The Functional Area Program (FAP), developed as concept by dldp, build on the principle of functionality (mainprinciple used for designing the Territorial and Administrative Reform). It is presented as an instrument for theidentification of development potentials in the territory of the New Local Units, aiming to mobilize projects whichshould assure the inner cohesion of territories, population, resources, etc. The Functional Areas Program orients towards the Strategic Development Plans, but differs from them as FAPaims to provide some quicker solutions for the most sensitive problematics identified in the territory that will belong tothe Municipalities and to ensure the preconditions for a sustainable development.Dldp has developed Functional Areas Programs in 8 Functional Areas (or new Municipalities), in 5 Qarks ofnorthern Albania, including Qark of Dibër, with two Functional Areas: FA Dibër and FA Mat.The Program has been implemented in FA Dibër by Albanian Local Capacity Development Foundation(www.alcdf.org). The Program includes an economic analysis of the territory; an analysis of services; and ananalysis of administrative structures. Based on these analyses, a number of recommendations have beendeveloped and several projects with economic development features and services and governance improvementhave been identified. Projects have been discussed in forums with various interest groups, organized by theimplementing organization.   The identified projects have been evaluated by various groups of citizens, businesses and local elected people,resulting in a list of ranked projects. Projects have been evaluated as well by a technical jury, composed of peoplerepresenting local government units and Qark and Prefecture authorities, completing the general frame of citizens’evaluation.   The Identified projects will be put to the disposition of the New Municipalities’ Mayors that will be elected in thelocal elections of June 21st, 2015. These projects will serve as a first incentive for going through the path ofconsolidation of the territory and future administrations. The Functional Areas Program per se will be an instrumentof strategic planning for the new Municipalities, offering an opportunity to respond to the challenges put forward bythe implementation process of the Territorial and Administrative Reform, through a better knowledge on theterritory, on the opportunities in sector with development potentials and improvement of services to the citizens.

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