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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Rural Renewal Program in the Aspect of Sustainable Development of Rural Areas in the Opinion of Respondents from the Opole Voivodeship

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Sustainable development has a complex nature and is represented by economic, social and ecological pillars. Connected with the concept of multifunctionality on the rural areas it translates by diverse economic activities carried out with respect for environmental aspects, with the development of social and cultural functions, and with the attention to ensure good living conditions for the inhabitants. Effective achievement of sustainable development goals needs constant and consistent raising of public awareness, as well as an increase in the public access to information and its participation in the decision-making process. The aim of the paper is to assess, basing on the respondents‘ opinions and actions taken within the Rural Renewal Program, whether the Program, that started in Opole Voivodeship over 20 years ago, promotes the sustainable development of rural areas in Opole Voivodeship. For this purpose the research results are presented. The research was conducted among the leaders of the Rural Renewal Program of Opole Voivodeship, and it attempts to determine the impact of the implementation of this program on sustainable development of the area. The research sample covered 85 of more than 600 rural administrative units (601 units in 2015) participating in the Program, that is over 14% of their entire number. That 20 year experience is sufficient to draw conclusions regarding the benefits of the program, its successful aspects and the areas that need to be changed. The sources of data used in the literature research included: evaluation reports on public interventions implemented in the Opole Voivodeship in 2004-2013 and in Poland in the field of international territorial cooperation, as well as publications devoted to the researched issues. As the Rural Renewal Program is a result of local community initiative, so it reflects both the awareness of the need for sustainable development and specific actions that may support this development. Research results indicate that social needs are ahead of the other two dimensions of sustainable development.