Website: https://www.las-goricko.si/
Goríčko is a hilly region in the far north-east of Slovenia, on the border with Austria and Hungary between the Mura and the Raba rivers. Considering the vast area of 629.5 km² with 11 municipalities and 127 settlements in North-eastern Slovenia, the project might choose a more focused approach by selecting a few municipalities. While a larger scale could contribute to a winning project, it may also pose significant challenges.
Goričko boasts a relatively dry climate, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 850 l/m2, distinguishing it as one of the least waterlogged regions in Slovenia. The acidic and less fertile soil creates challenging conditions for agriculture but presents opportunities for livestock farming and fruit-growing. The agricultural landscape is characterized by small and fragmented holdings.
As of July 1, 2014, the LAG area had 47,690 residents, which represents 40.76% of Pomurje’s population. Unfortunately, the demographic situation in the LAG municipalities is declining each year.
In 2014, the LAG area had 4,795 economic entities (3.66% of all in Slovenia), employing 7,212 individuals (1.52% of all in Slovenia), and generating 972,377,443 € in revenues.
The National Institute of Chemistry, as of December 31, 2021, has 374 employees, with about 331 engaged in research across 9 departments and two infrastructure centers. Among them, 163 hold doctorates of science degrees. Research covers materials, life sciences, biotechnology, chemical engineering, analytical chemistry, and environmental protection, aligned with EU Horizon 2020 priorities. The institute trains 74 graduate students within the national Young Researchers Program and collaborates closely with industry, constituting 20% of its income. It provides high-level research equipment, including cutting-edge tools like a Karl Zeiss Supra 35 VP Electronic Microscope, high-resolution powder x-ray diffractometer, and an 800 MHz NMR spectrometer – the first of its kind in the new EU member states. The institute achieved ISO 9001 standards in December 2003, making it the first research institution in Slovenia to do so.
Regional Development Agency Posavje, situated in the Lower Sava region, Slovenia, plays a vital role as a coordinator of regional interests between local and national levels. Acting as a bridge between ministries, government organizations, municipalities, companies, and other institutions, it promotes and implements harmonized regional development. The agency manages various development tasks, including regional financial schemes, company scholarship programs, and local action groups co-funded by European funds, contributing to the overall progress of the region. Additionally, it serves as the lead partner for the Local Action Group Posavje, overseeing numerous projects funded by EAFRD, EMFF, and ERDF in different periods, showcasing its commitment to regional development.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program under grant agreement no 101060876. UK participants in Horizon Europe Project RURALITIES are supported by UKRI grant numbers: 10051963 The Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership and 10050988 Earthwatch Europe.
