1

Why the project matters

Most Mediterranean countries face significant obstacles exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which not only overwhelmed existing social services but also highlighted systemic vulnerabilities. The pandemic increased demand for healthcare, mental health support and economic assistance, revealing gaps in service delivery that disproportionately affect underserved populations (OXFAM, 2023).

In regions with high unemployment rates, social services play a crucial role in stabilizing communities by providing support that prevents further socioeconomic decline. Migration and depopulation, driven by the search for better opportunities and living conditions, can be mitigated by strengthening social services that make staying in these communities more viable (World Bank, 2023).

A change of course is especially needed in the peripheral areas slowly depopulating and often lack the tools to revive their economies, impacting both immediate well-being and long-term socio-economic prospects (OECD, 2019). Many municipalities face insufficient specialized knowledge, inadequate workforce, scarce fiscal resources, limited access to social welfare services, and complex geographical conditions. (UNDP, 2022).

All these challenges could be tackled by promoting participatory governance.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To strengthen the capacity of local authorities and social actors to co-design and deliver social services tailored to real community needs, especially in underserved rural and peripheral areas.


•  To promote participatory governance by creating local networks that foster collaboration, transparency, and shared responsibility in service provision.


•  To address systemic weaknesses in the Mediterranean’s social service systems by improving coordination, inclusiveness, and trust in public institutions.

3

Expected change

•  The creation of at least 6 local networks (one in each country) that work together across borders, involving over 30 organizations and training 60 people in participatory governance.


• A strategic model for participatory governance developed, which will be tested in 6 regions to improve social services for people in remote or underserved areas.


• Strengthened the ability of local governments and community groups to design and provide better social services that meet the needs of local populations.

4

What the project delivers

• An e-platform for local and cross-border networks for connection, sharing, and peer-learning.


• Local Proximity Networks and Cross-Border Network enhancing participatory processes for co-designing joint social service solutions.


• A training package: learning materials, including readings, presentations, good practices, and videos.


• A strategic Model of Participatory Local Governance.


• The provision of a social service responding to a local need (e.g. community welfare services, mutualism practices, outreach services, participatory urban renovation, other services in the field of health, environment, safety, education designed and managed in a participatory way).


• Social Impact Analysis and Assessment of implemented initiatives.


• Guidelines for replicating local pilot initiatives.

5

Who benefits

• Public Authorities (60 in total): Professionals and representatives from local and regional public bodies responsible for social services.


• Civil Society Organisations and NGOs (30 per region, 180 total): Organizations supporting local populations in the social field, particularly in underserved areas.


• Local Agencies and Private Entities (240 total): Stakeholders involved in social service provision, including those trained through seminars and Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs).


• Local populations: People in remote, peripheral, or less-served areas with poor access to social services.


• Disadvantaged segments of the population: Individuals with limited access to essential services, including welfare, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.