Gozo Action Group Foundation launched

The Gozo Action Group Foundation, a public-private partnership set up to contribute to the realisation of the 'Leader' project, was officially launched at Gozo Heritage.

The partnership will be able to carry out promotional and information activities in the island, communicating to Gozitan society the main elements of the project, thanks to the funds made available under the Rural Development Plan 2007-2013.

'Leader' is characterised by a 'bottom-up' approach where local operators and stakeholders have the chance to actively contribute towards the sustainable development of their rural area.

The first step is the definition of a local development strategy which determines priorities. Local operators will be actively engaged through a consultation process that will start as soon as the RDP funds are made available.

Once the local development strategy is defined, the Gozo Action Group will submit a full application to the managing authority to be recognised as a local action group to be able to start implementing plans.

The Gozo Action Group is the result of a process of consultation and involvement of local stakeholders that started in 2006, including several meetings with national and international experts. GAG is a non-profit foundation composed of representatives of local councils, NGOs, the business sector, the tourism sector and the agricultural community.

All 14 councils in Gozo are members of GAG and have appointed three mayors as their representatives on the board: Paul Buttigieg (Qala), David Apap (Għarb) and Joseph Cordina (Xagħra). The business sector is represented by Joseph Grech (CEO, Gozo Business Chamber), while Paul Scicluna (chairman - Gozo Tourism Association) represents the tourism sector.

Joseph Grech (director, Gozitano Agri - Coop. and MIAF) represents the farming community, and the NGO sector is represented by Antoine Vassallo (president, Gozo NGOs Association).

Dr Grech has been named chairman, Mr Apap vice-chairman, Mr Vassallo secretary, and Mr Cordina treasurer.