The LEADER+ program is an instrument that allows us to try out
other approaches for interventions in the rural area, respecting
the environment and the economic, social and cultural components
of the rural territories.
LEADER+ underlines the importance of the local populations becoming
aware of the value of their territories, the wealth of their
identities and the quality of their landscapes and from this
viewpoint points to the need to create conditions for local
actors to acquire skills and participate actively in their territories.
On 14 April 2000 the European Commission adopted the guidelines
relating to the Community initiative for rural development
LEADER+ - Communication 2000/C 139/05, in conformity with
the provisions of (EC) Regulation nº 1260/1999.
In conformity with this same regulation and with the Communication,
Member States must draw up and submit to the Commission within
six months of publication of the Communication the respective
proposals of the LEADER+ programme. Portugal submitted a proposal
to the Commission in November 2000 called the LEADER+ National
Programme which was approved on 25 June 2001. An alteration
was submitted at a later date which was approved by Decision
of the Commission C(2003)
4461 of 24 November 2003. The LEADER+ is a Community initiative
financed by EAGGF-Guidance (European Agricultural Guidance
and Guarantee Fund – usually known by its French initials
– FEOGA) and by public and private contributions
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Enhancing the natural and cultural heritage;