FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

North Kurzeme FLAG

Official name: 
“Ziemeļkurzemes biznesa asociācija”
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
LV202
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The Northern Kurzeme FLAG is located in northwest Latvia. The FLAG area is bordered by a 144 km stretch of the Baltic coast, from the parish of Jurkalne to the Cape of Kolka, and 12 km of the coastline around the Gulf of Riga. The area consists of 17 parishes, one town and one city, Ventspils, which is considered to be one of nine development centres of national significance* in Latvia. There are two important fishing ports – Roja and Ventspils.

The Northern Kurzeme FLAG area is characterized by a very large forest coverage - 65.3%, and very low population density - 5.8 persons per square kilometer, far below the average population density in Latvia. In 2014 the unemployment rate in the area was 7.2 %.  

The area’s most important asset is the Baltic coast, noted for its natural beauty and its fishing potential.

 The area also has a very rich cultural heritage, including religious architecture from the 16th-19th Century, Baltic German manor buildings, and Suiti (a small catholic community) and Liv (a Finno-Ugric ethnic group) traditions.

The coastal area has large beaches, which support many business activities, mostly in the tourism and fisheries sectors. The most popular holiday destinations are the Jūrkalne Steep coast and the Cape of Kolka. The Northern Kurzeme FLAG area is also characterised by its extensive forests, which cover about 71% of the area.

Challenges:

For a long time (about 50 years during the Soviet occupation), the entire coastal area was closed to the public because of its use for military exercises by the Soviet army, which seriously hampered its economic development by restricting access to the area. This negative impact on the local economy was reinforced by the military presence leaving behind discarded live ammunition, rocket silos, decaying infrastructure and pollution, as well as useless and mostly outdated fisheries infrastructure.


 * In Latvia there are nine cities with the status of development center of national significance. In the current planning period most EU financing is going to be invested in these cities.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

There are 30 such areas, the most important being: Slītere National Park, Raķupe Valley, Kaļķupe Valley, and Moricsala in Usma Lake.

Population
19 888
Surface area (km²)
3 492
Population density
6
Total employment in fisheries
893
Fishing: 
199
Processing: 
694

FLAG strategy

Fishing and tourism are the most important industries in the Northern Kurzeme Partnership area. As identified in the participatory needs analysis of the area, coastal infrastructure needs upgrading and fishing and fishing-related tourism services also need to be strengthened. Infrastructure improvements are also necessary in order to enhance the quality of life of those working in fish processing.

 The local development strategy includes the following objectives:

  • To promote the development of coastal enterprises and to enhance their competitiveness;
  • To promote the value of the coastal environment and to support its conservation and sustainable exploitation;
  • To develop and improve public infrastructure in coastal areas and improve access to cultural heritage.

The FLAG will support coastal enterprises, helping to improve production processes, marketing, and to encourage new activities. A higher priority will be given to projects that develop an innovative product or service.

Support will also be provided for projects that help to overcome the effect of seasonality in the fisheries and tourism sectors.

Tourism is indeed one of the key industries in the area. The FLAG will support initiatives that contribute to the restoration and protection of the coastal environment and its possible integration into coastal recreational and tourism activities. There will be support for the development of public infrastructure aimed at maintaining and making good use of the sea and coastal heritage. For example, the creation of recreational and fishing-related infrastructure along the coast, such as the restoration of trestles and boat slips.

As regards sustainable growth, support will also be provided for improving the energy efficiency of fish processing facilities and for increasing the use of renewable energy, as well as for improving the management of wastewater and surface water drainage.

Finally, aiming to improve the social inclusion in the FLAG area a high priority will be given to projects that provide opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
4
% of the budget allocated: 
10%
Supporting diversification
4
10%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
4
15%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
5
65%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 319 460
  • EMFF: 
    1 971 540
  • MS co-financing: 
    347 919
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

  • Multi-funding: 

    EAFRD – 1 835 449.76 with 68% national co-financing.

  • Funds: 
    EAFRD

Project examples

  • Support for fishing tourism, where visitors and tourists get to accompany fishermen to see what their work involves.
  • Equipment for smoking and tasting fisheries products.
  • Infrastructure for fishing enthusiasts and coastal environmental conservation measures.
  • Upgrading of rain and surface drainage systems (nearly all coastal villages are suffering from excess water run-off).

Calls for proposals

The deadline for the first call for projects was 13 June 2016. This call included only two of four planned objectives.

A second call, focusing on the improvement of infrastructure related to cultural heritage and fishing traditions, was announced in July 2016.

At least two calls for each objective are foreseen before December 2018.

Expertise & cooperation

Type of cooperation projects foreseen:

  • Inter-territorial (within Latvia)
  • Transnational
  • Sea basin

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Biedrība ZBA
Members of the partnership: 

The FLAG board (decision-making body) consists of 12 members, but all 56 members of the FLAG are actively involved.

Together they represent 4 municipalities, 6 fishermen’s organisations, 14 businesses, 23 NGOs and 9 private individuals.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
56
% of fisheries actors: 
33%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
42%
% of environmental actors: 
8%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
12
% of public actors: 
17%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
3,00

Visuals

Map

FLAG Contacts

Biedrība ZBA
 
Pils iela 14
3270 Dundagas novads
Latvia
FLAG Manager:
Ms. Gunta Abaja
Phone:
+371 29 172 814
FLAG President:
Ms. Inta Matrevica
Languages:
  • Latvian (Mother tongue)
  • English (Advanced)
  • German (Advanced)
Publication date: 
26/12/2016
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