Presentation of the Natural Characteristics of Villages Situated in West-Ormánság Area in Hungary, Included in "Torchlight I." Project of "Original Dráva Program"

Abstract

This study aims to present the main achievements and results of the project titled „Torchlight I. – Community employment initiative in 20 villages of Original Dráva Program”, as well as the analysis of 20 villages that are affected by the project. The project was identified with the code TÁMOP- 1.4.1 – 11/1- 2012-0037 and it is incorporated in the so-called „Original Dráva Program” (Dráva is a river in the South West of Hungary). This program includes complex initiatives of regional and rural development and aims to provide a permanently sustainable development for one of the most underdeveloped areas of Hungary called Ormánság.
Planning and preparation already started in the mid-2000s, then a complex rehabilitation and rural development program was worked out in 2005. A detailed plan was designed for the transformation and development of water supply system in 2007, and it was launched in 2010. In 2012 the name „Original Dráva Program” was introduced by a government decree. As a result of another government decree in 2013 Zsolt Tiffán, MP, the head of Baranya county assembly was appointed the government commissioner responsible for the program.
The above named project, launched in September 2013, provides opportunities of further education, employment and labour market service for the target group of disadvantaged inhabitants of the area. In the framework of the project social scientific research was carried out with the participation of students who belong to the Faculty of Humanities of the University of Pécs, The students who are studying social work and social policy systematically discover the characteristics of the 20 villages involved in the project.
Ormánság is one of the regions in Hungary that are characterised by complex problems and therefore require multipurpose development. Based on the past conditions of the region and the recently explored facts it is obvious that there are several opportunities of development in the area. Natural resources can be a significant potential that development initiatives can be based on. The program and the project focus on the discovery of these opportunities since the thorough survey of local potentials, resources and needs is essential for the implementation of efficient measures to improve the life quality and opportunities of local population.
The entire program, which incorporates this project, affects altogether 43 villages and it can be an internationally recognised good practice if it generates the aimed positive results.