The Integrated Local Development Project aims at modernising and systemising the local strategic planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Local authorities play a key role in the improvement of the quality of life of persons and establishment of strong and prosperous communities. In the existing, demanding economic environment this role is more important than ever and a key function of local authorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina is provision of support to the local population and business companies in the post-war recovery, economic crisis and setting of foundations for future prosperity.
Local strategic planning has a key role in this. Efficient and effective strategic planning is of vital importance for supporting sustainable development and recovery, ensuring infrastructure, creation of job opportunities, and the advantages of all of the above are positive for the local economy and improvement of life quality.
However, although it is foreseen in the relevant legislative framework, local strategic planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina is very chaotic, without a standardised approach to development of local strategies and it is also characterised by dissatisfactory capacities in the field of planning – both by local authorities and their socio-economic partners. The local civil society frequently does not ensure a true 'check' of development processes and decisions, and it still does not effectively participate in the development of policies in the field of local planning and development. The scope of identified local needs and priorities in local strategies by far exceeds the available financial resources, and local strategies are frequently narrow sectoral strategies (focused exclusively on economy and infrastructure), which excludes other vital development spheres, such as social and human development and environmental protection. All of the above factors result in a lack of an efficient implementation of local strategies and thus constitute an obstacle for overall improvement of life quality in these communities.
In this context, the Integrated Local Development Project aims at resolving these challenges and introducing a new perspective, new capacities and a systematic approach to local development planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina in compliance with the development policies of the country and its efforts to join the European Union.
Goals
Specifically, the Integrated Local Development Project aims at modernising and systemising local strategic planning in Bosnia and Herzegovina through:
- Establishing and affirming a standardised local development planning scheme throughout the country;
- Capacity building of local authorities in relation to local development planning and management and their accountability for it and development of integrated local development strategies;
- Inclusion of local communities in the local planning process, with special attention being given to the possibility for socially excluded and vulnerable groups to express their needs.
The project is implemented in cooperation with 24 local governments and their socio-economic partners.