Public Consultation Meetings are being held for the Development of a Local Development Strategy for the Gozo and Comino Territory.

LEADER is aimed at improving the development potential of rural areas by drawing on local initiative and skills, promoting the acquisition of know-how on local integrated development, and disseminating this know-how to other rural areas. LEADER was first implemented in Malta as part of the 2007 – 2013 Rural Development Programme (RDP).

The 2014 – 2020 RDP provides for the continuation of the LEADER Programme and builds on the foundations and recognition that were created during the 2007 – 2013 programming period.

Individuals or organisation may have been involved in the public consultation exercise conducted during the 2007 – 2013 programming period.

In order to benefit from the funds available under LEADER, Local Action Groups (LAGs) need to justify, through their strategies, support for their operations. The strategies must be complementary with the goals of the RDP, the Partnership Agreement for Malta, and other relevant National Policies or Strategies

The Local Action Group for Gozo – the Gozo Action Group Foundation (GAGF) – is responsible for implementing the Local Development Strategy for Gozo. The GAGF said that it recognises that local participation is one of the cornerstones of the whole LEADER approach, and the community's involvement in the preparation of the Local Development Strategy is fundamental in developing this.

The GAGF is currently preparing the Local Development Strategy and is inviting all stakeholders to one of two discussions on the measures that can be included in the Strategy.

Two meetings will be held as follows: – Today, Wednesday, the 3rd of August, at 6:00pm, at the Arka Foundation, Triq il-Moghdija, Ghajnsielem and again next week on Tuesday, the 9th of August, at 6:00pm, at the Don Bosco Oratory, St Augustine Square, Victoria.

The public is invited to discuss and contribute to this Strategy.

Photograph by Alain Salvary

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