On 9 September 2026, the Institute of Economics and Rural Development at the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences, together with the Druskininkai Local Action Group, organised an ESIRA project (Enhancing Social Innovation in Rural Areas) MAP (Multi-Actor Platform) meeting at Augų Farm in Didžiasalis village, Druskininkai Municipality. The meeting brought together MAP members representing local action groups, local authorities, businesses, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholder groups.
The main focus of the meeting was a new social initiative developed within the EU-funded ESIRA project – the educational programme “A Day in the Countryside”, created at Augų Farm. MAP members were among the first to experience and test the newly developed programme, providing an opportunity to explore its activities in practice and assess its potential for further development.
Following the programme, participants shared their impressions and provided feedback and suggestions for improvement. The discussion also addressed opportunities for the further development of the initiative, its potential social and economic value, and its contribution to strengthening the local community. Particular attention was given to the role of educational rural tourism in preserving and showcasing rural traditions, creating additional economic opportunities, and supporting the economic empowerment of local residents, particularly women.
During the meeting, MAP members also reflected on other social initiatives already implemented within ESIRA, discussing their results and lessons learned. Participants exchanged views on upcoming project activities and explored further opportunities for advancing social innovation in the Druskininkai region.
The MAP meeting provided an important platform for knowledge exchange, feedback, and cooperation among stakeholders from different sectors. By bringing together local actors and encouraging practical learning, the meeting helped explore how local resources, knowledge, and traditions can be used to develop social innovations that respond to rural needs. Such activities contribute to ESIRA’s broader objectives of strengthening community engagement, supporting social economy initiatives, and fostering more vibrant and resilient rural areas.
Project start date: 1 January 2024
Duration: 4 years
Budget: 4 499 840,00 EUR
Coordinator: University of Burgos (Spain)
15 partners from 8 countries, piloting 9 regions.
More information about the project: www.esira.eu
The project is implemented by:
Dr. Živilė Gedminaitė-Raudonė, tel. (+370 5) 2617 978, e-mail zivile.gedminaite@ekvi.lt;
Dr. Rasa Melnikienė, e-mail rasa.melnikiene@ekvi.lt
Dr. Rita Lankauskienė, e-mail rita.lankauskiene@ekvi.lt;
Dr. Vitalija Simonaitytė, e-mail vitalija.simonaityte@ekvi.lt.
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