Gozo Action Group Foundation awards LEADER grants to 14 beneficiaries

The Gozo Action Group Foundation (GAGF) has awarded grants to 14 beneficiaries for projects aimed at preserving Gozo’s cultural heritage, promoting environmental responsibility and improving community well-being.

The grants were awarded during a ceremony held on 23 October, at the Mro Vincenzo Caruana Spiteri Hall in Ta’ Sannat, marking another step in the implementation of the LEADER programme under Intervention 77.3 of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023–2027. 

The event brought together representatives of local councils, non-governmental organisations, community groups and other stakeholders involved in rural development across Gozo.

Established in 2008, the Gozo Action Group Foundation is responsible for implementing the LEADER programme on the island through its Local Development Strategy, which supports locally driven projects addressing Gozo’s cultural, social, environmental and economic priorities.

The ceremony opened with an address by GAGF Chairman David Apap Agius, followed by a presentation outlining the LEADER approach and the objectives of the CAP Strategic Plan. Attendees also viewed a video showcasing the foundation’s work and the initiatives supported through the programme.

GAGF manager Pierre Louis Attard highlighted the programme’s contribution to rural development, outlining four measures forming part of the Local Development Strategy for Gozo.

These include Keeping the Culture and Traditions of Gozo Alive, which supports projects safeguarding the island’s cultural heritage; Youth Entrepreneurship in Gozo: Taking Ideas to the Marketplace, aimed at helping young people turn business ideas into viable opportunities; Empowering Communities to Act as Environmental Stewards, which backs community-led environmental initiatives; and Promoting Health and Sustainable Lifestyle in Gozo, which encourages healthier living through improved community spaces and recreational facilities.

The ceremony also featured contributions from beneficiaries, who spoke about the programme’s role in supporting local initiatives.

Żebbuġ Mayor Baskal Saliba discussed the contribution of local councils in delivering projects that benefit residents, while Paul Vella, secretary of the Banda Santa Margerita V.M. of Ta’ Sannat, spoke about the importance of LEADER funding for non-governmental organisations and local cultural initiatives.

The main event was the presentation of grant agreements to the 14 beneficiaries selected under three of the strategy’s four measures.

Five beneficiaries were awarded grants under Measure 1, Keeping the Culture and Traditions of Gozo Alive, for projects focused on preserving the island’s musical, theatrical and cultural heritage.

A further three beneficiaries received funding under Measure 3, Empowering Communities to Act as Environmental Stewards, for environmental initiatives and community regeneration projects.

The remaining six beneficiaries were awarded grants under Measure 4, Promoting Health and Sustainable Lifestyle in Gozo, for initiatives promoting health, well-being, inclusive outdoor spaces and sustainable lifestyles.

The grant agreements were presented by Apap Agius together with GAGF DC secretary Paul Scicluna.

The foundation said the projects would contribute to preserving Gozo’s heritage, encouraging environmental stewardship, improving community well-being and creating opportunities for sustainable rural development.

The gathering also provided an opportunity for stakeholders from different sectors to exchange experiences and discuss the opportunities available through the LEADER programme.

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