FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Larnaca FLAG

Official name: 
Αναπτυξιακή Εταιρεία Επαρχιών Λάρνακας και Αμμοχώστου ΛΤΔ (ΑΝΕΤΕΛ)
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
CY201
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The FLAG area consists of six municipalities and 11 communities. It covers the districts of Larnaca and Famagusta in the eastern part of Cyprus and represents 5.6% of the total area and 19.5% of the total coastline of the country.

Fishing is an important activity in the area, with 4.3% of its workforce employed in the primary sector, 67% of which work in fishing. The area includes 9 out of 16 of the country’s fishing shelters, 62% of Cyprus’ inshore professional fishermen and 60% of the country’s fishing fleet. Beyond the primary sector, 20.7% of the area’s active population work in the secondary sector and 73.6% in the service sector. However, limited connection between fisheries and the secondary and service sectors is a challenge.

Other challenges include growing unemployment, which is above the national average. In addition, the average age of fishermen is high and there is insufficient training for the younger generation. Excessive recreational fishing, and overfishing generally, combined with intense tourist development in areas along the coast in recent decades, have the potential to threaten fish stocks and habitats in the future.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

The Larnaca Salt Lake which is one of the largest wetland systems in Cyprus and is considered the second most important wetland in the country; the protected area of Kavo Greco, a national forest park covering ​​385 hectares; and the marine area of ​​Cape Greco, known for its underwater canyons and caves that are popular among locals and tourists for diving. The FLAG area is also an important station for migratory birds and is home to as many as 71 species of fauna and flora.

Population
120 350
Surface area (km²)
516
Population density
233
Total employment in fisheries
962
Fishing: 
580
Aquaculture: 
326
Processing: 
56
Women employment in fisheries: 
16

FLAG strategy

The main vision is "Cooperation to create self-sustaining, diversified and vibrant fisheries areas attractive to work, live and visit". The strategy has the following objectives:

  • Strengthening the capacity of local fisheries areas to support and encourage local development
  • Developing a more diversified local economy.
  • Increasing local employment and social cohesion.
  • Protecting the land and marine environment, including the preservation, promotion and enhancement of cultural assets and the local identity of fisheries areas.
  • Improving residents' quality of life.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
3
% of the budget allocated: 
15%
Supporting diversification
4
35%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
1
3%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
2
5%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
5
44%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 362 200
  • EMFF: 
    1 771 650
  • MS co-financing: 
    590 550
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Project examples

  • Implementing and promoting a quality control scheme in Seafood Restaurants
  • Improving and promoting fishing and diving tourism
  • Protecting and promoting the marine and cultural assets of the fishing areas
  • Promoting fresh fisheries and aquaculture products
  • Promoting diving in our Island

Expertise & cooperation

An inter-territorial project with the other two Cypriot FLAGs is planned to promote fisheries products around the island; and a transnational project with Greece will continue cooperation initiated in the 2007-2014 period around the promotion of diving parks in the region. 

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Larnaca District Development Agency
Members of the partnership: 

The FLAG board (the decision-making body) consists of just five of the FLAG members, but all members are actively involved. Together with the members of the FLAG they represent 6 municipalities and 11 communities, the fishermen’s organisations, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Larnaca, and the financial institution of Larnaca and Famagusta.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
20
% of fisheries actors: 
20%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
20%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
5
% of public actors: 
40%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
5,00

Visuals

Map

FLAG Contacts

Larnaca District Development Agency
 
2b St. Lazarou Str.
Voroklini
7040 Larnaca
Cyprus
FLAG Manager:
Ms. Eudokia Balamou
Phone:
+357 24 815280
Languages:
  • Greek (Mother tongue)
  • English (Advanced)
Publication date: 
10/04/2017
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