16 de February de 2018
The National Rural Network, at the suggestion of the Spanish Committee of Representatives of People with Disabilities (CERMI), organized this inter-regional workshop, which addressed the situation, quality of life, and opportunities of people with disabilities in rural areas.
February 16, 2018
The objective of the workshop was to delve deeper into the benefits and advantages of working through cooperation and innovation to achieve inclusive rural development for vulnerable groups at risk of social exclusion . The event was structured into several panels with the following content: presentation of benchmark projects from social and cooperation entities associated with Local Action Groups that incorporate inclusive rural development; dissemination of plans, policies, and strategies designed to achieve inclusive rural development; and identification of new opportunities for economic activity and entrepreneurship that address the needs of groups of people at risk of social exclusion.
These topics were addressed from a practical perspective, with the participation of stakeholders from the Autonomous Communities near the venue.
The specific characteristics of these groups represent a new source of employment in rural areas, and therefore, an opportunity for socioeconomic development in these areas. It has become clear that businesses, Local Action Groups, and local councils must continue working on developing new business models that help retain population and reverse the process of depopulation , actively involving everyone.
As a final reflection of the day, it was highlighted that people with disabilities and groups at risk of social exclusion living in rural areas face a double challenge: their disability and the limitations inherent in rural areas. Therefore, public authorities are called upon to take this into account and provide special support to rural populations with disabilities.
The National Rural Network is committed to continuing to disseminate best practices in this type of project, with a view to improving their dissemination and replication in different areas of the country . Ponferrada was chosen as the meeting point because it connects the Autonomous Communities in the northwest quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula: Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and Castile and León. The plan is to hold further workshops covering the rest of the country.