RURAL PROOFING

Rural proofing ensures the fair treatment of citizens

The actions of different administrative sectors and organisations have both positive and negative impacts on rural areas. Typical characteristics of the countryside include sparse population and long distances. These are among the reasons why the impacts of decisions on rural areas often differ from the impacts on population centres.

The Rural Policy Committee promotes rural proofing (rural impact assessment) at different levels. Rural proofing ensures that those who prepare the matters and make decisions give due account to the point of view of the people who live, work and spend their leisure time in the countryside. Rural proofing contributes to the fair treatment of the rural residents.

YTR has prepared a checklist for rural proofing to be used by the central and regional administration. The checklist helps to better comprehend the impacts that a decision may have on rural areas.