In 1994, following the completion of research and survey work, it was decided to develop a social action plan that would offer a framework for social and human development activities in the region. The first step was to set up a sub-commission to develop the plan. This commission comprised academics, representatives of civil society organizations and specialists from the State Planning Organization and GAP Administration. This body given the name "GAP Social Research and Action Board" (GAP-SAEK) started its work on 30 March 1994. The first work of the board was to organize a workshop on "Strategies for Developing Human Resources in the GAP Region". The workshop was held in Ankara on 21 - 22 April 1994 with the participation of representatives from relevant governmental agencies, volunteer organizations, international organizations and academics from universities. The workshop discussed the findings of the surveys and developed suggestions based on these findings.

The GAP-SAEK then met 15 times and completed its mission on 28 September 1994 upon the preparation of the GAP Social Action Plan which consisted of a synthesis of survey findings and other suggestions and ideas emerging during the meetings of the board.

The main objectives of the GAP Social action Plan can be outlined as follows:

• Supporting the process of economic growth with social development so as to accelerate the process of balanced overall development,
• Enhancing the efficiency and coverage of social services in the region so as to mitigate, and in the long run totally eliminate social development disparities between this specific region and other regions of the country,
• Identification of ways and methods that will encourage the adoption of technological innovations and advances by the people,
• Ensuring the integration of different social groups and layers in the region with the process of development,
• Minimizing the possible adverse effects of the process of development,
• Identification and practical implementation of methods to ensure the effective contribution and participation of people to all stages of development efforts including planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation and thus creation of grounds necessary for sustainable development,
• Development of strategies and policy choices that bring further clarifications to the work of planners and implementing agencies.

The GAP Social Action Plan consists of two major sections. The first section exhibits the social structure of the region, problems deriving from this structure and existing potential for development by making a synthesis of the findings of social surveys previously conducted in the region. The second section of the plan deals with the areas of intervention including targets, policies, strategies and actions plants that will make these interventions possible. The GAP Social Action Plan identifies the following seven main areas of intervention: "organization and participation", "population and settlement", "education", "health", "agricultural extension", "employment and incomes" and "proprietorship and land use".

As such, the GAP Social Action provides a general framework for project activities aiming at a sustainable, participator and fair social development in the GAP region by putting emphasis on community development, education, health, farmer-land relations, settlement, employment and gender based inequalities. Projects designed and implemented in the region have mostly derived from these emphases of the Action Plan.

Last Update : July 15^th, 2002