Association Local Action Group Danube Delta (GAL DD)  is a non-profit association, authorized by the Romanian Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development within Measure 19 – Leader, National Program of Rural Development 2014 – 2020. GAL DD has operated since 2016. It is located in South-Eastern Romania (very close to Tulcea Municipality), on Danube Delta area up to the Black Sea – including mostly rural communities, known for environmental heritage and cultural traditions of the ethnical groups. All communities on GAL DD territory border are totally or partially included within The Biosphere Reserve of Danube Delta – out of which there are 2 communities situated on the Black Sea coast, Sulina and Sfântu-Gheorghe. Danube Delta is the largest remaining natural delta in Europe and one of the largest in the world, with valuable habitats for specific delta wildlife and biodiversity. 

The main types of economic activities identified in GAL DD area are those related to tourism, fishing and subsistence agriculture, while the service sectors, craft activities and non-agricultural production are still underdeveloped. Tourism sector needs to be developed as offering diverse and complementary services, with the condition of preserving the natural heritage and cultural resources of the rural communities.  A dual challenge for the sustainable development of the Danube Delta is the conservation of its ecological assets and the improvement of its residents’ life quality.

Competencies of the Association GAL DD is gathered through different projects that have been implemented, networking activities through LEADER and ELARD, participations within European platforms and seminars on rural development, writing strategies or assessments regarding the sustainable development of DD territory. The activities in which GAL DD is involved are linked with different fields, such as protection of cultural and natural heritage, education, tourism and promoting local business, all based on the goals defined through local development strategy, together with communication and dissemination.