European Union

The Liepaja FLAG area is located in the south-western part of Latvia, bordering with Lithuania. The FLAG area stretches for 111.28 km along the Baltic coast and includes the municipalities of Ventspils, Saldus and Kuldiga districts. Five percent of the area is covered by waterways, which include the rivers Bārta and Durbe, and the Liepāja, Pape, Tosmare and Durbe lakes. Forestry accounts for a further 41% of the FLAG area.

Fishing is an important and profitable activity in the FLAG area, especially along the main section of the Kymijoki River. Fish farming is also an important economic activity, with a strong tradition in the area. The existence of local centres of population, as well as the proximity of the Helsinki metropolitan region, guarantees a consistent demand for fish products.

Lapland is the northernmost part of the EU. During long winters (usually six months) the lakes are covered with a 60-80 cm thick layer of ice. The population density is very low, and the number of inhabitants is declining in most areas. The unemployment rates are high, between 13-18%. Tourism is flourishing, however, providing a growing market for local products.

This guide is composed of six factsheets, including real-life examples, designed to help FLAGs ensure better results through developing strategic objectives, selecting indicators and setting targets, collecting data and managing information, and adopting a results-oriented approach in all activities of the FLAG.

This guide presents examples of applying CLLD under the different ESI Funds: EMFF, EAFRD, ESF and ERDF from the perspective of Managing Authorities and local actors.

FARNET Magazine n° 14 - Autumn 2016

The Bothnian Sea coastline and Lake Pyhäjärvi have a lengthy tradition in the fisheries sector where the main catches include vendace and signal crayfish. About half of Finland´s Baltic herring catch is landed on the harbours along this particular part of the coast. Whitefish, salmon and other fresh water species are similarly important to the area. The processing industry is also highly active here. An additional positive development in recent years has been the growth in pesca-tourism.

An annual competition for the best projects supported by the Liepaja LAG-FLAG helps to involve the community, inspire new projects and monitor results.

FARNET Managing Authorities and National Networks met in Brussels on 23-24 November 2016 for an exchange focusing primarily on facilitating FLAG cooperation.

The Central Finland FLAG is looking for solutions to grade, scale and gut cyprinid fish, mainly roach.