YHYRES, strengthening local identity and small businesses
Published on 08 February 2022
Finland
EtelƤ-Suomi
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The YHYRES Development Association is a Leader group in the Isonkyrƶ, Laihia and Vaasa VƤhƤnkyrƶ region. Leader action groups (LAGs) work began in the Kyrƶnmaa region in the summer of 1999.
The purpose of the YHYRES Development Association is to encourage residents to co-operate in order to develop their area and maintain the vitality of rural areas, and to increase know-how and experience related to rural development between different rural areas, including international co-operation.
The target area of the YHYRES Development Association's rural fund consists of the municipalities of Isonkyrƶ and Laihia and the city of Vaasa, VƤhƤkyrƶ. The area is small, but that is why it is coherent and well-sized to implement Leader-type development based on local decision-making.
āMany young people are moving to cities to study and to work and the population of Kyrƶnmaa is ageing. Therefore, keeping up the welfare services demands new solutions. LAG [Leader Action Group] YHYRES wants to strengthen local identity and excite villages to action. LAG YHYRES also wants to develop services which brings livelihood to local people and communities. Traditionally agriculture has been very significant in Kyrƶnmaa. One of the biggest challenges of LAG YHYRES is to find other sources of livelihood to the farmers.ā https://yhyres.fi/
YHYRESā goal is to improve the functioning of villages. They want to develop villages into comfortable, well-functioning, attractive living environment.
The purpose of the YHYRES Development Association is to encourage residents to co-operate in order to develop their area and maintain the vitality of rural areas, and to increase know-how and experience related to rural development between different rural areas, including international co-operation.
The target area of the YHYRES Development Association's rural fund consists of the municipalities of Isonkyrƶ and Laihia and the city of Vaasa, VƤhƤkyrƶ. The area is small, but that is why it is coherent and well-sized to implement Leader-type development based on local decision-making.
āMany young people are moving to cities to study and to work and the population of Kyrƶnmaa is ageing. Therefore, keeping up the welfare services demands new solutions. LAG [Leader Action Group] YHYRES wants to strengthen local identity and excite villages to action. LAG YHYRES also wants to develop services which brings livelihood to local people and communities. Traditionally agriculture has been very significant in Kyrƶnmaa. One of the biggest challenges of LAG YHYRES is to find other sources of livelihood to the farmers.ā https://yhyres.fi/
YHYRESā goal is to improve the functioning of villages. They want to develop villages into comfortable, well-functioning, attractive living environment.
Resources needed
- Project funding 2007-2013: 45% EU, 35% Finnish State and 20% municipalities. In addition to public support, local Leader groups are required to meet at least 35% of the total amount from private funds
- Volunteer board recommends projects to fund to local government ELY-Centre
- 5 staff members
- Volunteer board recommends projects to fund to local government ELY-Centre
- 5 staff members
Evidence of success
Membership rose from about 140 in 2007 to 294 in 2014. Enthusiasm for attending board meetings reported.
Entrepreneurs and other businesses that received aid were successful and provided funds above the 35% private funding target threshold. Private money covered more than 39% of costs; rural municipalities then covered just 12% of the costs instead of 20%.
47 business aid applications 2007-2013: investment support for 33 companies; development aid for 11; and start-up aid for 3.
Entrepreneurs and other businesses that received aid were successful and provided funds above the 35% private funding target threshold. Private money covered more than 39% of costs; rural municipalities then covered just 12% of the costs instead of 20%.
47 business aid applications 2007-2013: investment support for 33 companies; development aid for 11; and start-up aid for 3.
Potential for learning or transfer
YHYRES relies on EU rural development funds which would be available for similar entities in other European countries.
The word āyhyresā means together in Ostrobotnian dialect. LAG YHYRES is one of the smallest LAGs in Finland. This allows for a very specific, coherent local identity. History and cultural identity are leveraged to encourage social cohesion and a willingness to stay in place to create change. Craftspeople can be integral to preserving and promoting local identity and the sense of specificity and place through their handicrafts.
This strategy could be used in other rural areas facing depopulation. Craftspeople can play a vital role in preserving and promoting local identity and heritage. This practice can provide economic support for local craftspeople with an option to do craft-making as a side business of a perhaps different and larger business operation.
The word āyhyresā means together in Ostrobotnian dialect. LAG YHYRES is one of the smallest LAGs in Finland. This allows for a very specific, coherent local identity. History and cultural identity are leveraged to encourage social cohesion and a willingness to stay in place to create change. Craftspeople can be integral to preserving and promoting local identity and the sense of specificity and place through their handicrafts.
This strategy could be used in other rural areas facing depopulation. Craftspeople can play a vital role in preserving and promoting local identity and heritage. This practice can provide economic support for local craftspeople with an option to do craft-making as a side business of a perhaps different and larger business operation.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Yhyres ry
Finland
EtelƤ-Suomi
Contact
International Project Officer