The Locally-led Recovery team, in cooperation with 13 partner hromadas, has successfully completed the first phase of work, which included initial data collection, needs assessment, and agreement on further areas of cooperation.
As a result of on-site visits, the current level of recovery planning capacity was assessed, key gaps in skills and knowledge were identified, available strategic and urban planning documents were reviewed, along with relevant research and survey findings. Additionally, local data collection and decision-making processes were analysed.
The second phase is now underway – in-depth data collection. As part of this phase, the team is working with hromadas and local stakeholders to gather detailed sectoral data. This information will be systematised and mapped to identify spatial patterns.
“We want recovery to be not only a response to the consequences of war but also an opportunity to rethink development in line with people’s needs, local potential, and Ukraine’s European course. That’s why our cooperation with hromadas focuses on solutions that lay the foundations for sustainable development,” said Olga Shubina, Leader of the Locally-led Recovery team at the Polaris Programme.
Within the partnership, priority recovery projects are being identified and solutions developed that incorporate modern approaches to spatial development and European best practices. The Programme’s approach also includes the integration of gender equality, community engagement, and veteran policy into all areas of work.
The next phases of Polaris support under the Locally-led Recovery component will include analytical work, scenario planning, strategic documentation, identification and development of projects, and other steps based on the needs of each hromada.
The activities are implemented with the involvement of several partners, including Ukrgroupproject LLC, the NGO Centre for Hromada Development and Cooperation, Blominfo-Ukraine LLC, Ageora LLC, and Mezhа Vsesvitu LLC.
You can learn more about the Locally-led Recovery component in the brochure “Local-Level Recovery: Programme Overview and Partner Hromadas”.
