From November 4th to 6th, the final conference of the transnational LEADER cooperation project “LEADER/CLLD: Our Common Future” took place. The picturesque Portuguese region of Aldeia da Mata Pequena, near the town of Mafra, hosted the event. Representatives from 13 European LEADER regions and institutions gathered with researchers and external experts to discuss the future role and development of the LEADER approach as a model for participatory regional development.
This third and final conference within the project provided a platform for in-depth discussions and the sharing of experiences and best practices.
The project’s Portuguese hosts and project partners organized a diverse program for the participants. Attendees gained insights not only into the workshop content but also into the success stories of local LEADER projects. Highlights included a visit to the Adega Regional de Colares, a traditional winery, and a ride on the historic Sintra tram, the “Eléctrico de Sintra,” from Praia das Maçãs to Sintra. Another highlight was the stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean at Azenhas do Mar, showcasing the region’s impressive coastal beauty.
The Deputy Mayor of Mafra, Antonio Felgueiras, opened the conference by welcoming the participants, joined by his team and the president of the local council, Tiago Alves. The final conference marked a significant milestone in the collaboration, with project partners set to compile their insights into a final report to be published in late November/early December.
