FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Crete Messara Gulf FLAG

Official name: 
Αναπτυξιακή Ηρακλείου, Αναπτυξιακή Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία ΟΤΑ (ΑΝ.Η. Α.Α.Ε. Ο.Τ.Α.)
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
GR231
Programming period: 
2014-2020

Area

Due to its extensive history and unique natural environment, this FLAG area which covers the southwest part of Heraklion Prefecture, (Messara Gulf), is rich with cultural and natural assets. The small-scale fishing activity is limited to demersal and small pelagic fish species which are promoted on local fish markets. Agriculture is also an important activity in the area.The main challenges are: fighting growing unemployment and boosting local incomes through activities that optimise the natural characteristics of the area.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

39.14% (152.31km2) of the FLAG area is covered by four Natura 2000 sites. Additionally, the area includes two wildlife refuges, one natural monument, two landscapes of particular natural beauty and five natural and artificial wet lands

Population
10 840
Surface area (km²)
275
Population density
39
Total employment in fisheries
16
Fishing: 
16

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the fisheries and coastal economy through the promotion of fish and fishery products, the development of additional activities for fishermen and the improvement of infrastructure related to fisheries.

Additionally, it aims at the diversification of the local economy through new entrepreneurial activities, mainly in the field of alternative and marine tourism, as well as at the raising of awareness about sustainable environmental management.

Objective: 
Supporting diversification
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
57%
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
4
20%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
4
6%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
4
15%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
2
2%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
3 950 000
  • EMFF: 
    2 962 500
  • MS co-financing: 
    987 500
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Project examples

Project ideas include:

  • Support of pesca tourism activities conducted by professional fishermen
  • Creation of enterprises in the sector of processing and marketing fisheries products
  • Creation and enhancement of enterprises in the sector of marine tourism (diving tourism, water sports, daily cruises)
  • Support of investments improving the infrastructure of fishing ports, auctions halls, landing sites and shelters
  • Creation of new marine parks, infrastructure for diving and observing the marine environment.

Calls for proposals

Calls for projects will be published at the following site: www.anher.gr

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has experience in the implementation of projects on agri-food, alternative forms of tourism (e.g. gastronomy tourism) and culture in island areas. It is interested in transnational cooperation projects with the countries of the Mediterranean area in the areas of marine and coastal tourism.

An inter-territorial project on pesca-tourism as well as a transnational project on marine tourism are envisaged.

Budget envisaged for cooperation:

The final amount has not been decided yet. It is estimated that about 3.5% of the total public budget will be allocated to cooperation projects.

 

Partnership

Members of the partnership: 

The FLAG membership includes the municipalities of Archanes – Asterousia, Heraklion, Minoa – Pediada, Malevizi, Chersonissos, Gortyna, Festos. Viannos and the union of Heraklion municipalities as well as the region of Crete. The agricultural associations in the membership include the Heraklion union, the agricultural cooperative of Profitis Ilias, the agricultural cooperative of Ano Asites, the agricultural cooperative of Kato Asites, the union of Peza agricultural cooperatives and the agricultural cooperative of Archanes. The Heraklion chamber of commerce and industry and the Pancreta cooperative bank are also members. Social actors in the membership include the women’s agricultural cooperative of Kroussona and the women’s cooperative of Archanes.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
20
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
25%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
9
% of public actors: 
44%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
3,00

Visuals

Map

FLAG Contacts

Αναπτυξιακή Ηρακλείου, Αναπτυξιακή Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία ΟΤΑ (ΑΝ.Η. Α.Α.Ε. Ο.Τ.Α.)
 
N. Pachaki 2
70100 Archanes, Heraklion, Crete
Greece
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Giorgos Mavrogiannis
Phone:
+30 281 075 3300
Languages:
  • Greek (Mother tongue)
  • English (Advanced)
  • Italian (Advanced)
  • French (Advanced)
Publication date: 
31/10/2017
PDF Version