Our Vision
A Yigilca that produces, does not lose its population to migration, protects its nature and is known for its local products.
34Villages reached
Foundation
Why were we founded?
Yigilca has significant potential with its rich forest assets, internationally known honey and strong village culture. Yet migration, difficulties in market access and limited project development capacity prevent this potential from paying off.
Our association was founded to fill this gap: to bring technical knowledge to producers, opportunities to young people and economic independence to women; and to ensure that resources coming to the region are used according to local needs.
The Local Action Group (LAG) approach is based on development decisions being taken not centrally but with the participation of those who live in the area. We therefore shape all of our work through village meetings, field visits and member consultations.
Direction
Vision, mission and principles
Our Mission
To ensure that local people take part directly in development processes and to increase production and employment through projects, training and partnerships.
Our Principles
Transparency, accountability, political independence, volunteering, equal opportunity and environmental sustainability.
How We Work
We take decisions together
The highest body of our association is the General Assembly. It elects the Board of Directors and the Board of Auditors, and approves the annual work programme and budget. The Board sets up committees to implement the programme.
Governing bodies
- General Assembly — all members; meets in ordinary session once a year.
- Board of Directors — 7 full and 7 substitute members, elected for two years.
- Board of Auditors — 3 full and 3 substitute members; carries out financial and administrative audits.
Our committees
- Project and Grant Committee — monitoring calls, guiding producers, writing proposals
- Training Committee — planning workshops and seminars, trainer network
- Communications Committee — website, social media, press relations
- Nature and Environment Committee — afforestation, clean-ups, awareness raising
- Women and Youth Committee — entrepreneurship support, social activities
Development is not a plan brought in from outside; it is the shared decision of those who live on the land.
EU alignment
Our governance follows the seven LEADER principles of EU rural development policy: area-based local strategies, bottom-up decision making, local public-private partnership, innovation, integrated multi-sectoral actions, networking and cooperation. Our procurement, visibility and reporting procedures are compatible with IPARD requirements.
Transparency
Annual activity reports and income-expenditure tables are shared with members at the General Assembly and are open to anyone who requests them. See our financial reports.
Membership
Anyone over 18 with legal capacity who embraces the aims of the association may become a member. You can apply through the contact form.
Join us
Become a member or volunteer in one of our committees.
