The Leader Approach

The Leader Approach

The Leader initiative, which is a new approach for Malta will focus on bringing together the different public and private local actors, thus building local partnership capacity, promoting private-public partnership, cooperation and innovation and improving local governance. 

The partnership Xlokk Local Action Group is formed from the following founding members:

Public Sector

Birzebbugia Local Council, Ghaxaq Local Council, Gudja Local Council, Kirkop Local Council, Luqa Local Council, Marsascala Local Council, Marsaxlokk Local Council, Mqabba Local Council, Xghajra Local Council, Zejtun Local Council, Qormi Local Council, Qrendi Local Council

Private Sector

4 Jays Artigianat (Folklor), Carmelo Desira, Economics Department University of Malta, Falcon Tours Ltd, Fenech Farm, Malta Organic Agricultural Movement (MOAM), Polidano Brothers Ltd, Ramblers Associations of Malta, San Niklaw Estates, Silver Craft Products Ltd, Stone Art Works, Greenhouse, Deandra Scerri

The financial allocation for the Leader Axis is 4.0% of the total EAFRD contribution. This will be devoted to the implementation of the Leader strategies and shall contribute to the running costs of LAGs and to implementation of cooperation projects. LAGs are made up of public and private partners from the rural territory, and must include representatives from different socio-economic sectors. They receive financial assistance to implement local development strategies by awarding grants to local projects. LAGs are selected by the managing authority of the Member State. 

The Leader approach will be a priceless tool in the realisation of the various measures under all axes through animation and facilitation of their uptake. Particularly for Axis 3 measures, LAGs involvement should be a critical component in bringing conservation projects forward and ensuring they are included into a broader environmental tourism and heritage context.

However, given that in Malta this is the first time that LAGs are being formed, and given the newness of the concept for local stakeholders of getting together and addressing regional issues, it is expected that Leader could undergo a slow start. Even basing on an assumed success of skills promotion, the lack of any previous experience is expected to hinder participation in unfamiliar measures. Nevertheless, it is perceived that the Leader approach could be most successful in the realization of the various measures under Axis 3 since these measures have a local dimension that potential LAGs could be familiar with. In this context, it is relevant to indicate that given the islands’ small size; no more than three LAGs are expected to form the regional set-up. 

Statistical data shows that concerning the density of our population, the rurality of Malta cannot be compared to other European countries. The situation of Gozo and its insularity, will probably lead to having a LAG for itself. The description of the rural areas of Malta, North/East and South/West, both having different culture, will probably lead to the creation of another two LAGs in Malta.