Gozo: LEADER Grant Agreement Presentation Ceremony to fourteen beneficiaries

by Gozo News · October 28, 2026

The Gozo Action Group Foundation (GAGF) recently held its LEADER Grant Agreement Presentation Ceremony, at the Mro Vincenzo Caruana Spiteri Hall in Sannat, celebrating projects supported under Intervention 77.3 of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (LEADER) in Gozo.

The highlight of the evening was the official presentation of the grant agreements to fourteen beneficiaries selected under three of the Strategy’s four measures.

The ceremony brought together Gozitan stakeholders, Local Councils, non-governmental organisations, community representatives and beneficiaries to mark an important milestone in supporting rural development and strengthening local communities across Gozo.

Established in 2008, the Gozo Action Group Foundation is responsible for implementing the LEADER programme in Gozo, promoting sustainable development and empowering rural communities through locally driven initiatives.

As part of its work, the Foundation implements the Local Development Strategy for Gozo, supporting projects that address the island’s cultural, social, environmental and economic priorities.

The event opened with an address by GAGF Chairman, Mr David Apap Agius, followed by a presentation introducing the LEADER approach and the objectives of the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027. Attendees also viewed a short video highlighting the Foundation’s work and the measures implemented through the programme.

GAGF Manager, Mr Pierre Louis Attard, also addressed the gathering, highlighting the importance of the programme and its contribution to rural development in Gozo. In particular, he outlined the four key measures encompassed by the Local Development Strategy for Gozo:

Keeping the Culture and Traditions of Gozo Alive, supporting initiatives that safeguard the island’s cultural heritage and traditions; Youth Entrepreneurship in Gozo: Taking Ideas to the Marketplace, encouraging young people to develop entrepreneurial ideas into viable opportunities; Empowering Communities to Act as Environmental Stewards, supporting community-led environmental initiatives; and Promoting Health and Sustainable Lifestyle in Gozo, encouraging healthier and more sustainable lifestyles through improved community spaces and recreational facilities.

The ceremony also provided an opportunity for beneficiaries to share their experiences of the LEADER programme. Baskal Saliba, Mayor of Zebbu?, spoke about the role of Local Councils in delivering projects that benefit their communities, while Paul Vella, Secretary of the Banda Santa Margerita V.M. of Sannat, shared his insights into the contribution of LEADER funding to non-governmental organisations and local cultural initiatives.

The official presentation of the grant agreements to fourteen beneficiaries selected under three of the Strategy’s four measures were as follows:

Under Measure 1, Keeping the Culture and Traditions of Gozo Alive, five beneficiaries were recognised for projects safeguarding Gozo’s musical, theatrical and cultural heritage.

Under Measure 3, Empowering Communities to Act as Environmental Stewards, three beneficiaries received support for environmental initiatives and community regeneration.

A further six beneficiaries were recognised under Measure 4, Promoting Health and Sustainable Lifestyle in Gozo, for projects promoting health, well-being, inclusive outdoor spaces and sustainable lifestyles.

The grant agreements were presented by GAGF Chairman, Mr David Apap Agius, together with GAGF DC Secretary, Mr Paul Scicluna.

Through these projects, the Foundation said that it continues to support initiatives that preserve Gozo’s heritage, encourage environmental responsibility, improve community well-being and create opportunities for sustainable rural development.

The ceremony also served as a valuable opportunity to bring together stakeholders from different sectors, encouraging interaction and the exchange of experiences, while highlighting the opportunities offered through the LEADER programme.

The ceremony was followed by a reception in the adjoining area of the hall, which was renovated in recent years with co-funding from the European Union through the LEADER programme.