FLAG Factsheet
The establishment of the Coast to Coast FLAG is the first implementation of fisheries CLLD in the Basilicata region. The FLAG area includes 19 municipalities within the provinces of Matera and Potenza and covers approximately 61 km of the regional coastlines of the Tyrrhenian and the Ionian Seas, mostly included in protected areas or areas of community interest.
The local economy is based on hydrocarbon extraction, agriculture and services, summer sea tourism (Maratea area) and cultural tourism (Matera and the archaeological area of Metaponto).
The fisheries sector in the area is mostly small-scale fishing and is currently in decline. The challenges for the FLAG include providing help for the small-scale fishermen to improve their competitiveness, diversify their activities, and to create and develop links between fisheries and tourism. The area has a significant tourism potential, however, with the high number of protected areas present in the FLAG area, there is need to integrate economically with environmental development.
There are several protected areas and sites of community importance in the FLAG area. They include: Acquafredda di Maratea, Marina di Castrocucco (Maratea), Isola di S. Ianni e costa prospiciente (Maratea), Lago S. Giuliano e Timmari (Miglionico, Matera e Grottole), Bosco Pantano di Policoro e foce del fiume Sinni (Policoro-Rotondella), Costa Ionica foce del fiume Agri (Scanzano Jonico-Policoro), Costa Ionica foce del fiume Cavone (Scanzano Jonico e Pisticci), Costa Ionica foce del fiume Basento (Bernalda), Costa Ionica foce del fiume Bradano (Bernalda)
The FLAG seeks to build economic development in a sustainable way, based on its local identity and marine culture. It will also support the integration of fisheries with other economic sectors in the area, supporting the diversification of fishermen’s activities.
Furthermore, the FLAG seeks to preserve and increase employment in the area’s fisheries; promoting and improving professional skills; and promoting national and transnational cooperation. The focus of the strategy is on the development and innovation of local supply chains and production systems, sustainable tourism, and the valorisation and management of environmental and natural resources.
National
Project examples and ideas for the Coast to Coast FLAG include:
The FLAG cooperates with the Matera municipality on the enhancement of green and integrated tourism. The FLAG is also interested in transnational cooperation, particularly within the Adriatic-Ionian region or across the Mediterranean, about the promotion of traditional fishing cultures, the diversification of the small-scale fisheries sector, aquaculture and the management of protected areas.
The Coast to Coast FLAG shares geographical territories with two LAGs, LAG Cittadella del Sapere and LAG Start2020. Activities will include the development of common projects and objectives between the different organisations.
The FLAG includes a total of 30 members. This includes 16 local municipalities, the local development consortium, the national confederation of handicraft and small enterprises, the fishers association and several research organisations