Podlaskie LAGs Discover CASPER’s Citizen-Led Solutions

Local Action Groups in Podlaskie Explore Citizen-Led Solutions through CASPER

Białystok, Poland – On February 27, 2025, Local Action Groups (LAGs) from across the Podlaskie Voivodeshipgathered to learn about the CASPER Project, a Europe-wide initiative focused on empowering rural communities facing depopulation. The meeting was hosted by the Marshal's Office of Podlaskie Voivodeship, a key partner in the Interreg Europe–funded project.

Spreading Awareness and Sparking Ideas

The goal of the meeting was to introduce LAGs to the CASPER Project's objectives and show how its international network of partners is sharing successful tools and practices to activate citizens and improve rural resilience.

The session featured a presentation of CASPER’s mission and progress, followed by highlights of inspiring good practices from partner regions:

• Finland: The Sulkava-Talo initiative as a shared community space for social inclusion

• Italy: Castelmezzano’s tourism-led community revival

• France: Nouvelle-Aquitaine’s “third places” for civic and cultural interaction

• Hungary: Youth development and local well-being programs

• Poland: The Zagubek Centre as a model for building social ties in shrinking areas

These examples showcased how small-scale, citizen-centered efforts can lead to impactful local change.

Bringing CASPER Closer to Local Stakeholders

The meeting offered a chance for LAGs to reflect on how community engagement and participatory policymaking could be embedded more deeply in their own work. Participants also gained insight into how CASPER supports the adjustment of regional instruments to foster quality of life in depopulating areas.

By involving LAGs, the Podlaskie Voivodeship is expanding the reach of CASPER, ensuring that its principles are not just shared across borders but also embedded locally—where they matter most.

Stay tuned for more updates on how CASPER is helping shape citizen-led transformation in Podlaskie and beyond.