Alsómocsolád
Addressing the declining population in Alsómocsolád, Baranya County
Description
Alsómocsolád is a settlement in the northern corner of Baranya County in southern Hungary that is experiencing an aging population and the outmigration of young people seeking a better life, leading to a continuous population decline. A liveable settlement has been created under the Smart Rural 27 initiative with the development of the village’s public utilities, telecommunications and IT connections. The village has also committed to a switch to renewable energy in support of energy efficiency and climate protection, and the recreation of its traditional assets through an “Eat our own bread” programme.
Technology
The Municipality of Alsómocsolád uses various digital tools to encourage community involvement, including a website and numerous Facebook pages focused on the settlement and different groups, and digital communication channels to send emails directly to the leaders of local organizations. Furthermore, a digital version of Alsómocsolád has been created that allows virtual tours of its streets, buildings and public spaces, and users can create personal avatars and become virtual citizens.
Target
The main targets of Alsómocsolád’s community engagement efforts are the local inhabitants, especially the young people who have migrated in search of better opportunities, as well as 11 civic organizations that represent various age and social groups in the settlement. The smart village project also seeks to attract new residents to the village through the creation of a liveable, community-driven environment.
Impact
The village has for 32 years been working to create a municipality with a developed infrastructure and active population. Through the “Eat our own bread” Economic Development Programme, local farming opportunities are promoted encouraging the use of existing small gardens, farm buildings and assets, as well as local forests, fields and arable land by members of the public in a sustainable way.
Four Betters
Better life
Better environment
