News

• The “Laberintus Park” project has been awarded the Gold Star of Andalusia for its commitment to innovation and rural development
• The Gold Star of Andalusia recognizes projects funded with European funds that contribute to the economic, social and environmental development of the community
• The final phase brought together three European-funded projects focused on digitalization, social inclusion and sustainable development

The “Laberintus Park” project , located in the Malaga municipality of Humilladero, has been awarded the 2026 Gold Star of Andalusia , a recognition promoted by the Directorate General for European Funds of the Regional Government of Andalusia to highlight projects financed with European funds that contribute to the economic, social, and environmental development of the region. The initiative has been supported by the LEADER approach through the Local Action Group (LAG).   GDR Antequera Region .

The competition, held to mark Europe Day , takes place in two phases. In the first stage, the Directorate-General for European Funds selects 12 finalist projects across three categories: “A more competitive, digital, and smart Europe”; “A more social Europe”; and “A greener and more sustainable Europe.” Subsequently, the public votes on Instagram to choose their favorite project in each category and, from among these, selects the initiative that will receive the Gold Star of Andalusia. In this second edition, “Laberintus Park” received the most votes in the final phase.

A recognition of the impact of European funds in Andalusia

The Gold Star of Andalusia was created to bring the impact of European funds in the autonomous community closer to the public and to recognize initiatives that generate tangible benefits for the region. The competition highlights projects co-financed by various European funds, including the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) , emphasizing their contribution to innovation, territorial cohesion, and sustainable development.

In this 2026 edition, the projects competed in 3 categories:

• A more competitive, digital and intelligent Europe.

• A more social Europe.

• A greener and more sustainable Europe.

Nature, innovation and tourism to revitalize rural areas

Located in Humilladero, in the Antequera region, “Laberintus Park” is an experiential leisure park that combines nature, learning, and technology in a space of more than 4 hectares. Designed by British specialist Adrian Fisher, it integrates a large hedge maze with educational activities and interactive resources that bring biotechnology closer to the public in a practical and accessible way.

The project is aimed at families, schools, groups, and visitors interested in leisure activities connected to the natural environment. In addition to diversifying the tourism offerings in inland Málaga, it helps attract visitors, generate economic activity , and highlight the potential of rural municipalities as hubs for entrepreneurship and innovation.

The three finalist projects for the Golden Star of Andalusia

The final phase of the competition brought together three initiatives that reflect the impact of European funds in areas as diverse as digital transformation, social inclusion and sustainable development of rural areas.

• Puntos Vuela , a finalist in the category “A more competitive, digital and intelligent Europe”, was recognized for its contribution to the digital transformation of Andalusia through a network of centers that facilitates access to technology, training in digital skills and new services for citizens, especially in small municipalities.

• ERACIS Roquetas de Mar , a finalist in the "A More Social Europe" category, reached the decisive phase thanks to a project aimed at promoting social inclusion and community development in vulnerable areas, fostering actions that improve equal opportunities and social cohesion.

• Laberintus Park, finalist in the category “A greener and more sustainable Europe”,   It ended up winning the final vote and obtained the Gold Star of Andalusia 2026.

LEADER as a driving force for innovative projects

“Laberintus Park” received support through the Antequera Region Local Action Group (GAL), within the framework of the Andalusian Rural Development Program co-financed by the EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development). Thanks to this support, the project has developed a proposal that combines tourism, sustainability, technological innovation, and environmental education, establishing itself as an example of how European funds can contribute to diversifying the rural economy and strengthening the appeal of rural areas.