Local Initiatives of Citizens as a Resource of the System of Sustainable Development in Rural Areas

Increased attention to processes occurring “locally” actualizes the interest of authorities in all factors that determine the success of the development of a municipal territory. Local initiatives constitute a resource for the development of rural areas, local government, as a tool for increasing the efficiency of budget expenditures, as well as the patriotic education of a citizen responsible for the fate of his residence place. The article studies initiatives in rural areas of the Krasnodar region (Russian Federation) with a significant differentiation from the city. Often authorities do not support this format of interaction with the rural community, and the sporadic nature of independent expression of interests by the civil community narrows the potential of this resource. Cooperation between the local community and government enables to solve problems “where they arise” by combining the efforts of all management entities operating at different levels. In shaping the motivation for civil participation of rural society in solving socially significant problems, the leading role is given to local governments. Their implementation of the proposed set of measures, the principles of building work with the population, the use of effective tools for multi-subject interaction may meet the requirements of systematicity, complexity, consistency and will allow changing the current practice of using and attracting resources from civil initiatives towards constructive civic participation. The results of targeted action for rural areas should be economic growth, improving the quality of life of the population, reproduction of resources, and balance in the ecosystem.