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Whereas the last decades of the twentieth century saw the emergence of innovative practices in local development with the support of the State, the first decades of the twenty-first century have been characterized both by institutionalization and by the calling into question of such approaches. Professional people engaged in collective intervention who have emerged from communities wishing to take charge of their own affairs are today faced with expectations and political climates that are less favorable to the participation of civil society. They do however have the use of skills that are crucial for territories confronted by the challenge of redefining development in terms of what is at stake for the ecology. They can exercise an essential function in this respect, that of liaison – the establishing of links between different sectors of society. They also have a responsibility to fill in restoring hope to the community.