älv rivers. Both of these are unregulated, without hydroelectric plants, and empty into the Bay of Bothnia. Historically, these rivers have always played an important role, both as a means of transport and with regard to the business sector on account of the productive fishing industry and the fine conditions for agriculture, forestry and commerce. Our rural areas have many small villages and smaller settlements and the local business sector consists primarily of small companies. Agriculture, forestry, tourism and education/training are other important local sectors. Around 23,000 people live in the Leader Tornedalen area, which comprises the municipalities of Pajala and Övertorneå as well as parts of the municipalities of Kiruna and Haparanda. Our vision In our vision, the inhabitants will feel a sense of community and a common desire to develop the area and they will collaborate with external networks in the fields of population growth and the business sector. Tornedalen will be a familiar concept and a trademark with a positive and exotic content. Our priorities Local commitment and collaboration: developing social services and infrastructure, stimulating population influx, and designing regularly held public events that promote local solidarity and commitment as well as attracting new target groups to the area. Quality of life: highlighting valuable and distinctive features, focusing on unique and valuable local waterways and showing the Tornedalen nature to visitors interested in fishing, hunting and wilderness experience. Entrepreneurship and the business sector: developing the business climate, stimulating an enterprise culture among the young and training entrepreneurs in packaging and selling local products. Alternative energy production: giving priority to information and educational measures relating to energy supplies and renewable energy on the basis of local conditions. 8

9 Local development through commitment and enthusiasm 9

10 4. Leader URnära The nature in the Leader URnära area consists primarily of forests full of life that extend for miles and exhibit a great diversity of species, while they are also of great importance to the business sector. The relatively high proportion of cultivated land is also typical of this region. The area has sixty nature reserves and a large number of cultural sites and remainings from ancient settlements and prehistoric life. The region surrounding the city of Umeå shows a high rate of growth and its amenities include two universities, a dynamic business sector and a viable rural area. The predominant commercial fields are manufacturing, commerce and communications, in addition to agriculture and forestry. More than 70% of both men and women are gainfully employed. Around 66,000 people live in the Leader URnära area, which comprises parts of the municipalities of Bjurholm, Nordmaling, Robertsfors, Umeå, Vindeln and Vännäs. Our vision Our rural area will flourish and have an active and competitive business sector based on its unique conditions and regional identity. A diversified and multi-faceted business sector will be established within a living rural area with the aid of functional solutions where all individuals feel involved in creating sustainable growth. Our priorities The local business sector: enhancing existing companies and creating conditions for new ones Knowledge and attitudes towards the business sector: stimulating co-operation and experience exchange between rural companies and education/training and research. Diversity with an emphasis on integration: integrating immigrants in all development efforts as well as involving more women and young people in the development activities and projects. Youth participation: stimulating young people s creativity and together finding new solutions to old problems. Environmental awareness among entrepreneurs and local inhabitants: emphasising new, innovative and local solution directed towards a sustainable region. The natural and cultural landscape: preserving and developing regional nature and culture. An attractive region: developing an attractive and functioning environment that results in an influx of newcomers, designing accessible commercial and public services. National and international co-operation: learning through national and international co-operation that can be transformed into know-how and action. 10

11 A flourishing rural area with an active and competitive business sector 11

12 5. Leader Spira Fyrkanten The Leader Spira Fyrkanten area in the county of Norrbotten is one of rivers and forests that historically has been characterised by forestry, the sawmill industry, iron foundries, log floating and small farms. Even today, the local industries are based on land, forest and waterpower. Along the river valleys, the forests are still highly important to the business sector. Closer to the coast, the forest give way to productive agricultural land and the area supplies a large proportion of the food produced in the county. Several tourist companies active in the river valleys are rooted in nature with activities such as fishing, hunting and outdoor activities. The Swedish word Spira in the name of this area means shoot or sprout, and it refers to both the plants that grow from the local soils, and to the forests, as well as to thoughts, ideas, community and a spirit of enterprise. Around 26,000 people live in the Spira Fyrkanten area, which comprises the municipalities of Boden and Älvsbyn as well as parts of the municipalities of Luleå and Piteå. Our vision Rooted in its land, forests and rivers, our area will be permeated by entrepreneurship, creativity and openness, which attract people as well as companies and allow them to live and prosper. We will have a local business sector that is highly competitive, as well as increased growth and employment. We will also create and provide conditions for business development, which will benefit from and use the potential of our local assets in the form of forests, land and rivers. Our priorities Attractivity based on natural and cultural values: giving priority to cross-boundary collaboration, commercial exchanges between tourism entrepreneurs and the development of new products and packages within the visiting industry. Entrepreneurship and business initiatives based on the land, forests and rivers: establishing networks, developing new products and companies based on the natural assets of the land, forests and rivers, making use of the creativity and spirit of enterprise of children and young people. A positive living environment for the inhabitants: developing services and housing, improving infrastructure and communications. Youth participation in the local community: facilitating and inspiring youth participation in the democratic processes of voluntary associations, companies and the political sphere, developing local meeting-places and facilitating learning across generational boundaries. 12

13 Where the land, forests and rivers create possibilities 13

14 6. Trekom Leader The strengths of the Trekom Leader area include the environment and the nature. It extends from the coast to the fells and has been reindeer pasture for a great many centuries. It has long been dominated by the base industries mining and forestry, which are still important driving forces within the local business sector. Thanks to our geographical position, our natural resources and remoteness, our area has major potential for the development of tourism. Our local inhabitants are also a key factor on account of their drive and commitment. We have a very dense network of voluntary associations that demonstrate an ability to collaborate and a willingness to be supportive and to assist both at a local level as well as within the entire area. Around 34,000 people live in the area of Trekom, which comprises the municipalities of Malå and Norsjö as well as parts of Skellefteå Municipality. Our vision By 2013 the population of the area will have increased by 1%, which means that we will have a greater number of people who thrive, live and make their living in the countryside. Business activities will be promoted, as will social services, integration and gender equality, so that the business sector and social services can develop and generate more jobs. There will be a greater influx of newcomers and young people, men and women will feel impelled to continue living in the area. Creativity and innovative thinking will be strengthened in order to promote growth. Our priorities Nature and environment: enhancing the asset that is our varied nature, with its distinct seasons, access to fishing waters, hunting grounds, farmland and reindeer pasture. Business sector: stimulating the development of entrepreneurship to launch more companies and create better employment prospects. Housing and population: efforts to enhance the area s attractivity so that more people will move here. Infrastructure and social services: finding new solutions for maintaining social services in sparsely populated areas. Attitudes: stimulating skills and competence development, information and knowledge dissemination in order to promote positive attitudes within and towards rural areas. 14

15 Creativity and innovative thinking in rural development 15

16 7. Leader Höga Kusten The area of Höga Kusten is characterised by agricultural and forestry land that have an outstanding natural and cultural heritage, with unique environments, shaped over thousands of years: the landscape, once weighed down by ice, that is now rising; the extensive forests, water, tranquillity and vast, sparsely populated areas. The town of Örnsköldsvik and the coastal area of Kramfors municipality are dominated by the business sector that ranges from small companies to major manufacturing industries. The valley of Ångermanälven, known as Ådalen, has previously had large factories and sawmills, while the town of Härnösand is dominated by the service and educational/ training sectors as well as public administration. Around 47,000 people live in the Leader Höga Kusten area, which comprises the municipalities of Härnösand, Kramfors and Örnsköldsvik, excluding their respective town centres. Our vision We will become a vigorous rural area whose inhabitants have a sense of community and co-operate across all sectoral and municipal borders, while our commitment and knowledge enhance the diversity of social, commercial and cultural life in our rural areas. More people will choose to visit the rural areas and to live and work there. Locals and newcomers, young and old, will act as catalysts and promoters in supporting employment opportunities and contributing towards ensuring attractive housing and recreational environments and a good quality of life. Our priorities Services and infrastructure: finding new solutions for good services and communications. Housing and leisure: increasing the number of newcomers, increasing the proportion of non-natives taking an active part in local voluntary associations, providing opportunities for young people to participate in these as well as in the business sector. Tourism and the visiting industry: developing the visiting industry through new products and solutions, increasing the number of overnight guests, forming local networks through collaborative projects. The environment and energy: bringing renewal and rejuvenation to farm and forestry based businesses, backing locally produced food and long-term, sustainable energy sources. People and attitudes: creating a change in attitudes and thus achieving a greater sense of pride and co-operation within the municipalities extending from the coast to the inland, establishing cross-boundary networks and co-operation. Enterprise and entrepreneurship: strengthening the rural economy and enhancing entrepreneurship through stronger and more numerous companies. Culture and cultural heritage: preserving and making accessible natural and cultural values, local management of the natural and cultural heritage. locally produced 16

17 Shared innovative thinking brings mass benefits 17

18 8. Leader Lappland The Leader Lappland area is located in Europe s last wilderness and comprises eight fell and inland municipalities. It consists of fells, forest, lakes and rivers, framed by the eight seasons that this mountainous region is said to experience. The cultural heritage is closely linked to the Sami culture, the pioneering era and the small-scale peasant society. Our area has rich natural resources and our business sector is characterised by the well-established forest and timber processing industries, a favourable development of the mining industry, the car test industry, and also bioenergy and wind power. The public and private services sectors are undergoing an expansion, while the area has made great progress with respect to nature tourism, winter sports and holding events. Around 45,000 people live here, and the area comprises the municipalities of Arjeplog, Arvidsjaur, Dorotea, Lycksele, Sorsele, Storuman, Vilhelmina and Åsele. Our vision We aim to become an attractive up-and-coming area characterised by diversity and contrasts, a holistic approach and collaboration, enterprise and commitment. We will be inspired by global perspectives and local drive, and have an increasing influx of younger people and families from Sweden and the rest of Europe. Many inland inhabitants will choose to continue living here or return to their home municipality after completing their studies. The tourism industry will be developed with the emphasis on the nature and culture. The level of education, skills and competence will be raised, as will the number of jobs and companies, and the business climate will improve. Our priorities Natural and cultural values: preserving and strengthening natural, cultural and social values inherent in cultivated areas and the cultural landscape, preserving the open landscape, promoting ecological production. Tourism: stimulating the development of tourism, hosting events, youth involvement, joint marketing, skills and competence development. Entrepreneurship: changing attitudes through positive examples, increasing collaboration, establishing networks and arenas to assist company owners and young people to realise their ideas. Population influx: strengthening and encouraging a population influx into the region, enticing young people to return home. Youth measures: stimulating enterprise in school, an awareness of nature and outdoor leisure activities, youth projects and development ideas, increasing self-esteem as well as knowledge of, and pride in, one s own home area. International networks: developing openness, international co-operation and external contacts. 18

19 An attractive up-and-coming area that focuses on sustainability and enterprise 19

20 9. Leader Timråbygd The Leader Timråbygd area possesses fantastic natural resources, including six nature reserves. The entire coastline from Ångermanland around Åstön and inland towards Söråker offers a wealth of gems for lovers of nature and beautiful scenery. This is complemented by the inland with areas of steep sandy riverbanks, mountains, valleys, agricultural areas and, furthest away from the coast, the plain wilderness. Our area has a well-established forest industry and many successful small and medium-sized companies that offer their own products and services in a variety of fields. We also have many farmers and foresters, and tourism is an expanding sector in Timrå. Our area has good potential for excellent rural development thanks, above all, to our geographical location at the centre of an expanding region. Timråbygd occupies a strategic position along the E4 highway halfway between the towns of Härnösand and Sundsvall, which provides opportunities for a population influx and local tourism. Around 18,000 people live in the Timråbygd area, which comprises Timrå Municipality. Our vision In our vision, the Timråbygd area will have a higher population influx, a tourist industry and company development through close and collaborative local initiatives. Conditions will be created for a positive view of the area and its future development. There will be openness to new ideas on the part of all the inhabitants, irrespective of age, origin or gender. One of our most important measures for strengthening rural development will be to stimulate attitudes and entrepreneurship through a multitude of measures. Our priorities Voluntary associations: providing an arena for collaboration, networks and new meeting-places. Business initiatives and entrepreneurship: stimulating entrepreneurship, micro-businesses, networks, collaboration, youth business ventures and immigrant entrepreneurs. Attractive housing: supporting local voluntary associations and developing leisure opportunities, strengthening the sense of community through a local householders association and village activities, providing meeting-places and integrating immigrants. Infrastructure and service: retaining and investing in services within easy reach of the residents, developing innovative solutions for keeping village schools, developing the infrastructure. The visiting industry: supporting tourism, developing packaging and marketing, highlighting natural and cultural heritage sites. Culture: devising innovative solutions and formats for working with culture. 20

21 Ideas, enthusiasm and visions of a better place to live and work 21

22 10. Leader Sollefteå The area of Sollefteå is located in the historic province of Ångermanland and can be divided into forest, farming and river landscapes. The major rivers such as Ångermanälven, Faxälven and Fjällsjöälven and their tributaries are what give the landscape its character. Throughout history, they have been a unifying force within the region and their importance still remains undiminished today. Our area is very extensive and sparsely populated, with half our population living outside the urban centres, while there is a declining population trend and a corresponding rising age structure. We also have a high proportion of entrepreneurs. Land, forest and water are historically the fundamental elements of local incomes. The forest industry has always been important to the area, and it was the advent of the steam-powered sawmills and the large-scale timber exports during this period that enabled the villages to grow and prosper. The Leader Sollefteå area has around 21,000 inhabitants, and comprises Sollefteå Municipality. Our vision Sollefteå will become an area with a long-term and sustainable development in ecological, economic and social terms. Co-operation, participation and innovative thinking on the part of the voluntary, private and public actors will be strengthened. We will have an attractive living environment, more jobs and new orders for local companies, for the benefit of everyone in the town, urban centres and rural villages. Our priorities Attractive living environment: investing in a positive environment for children and youths to grow up in, the housing environment, natural and cultural heritage sites, work environment and the infrastructural environment. New companies: giving priority to co-operation, innovative thinking, marketing, the visiting industry, the public and private services sector, infrastructure, culture and special employment measures for young people and the unemployed. Development of ecological food production and addedvalue processing: supporting the development of ecological food production and added-value processing. Renewable energy: developing know-how and local commitment for renewable energy. New commercial ideas and entrepreneurship: promoting new production, product development, international links and co-operation, ventures where under-represented groups can make a living. Vision-oriented activities: focusing on young people and families with children and marketing positive visions of the future. 22

23 An attractive living environment with more jobs and new orders for local companies 23

24 11. Leader 3sam The main strengths of the Leader 3sam area are the natural surroundings and the living environment, as well as the voluntary commitment and enterprise spirit. It offers rivers, lakes, fells, clean water and vast tracts of forest. Our area s common features include, for example, historical links and collaboration, a large surface area, a sparse population, a large proportion of rural residents, many of whom are entrepreneurs, as well as a strong small-scale farming tradition. The land-based businesses mainly comprise agriculture, forestry, reindeer herding and aquaculture, and there are also several other types of strong and important companies in the area. Within Strömsund Municipality, major industries include mechanical engineering, concrete-casting companies, timber processing and prefabricated house manufacture. Around 19,000 people live in the Leader 3sam area, which comprises the municipalities of Ragunda and Strömsund. Our vision Our area will become one of the best regions in terms of ecological, economical and social long-term sustainable development, and also be an attractive alternative for newcomers to settle in. Co-operation and innovative thinking on the part of voluntary, private and public actors will be strengthened. There is a wealth of local activities and the area s attractivity is reinforced by means of new knowledge, commitment, co-operation, integration and innovation. There is a higher level of care for the natural and cultural heritage sites in order to preserve and enhance their intrinsic value. All the inhabitants of this area function as its ambassadors. Our priorities Local activities, education/training and mobilisation: prioritising measures that aim at a positive attitude towards the area s potential. Culture, tourism, services and infrastructure: stimulating co-operation, innovative thinking and marketing. Ecological food production: development, value-added processing and marketing in collaboration with producers. Renewable energy: developing know-how and local commitment. New commercial ideas and entrepreneurship: promoting co-operation between local actors, international links and co-operative ventures where under-represented groups can make a living. 24

25 A vigorous and youthful area rooted in traditional culture 25

26 12. Leader Storsjöbygden with its forests, lakes & fells Leader Storsjöbygden, located around the town of Östersund, consists of agricultural areas around Lake Storsjön and areas of fells and forests. Agriculture and forestry are still important business sectors, as is reindeer herding and the visiting and manufacturing industries. Lake Storsjön is the fifth largest in Sweden and, according to legend, the home of the Great Lake Monster, sightings of which have been reported down the centuries. The County Museum of Jämtland has a hundred or so eyewitness accounts by people who, allegedly, have seen this monster. Its proximity to Norway, the skiing metropolis of Åre and many other areas for outdoor activities, as well as good railway and airline services, make this area an attractive place to visit and reside in. Around 36,000 people live in Storsjöbygden, which comprises parts of the municipalities of Krokom, Östersund, Berg and Åre. Our vision Leader Storsjöbygden will develop and provide a basis for a higher level of entrepreneurship and business activity, improved services and more creative environments, greater cooperation and new working methods and types of activities. There will be more rural inhabitants and new housing solutions, and better opportunities for young people to continue living here, move here or move back here. There will also be improved infrastructure with faster train journeys and more frequent buses between the town and the rural areas. Our priorities Local commitment and meeting-places for dialogue: prioritising network meetings, method and leadership development, village development and training in external analysis. Brands and rural business activities: prioritising new businesses initiatives, and developing existing companies and entrepreneurship, especially among young people. Local production and value-added processing: collaboration within distribution, small-scale value-added processing of timber raw materials, local heating and alternative energy solutions, and skills and competence development within local value-added processing. Living environment and health: stimulating co-operation between schools, sports clubs and local food production, promoting residence in rural areas, developing new healthcare and rehabilitation services. Services and commerce: prioritising innovative public and private service development, co-operative solutions for social services, medical services and care, accessibility thanks to new technology and IT. Town and country: developing efficient two-way commuting between different municipalities, common structures for potential newcomers, the labour force and residents. 26

27 An rural area with added value 27

28 13. Leader Åres Gröna Dalar The area of Åres Gröna Dalar is one of the smallest Swedish Leader areas. Fell tourism and forestry and agriculture on the fell slopes, the Sami culture and the local ways of life are all the elements that bind this area together. Fell agriculture is facing an uphill struggle for survival at the same time as tourism, as exemplified by the highly expansive village of Åre at the heart of the area, has a major impact on the business sector. The local population is small but has one of the highest levels of company ownership in Sweden, and the local business sector consists to a great extent of micro- and single-owner companies, while the larger companies do not generally have local owners. Around 9,000 people live in Åres Gröna Dalar, which comprises parts of Åre Municipality. Our vision The area of Åres Gröna Dalar will flourish, and it is here that we create and find our livelihood, see our children grow up, live and grow old, invest or spend our leisure time. We will experience a genuine and strong sense of connection and contentment, and we will find a reliable method to provide organised mutual assistance to achieve success. United concerted efforts will forge a strong local identity and create a living landscape with good living conditions that extends a boundless welcome to residents, visitors and investors. The new green industries will have helped to create a destination and an area that is unique and unprecedented in the entire world. Our priorities Greater production, a higher degree of value-added processing and better profitability for the green industries: increasing the number of products and services that originate in the area, prioritising a better organised collaboration and stronger relational production. A more active use of cultural and environmental values in the local area: switching from a caring/protecting perspective to a user perspective, in order to perceive the true values of the area. Prioritising a more organised collaboration relating to landscape, culture and the environment. Stronger local economies for a higher quality of life: establishing a sustainable use of local resources, facilitating organised collaboration among individuals, strengthening the two business sectors of agriculture and tourism by reinforcing the connections between them. 28

29 Organised collaboration for stronger local economies 29

30 14. Leader Mittland The Mittland area is located between the coast and the fells in a region that is dominated by forest, while its natural surroundings consist of a heavily forested primary rock plateau with a wealth of lakes and bogs. The area has a common history of agriculture and forestry as well as the industries that grew out of these businesses or through a link to waterpower. The main industries were once iron making and forestry but the former gradually ceased during the nineteenth century, while agriculture and forestry are still important sectors. The Mittland area is characterised by its location between the towns of Sundsvall and Östersund. The majority of the young people of this area move there to study upon graduation from upper-secondary school. Many local inhabitants commute to work there, while others travel there to enjoy a wider range of shopping and entertainment facilities. Both the E14 highway and the Sundsvall- Trondheim railway pass through the area. The vast inland area of the north of Sweden is one of the most sparsely populated regions of Europe, while in Mittland there are approximately four inhabitants per square kilometre. Mittland has around 38,000 inhabitants, and comprises the municipalities of Bräcke and Ånge as well as parts of Sundsvall Municipality. Our vision The local identity of this region will be accentuated and strengthened. Economically viable and environmentally sustainable business activities will be developed where people live and make a living in the countryside. Our priorities Entrepreneurship and collaboration: promote entrepreneurship and collaboration among small companies, collaboration projects, skills and competence development, influencing people s attitudes and building networks. Development potential of voluntary associations: developing new commercial ideas, regularly held public events, non-traditional solutions for social services and infrastructure. Agriculture/forestry and the environment: strengthening competitiveness and increasing collaboration. 30

31 Improving opportunities to live and make a living in the countryside 31

32 15. Leader Hälsingebygden Leader Hälsingebygden is characterised by a strong sense of community and cultural identity. Even though the political boundaries have been moved back and forth down the centuries, the powerful ties between the inhabitants remain unchanged. Our area offers a thrilling variety of natural scenery, where forests and farmland exist side by side with lakes, pastures and meadows. The coastal rubble fields are ancient remains of former seashores and possess a unique flora. Our business sector is varied and multi-faceted with many different types of companies, the larger of which are found primarily in the fields of forestry and engineering, while there is also a large number of small companies. Some of these are found in forestry and agriculture and are usually small family-owned enterprises, the owners of which in many cases find it hard to make a living solely from their farm production. The full-time companies consist mainly of dairy and meat farms as well as farms focused on forestry. Around 93,000 people live in the Hälsingebygden area, which comprises the municipalities of Ovanåker, Nordanstig, Ljusdal, Söderhamn, Bollnäs and Hudiksvall, as well as parts of Härjedalen Municipality. Our vision In our vision, the Hälsingebygden area will have a belief in the future and a powerful attraction. We will have a positive business climate and local growth that also includes a rising number of newly started companies. International exchange is varied and quite frequent. Service levels, a wide range of cultural events and lively voluntary associations enable the inhabitants to flourish and attract newcomers to the area. The population demonstrates a positive spirit and a willingness to continuously learn and develop. Our priorities Entrepreneurship and innovations: establishing collaboration, supporting local added-value processing, developing the visiting industry, skills and competence development, lobbying and network building. Local initiatives and local collaboration: improving social services and infrastructure, developing regularly held public events that promote a local identity and commitment and at the same time attract new groups of visitors to the area. 32

33 Collaboration, quality and concerted efforts 33

34 16. Leader Södra Fjällen A large part of the Södra Fjällen area consists of wilderness with lakes, rivers, forests that stretch for many miles, bogs and fells. There is a rich variety of species and, in many cases, a unique flora and fauna. The four major predators, i.e. bears, wolves, wolverines and lynx are all well represented. The protected and endangered arctic fox is also found here. For thousands of years hunting and fishing have been crucial to human survival, and tourism plays a major role for the local economy both summer and winter, while some of the country s largest winter sports destinations are found in this area. Around 18,000 people live in the area of Södra Fjällen, which comprises the municipalities of Berg, Härjedalen, Älvdalen and Malung-Sälen. Our vision We intend to develop collaboration, partnership and the spirit of enterprise in its widest meaning in order to ensure sustainable economic growth and an attractive living environment for people of all ages, where they can reside, relocate to or visit. We will have good communications and local services, while more young people are involved in rural development and the local living environment. Attractive local natural surroundings and cultural heritage sites will be marketed, and there will be considerable local influence and responsibility when it comes to natural resources. Fell farming and traditional transhumance are promoted and further developed. In the tourist areas large and small companies cooperate and increase the supply of goods and services, which provides new commercial opportunities and extends the seasons. The production, marketing and distribution of local products, especially with respect to foodstuffs and timber products, are developed. Our priorities Viable local communities: giving priority to pilot projects in the field of local economy, upgrading communications and local services, providing young people with opportunities to realise their own development ideas for a better living environment. Attractive natural surroundings and cultural heritage sites: giving priority to measures to reduce the number of empty houses and promote an open landscape, developing activities and concepts pertaining to the beautiful local roads to increase usage and appeal and in the long term, improve their quality, as well as working forwards sustainable solutions relating to snowmobile use. Brands, economy and markets: devising methods to increase tourist numbers, supporting pre-studies and pilot projects in the field of renewable energy. 34

35 Economic growth and an attractive living environment for all ages 35

36 17. Leader DalÄlvarna The Leader DalÄlvarna area comprises northern and western Dalarna and is dominated by the aquatic landscape formed around the Österdalälven and Västerdalälven rivers. Rivers and lakes have always been of considerable importance to this region, which consists of mountains, forests and water. Major stretches of these two rivers appeal to those seeking natural beauty, tranquillity, quiet surroundings, clean water and fresh air. Hunting and fishing provide additional tourist potential. The Lake Siljan area and Orsa Grönklitt also attract large numbers of tourists. Most of the region is sparsely populated with relatively small urban centres and large rural areas. Small-scale farming has been the foundation of the local businesses sector, and agriculture and forestry are traditionally of major importance. The industries arrived here relatively late. Small-scale companies and handicrafts are also important sources of income. In recent years, several initiatives have been taken in the field of alternative energy sources in order to make the area more environmentally friendly. Around 82,000 people live in the area of DalÄlvarna, which comprises the municipalities of Gagnef, Leksand, Rättvik, Mora, Orsa and Vansbro as well as parts of the municipalities of Malung and Älvdalen. Our vision DalÄlvarna will have well-run rural villages that enjoy both commercial and social services, and the citizens will develop new operations and types of companies in order to provide a broader base for trade, elderly care and schools. More companies will be launched and collaborative solutions will be introduced, especially within the visiting industry and cultural tourism. The local municipalities will have a fulltime rural development staff that strives to ensure that the entire municipality is thriving. The focus is on how these projects stimulate social and business development so that their impact will last long after the Leader scheme has come to an end. Our priorities Strategic service points in the local rural area: developing forms of collaboration and ensuring that the districts can retain and enhance both public and commercial services. The visiting industry: stimulating more entrepreneurs and new package solutions for visitors. Rural youth: stimulating entrepreneurship among our youth. 36

37 Long-term impact through a focus on social and commercial development 37

38 18. Leader Falun Borlänge Falun and Borlänge are twin towns that together form the regional centre of Dalarna County. Both municipalities share the rich cultural tradition of mining. The mining industry and ore processing characterise them, although they also form a transition to those areas where the forestry industry is more prominent. Our rural area can be described as being both close to urban centres and as countryside characterised by small-scale companies, agriculture, forests and a number of industrial enterprises. Around 26,000 people live in the Falun-Borlänge area, which comprises parts of the municipalities of Falun and Borlänge. Our vision We will become a living rural area where there is a good balance between businesses and housing, both close to the urban centres and at a greater distance. Excellent public and commercial services will be available to the residents, and lively cultural activities will contribute to a sense of community, personal growth, and the appeal of our villages and rural areas, while also providing inspiration for public commitment and business initiative. Our priorities Small-scale food production, distribution and consumption: establishing arenas where representatives of producers and buyers meet, stimulating business people to take initiatives. Experience tourism: developing bookable experience packages or services, networks among tourist actors. Equestrian activities: satisfying the demand for stabling from the urban population, marketing and signing contracts. Sustainable rural development and entrepreneurship: developing methods for heating, transport, water supply and sewerage solutions and also identifying entrepreneurs. Cluster formations: stimulating network meetings, collaboration with education providers, offering seminars and technology bridges. New service solutions geographical optimisation: encouraging local initiatives for co-ordinating service solutions and study circles. Local development and village appeal: supporting project measures to realise local development plans, process management and fostering enthusiasts. International contacts: surveying and making contacts within the business sector and organisations, searching for areas with a similar structure for exchanges of ideas and commercial relations. Proud rural youth: involving young people, developing a contact network of people who work with young entrepreneurs, focusing on entrepreneurship and responsibility for implementation, youths arranging things for one another. 38

39 A balance between commercial operations and housing 39

40 19. Leader Gästrikebygden The Gästrikebygden area has a favourable geographical location and an excellent infrastructure within easy reach of Stockholm, Arlanda Airport, the North of Sweden, and the inland. It offers a wealth of natural surroundings and cultural heritage sites as well as coastline, town centres, rural areas and forests teeming with predators, while its voluntary organizations are flourishing, especially in the fields of sports and culture. The business sector is dominated by international manufacturers that exist side-by-side with a growing number of commercial and service companies, public-sector actors and Dalarna University. Due to our long industrial tradition, the spirit of the old top-down managed industrial villages lives on in large parts of the area. Around 44,000 people live in Gästrikebygden, which comprises the municipalities of Hofors and Ockelbo, as well as parts of the municipalities of Gävle and Sandviken. Our vision Our inhabitants will have a strong belief in the future and be proud of their active voluntary associations, rich cultural life, beautiful countryside and good social services. This vibrant rural district will interact well with, and complement, the range of amenities on offer in the towns and urban centres of the region. Entrepreneurship and strategic collaboration will result in many new companies, above all in the visiting industry, which offer employment opportunities for all those who are willing and able to work. This positive trend leads to an influx of newcomers to the area, where many people now actively choose to live, both those who have local roots and those who wish to put down new ones. Our priorities Entrepreneurship and innovations: stimulating even more innovative companies and entrepreneurs who will develop tomorrow s labour market, supporting pre-studies and conceptual developments that together in the long term may lead to more job opportunities. Local initiatives and collaboration: supporting rural residents in their joint development efforts, local development plans to contribute to more people choosing to live here, establish companies in this area and visit as tourists. The visiting industry: supporting innovative efforts in tourism that aim to package experiences that are linked to the wealth of natural surroundings, culture and events and make them accessible. Processing local products: encouraging the added-value processing of locally produced goods and services. 40