Local Ideas Lead the Way: Afternoon Highlights from CASPER
Białystok, Poland – May 13, 2025:
The afternoon portion of the CASPER Open Seminar turned the spotlight on local voices and initiatives offering real-world examples of how rural communities in Podlaskie are tackling depopulation, economic stagnation, and civic disengagement.
After a morning filled with EU-wide strategies and policy frameworks, the second half of the day brought a refreshing shift toward grassroots innovation and community-led actions.
Instruments for Rural Development
The session kicked off with Wioletta Szczytko, who provided an overview of current instruments supporting rural development in Podlaskie. Her presentation focused on how municipalities and local groups can use these tools to respond to demographic changes and economic pressures. With the right planning and partnerships, she emphasized, even small communities can build lasting local resilience.
Reviving Local Identity through Products
Next, Magdalena Tymińska introduced the work of the Podlaskie Local Product Centre, a hub dedicated to promoting regional goods, traditional crafts, and food culture. She shared how the centre not only helps boost local economies but also revives cultural identity, especially in more remote areas. It’s a clear example of how celebrating “local” can have regional and even international impact.
Youth Speak Out: A Competition That Matters
One of the most compelling moments came from Izabela Łokić, who presented the outcomes of a unique youth competition titled “Why Are There Fewer of Us? Stop Depopulation!”
The campaign empowered young people across Podlaskie to submit creative responses, videos, posters, and essays on how to combat the shrinking population of their hometowns. Many entries highlighted issues like limited job opportunities, a lack of entertainment, or the disconnect between youth and decision-makers.
But more importantly, the competition gave young voices a platform. As Izabela explained, “When we ask young people what they think, we’re not just educating them, we’re learning from them.” The CASPER Project strongly supports these types of participatory practices that link future generations to regional development goals.
Building Community Momentum
These afternoon presentations offered practical insights into how local action and creativity can address the challenges of rural shrinkage. From branding local products to empowering youth voices, the message was clear: engaged communities are at the heart of sustainable change.
Stay tuned as CASPER continues to share stories from across Europe that prove even the smallest actions can lead to meaningful transformation.