LEAP is an effective method of environmental management and decision-making, designed for improvement of local social and environmental conditions. DEG assist to representatives of the local state authorities, businesses, NGOs and scientists to get and work together for 12-24 months to come up with a common strategy regarding the priorities of further development of the local community. This process transforms into Action Plans, which serve as a unique guidance on handling socio-economic problems of local communities.
LEAP includes shaping of a local community’s vision of its future, environmental assessment, setting of environmental priorities, selection of efficient ways of handling of urgent matters, taking measures to achieve real improvement of the state of environment and health of people. LEAP is based on the idea of active public participation in the decision-making by the local authorities.
The purpose of the process of LEAP development managed by DEG is to support and develop the mutually agreed process powered by the local authorities, representatives of industry, and citizens. The ultimate result of this process would be preparation of the Local Environmental Action Plan developed with the participation of all stakeholders.
Preparation of LEAP requires the use of various tools for analysis, assessment, strategic planning and institutional development of the local communities, including evaluation of the community needs, public consultations, environmental risk assessment, financial analysis and many other things.