FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Cyclades FLAG

Official name: 
Αναπτυξιακή Εταιρεία Κυκλάδων Α.Ε.- Αναπτυξιακή Ανώνυμη Εταιρεία Ο.Τ.Α.
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
GR228
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The Cyclades Archipelago is made up of 24 small islands; 16 of which have a population of less than 3 000 people. This means that both human and economic resources are fragmented here. The economy of the area in recent years has been focused on tourism to the detriment of the primary and secondary sectors.

Despite this, the fisheries sector remains particularly important. About 98% of fishing vessels in the area are small coastal boats. Commercial fisheries help to maintain local residents in the area all year round. This is particularly helpful given that tourist income tends to peak in the summer months. Fishing equipment used by coastal fishermen in the Cyclades includes nets, longlines, trawls, traps and pelagic long lines. The catch in the Cyclades is mostly composed of mullets, scorpion fish, snappers, bogues and picarels.

Challenges here include access to markets and public transport due to the difficult geography. Since the economic crisis of 2009, unemployment has increased dramatically leading many young people in particular to leave the area in search of opportunities elsewhere. It should also be remembered that coastal fishermen here have less days at sea each year compared to coastal fishermen from the rest of Greece. This is attributed to the particularly rough weather conditions that characterise this area.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

There are 33 Natura 2000 areas within the FLAG area encompassing an area of 1 835,72 km2 including marine sites.

Population
118 027
Surface area (km²)
2 553
Population density
46
Total employment in fisheries
483
Fishing: 
462
Aquaculture: 
19
Processing: 
2

FLAG strategy

The FLAG’s strategy aims to protect the uniqueness (both cultural and environmental) of these islands and to promote sustainable development. This will be achieved mainly through tourism and marine activities, the creation and/or improvement of infrastructure, the improvement of services for marine activities and the implementation of cooperation projects.

Objective: 
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
Priority: 
5
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
4
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
3
Supporting diversification
2
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
1

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 550 000
  • EMFF: 
    1 912 500
  • MS co-financing: 
    637 500
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

  • Multi-funding: 

    The approved funding for the programme is €6 150 000 (€2 550 000 from the EMFF and €6 150 000 from the EAFRD).

  • Funds: 
    EAFRD

Project examples

Project ideas include:

  • Hostel accommodation provided by coastal fishermen and their families who will provide a traditional stay and services as a means of promoting the marine identity of the area.
  • Processing and packaging facilitates for fisheries products.
  • A boat yard for building, maintenance and boat repair.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG is willing to share its experience in gastronomy, cultural issues and environmental protection. They are particularly interested in transnational cooperation on wooden and traditional shipbuilding, and lighthouses.

Cooperation projects currently envisaged include “Marine environment conservation, coastal threats and fisheries”. The purpose of this project is inter-regional cooperation between coastal and island FLAGs of the country on the topic of marine conservation. The main objective is recording, mapping and prioritisation of risks faced by Greek marine areas, related to fisheries and coastal areas. Another project foreseen involves cooperation between areas with significant port infrastructure.

Budget envisaged for cooperation: 
184875.00

Partnership

Members of the partnership: 

Region of South Aegean, the municipalities of Cyclades, the regional union of municipalities of the south Aegean, the chamber of Cyclades, the union of agricultural associations of the islands of Cyclades and Argosaronikos, the union of Tinos hotels, the Hellenic society for the study and protection of the monk seal.

Although no fisheries actors are formal members of the association, a local fisheries organisation sits on the project selection board of the FLAG.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
23
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
45%
% of environmental actors: 
5%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
6
% of public actors: 
33%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
4,00

Visuals

Map

FLAG Contacts

Cyclades Development Company
 
Tsiropina Square 2
84100 Hermoupolis
Greece
FLAG President:
Mr. Georgios Leontaritis
Phone:
+30 2281 088834
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Konstantinos Voltis
Phone:
+30 2281 088834
Languages:
  • Greek (Mother tongue)
  • English (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
22/08/2017
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