IQ-Net partners meet in the Algarve region

http://www.eprc.strath.ac.uk/news/algarve.jpg <img src="http://www.eprc.strath.ac.uk/news/algarve.jpg" width="184" height="103" border="0" align="left With a majority of the 2007-13 Operational Programmes having been approved, programme managers are now turning their attention to the development of monitoring and evaluation systems. In a new regulatory context, they face some important questions: How do monitoring and evaluation systems take account of the 'on-going' approach to evaluation? How is the role of evaluation evolving? And how can programmes and strategies be monitored efficiently and effectively to feed into evaluation exercises? These questions were the main subject of the 23rd IQ-Net meeting in Vilamoura, hosted by the Portuguese Financial Institute for Regional Development (IFDR) and the Regional Coordination and Development Commission of the Algarve (14-16 November 2007).<p>The Conference provided network partners with an insight into emerging trends on monitoring and evaluation systems in IQ-Net partner countries and regions. The meeting also reviewed Structural Funds programming developments, negotiation of the new programmes and remaining challenges for the 2000-06 OPs. A study tour focused on the Strategy for Less-Populated Areas, designed to stop the movement of people from the upland areas of the Region to the coast. To illustrate the aims of the strategy, IQ-Net partners visited Paderne : one of the so-called 'magnet villages' : to see the investment being made in natural heritage and buildings, as well as the village infrastructure and public facilities.