Moving forward with LDnet

LDnet is entering a new phase in its work.  We reconstituted ourselves in 2010 building on the success of the LEDA network which had been running for more than two decades.  Since then we have been the only non-profit association committed to spreading the word that local development is the real deal.  Local development is the best way to pursue sustainable development and without engagement of local communities, both through civil society organisations and citizens, all other forms of development are for the birds.  We are the only network that works across all types of territory by linking rural, mountain, island, coastal and urban areas.  We spread innovations and learn about how things can be done better. We are unique in bringing together activists, practitioners, researchers and policy thinkers across Europe and beyond.

Our intention over the next two years is to put more focus on our knowledge work by concentrating on key themes in local development and bringing together material for each one.  The first theme will be participative approaches which is a foundational principle of local development.  We will start with revisiting Sherri Arnstein’s seminal paper from 1967 which launched the idea of a “ladder of participation” ranging from manipulation to citizen control.  We will go on to explore how participative approaches are supported (or not)  in European territorial policies and build up a collection of relevant material for use in capacity building, including case studies across different territorial types.  We will explore how the digital transition can enable/include and exclude communities and citizens

According to the IDS participation is a right held by all people to engage in society and in the decisions that impact their lives. Participation is thus a political endeavour that challenges oppression and discrimination, in particular of the poorest and most marginalised people. Participatory processes enable people to see more clearly, and learn from the complexity that they are living and working amid. Through participation people can identify opportunities and strategies for action, and build solidarity to effect change.

One other change we will be making is to become a multi media resource base with videos and podcasts in addition to the webinars and written material that we already share on our website ldnet.eu.  As well as cataloguing and linking videos and podcasts developed by other organisations, we will be increasing our own production of videos and podcasts and our use of social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Peter Ramsden

President LDnet

May 2024