Description
Nätradalen is a valley in Sweden that is host to the towns and islands of Sidensjö, Bjästa, Köpmanholmen, Strängöarna, Trysunda and Ulvön, with a combined population of approximately 6400 permanent residents, and a very clear connection to the Höga Kusten (The High Coast) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site. The Bygdsam Nätradalen organization is a collaboration of representatives from the business community, civil society organizations and the municipality that was established to promote Nätradalen’s cultural heritage and to make it a more attractive place to both live and work. Operating under the Smart Rural 27 initiative, the organization has launched several activities, including free training courses for entrepreneurs and business associations, covering such topics as social media marketing. Bygdsam Nätradalen is also host to a social enterprise that helps people back into the labour market return through on-the-job training, rehabilitation courses and internships, working in collaboration with various agencies and partners.
Technology
Bygdsam Nätradalen has partnered with Umeå University in the development of Umigo – a platform for the sharing of the products and services of local initiatives. The platform supports entrepreneurs and associations by providing them with an accessible and flexible platform for the promotion of their products and premises, contributing to the promotion of resources and products that have been hitherto overlooked or unavailable, or that may not have taken off when launched.
Target
The main targets of Bygdsam Nätradalen's initiatives are local residents, entrepreneurs and businesspersons’ associations, all of which can benefit from the organization’s activities. It also seeks to attract visitors to the area by highlighting Nätradalen’s cultural heritage and its connection to the Höga Kusten UNESCO World Heritage site.
Impact
The aim of Bygdsam Nätradalen is to foster greater cooperation and strengthen the sense of community within the village. The primary goal of Umigo is to reduce climate impact by decreasing consumption and increasing resource sharing within the local community. By simplifying the process for small producers to reach out with their local products, the platform strengthens their brand and helps them sustain their activities.
Partners
Umeå University; LEADER
Four Betters
Better environment
Better life
