The central objective of the project was to create spaces for exchange between all Local Action Groups (LAGs) from the Outermost Regions (ORs) at the European level. Aware of the specific challenges faced by these territories—such as isolation, geographical constraints, and diverse administrative contexts—the project aimed to facilitate dialogue among local stakeholders and foster mutual understanding between OR LAGs. Through dedicated sessions for sharing good practices, participants were able to exchange experiences on implementing Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) in insular or tropical environments that often differ significantly from continental realities. The project also sought to promote cooperation by encouraging the creation of lasting connections between the outermost territories of the three partner countries—France, Spain, and Portugal—thus strengthening their integration within the European LEADER network and paving the way for future joint initiatives.
We applied for this project because the LEADER programme represents one of the European Union’s major successes on the ground, particularly in the most remote areas. Based on the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach, LEADER enables rural territories — whether continental, mountainous, coastal, or outermost — to carry out projects tailored to their specific needs. However, outermost regions face unique challenges due to their geographical distance, time zone differences, and more limited access to training opportunities. Eight Outermost Regions (ORs) currently implement the LEADER programme, yet the technicians and members of Local Action Groups (LAGs) in these areas often express a strong sense of isolation and find it difficult to connect with a broader European dynamic. This project was therefore designed to create opportunities for exchange between outermost LAGs and their European counterparts, to strengthen their sense of belonging within the LEADER network, to showcase their practices, and to support the development of their skills.