Delta Dunarii (Danube) FLAG

Official name:

Asociatia Grup Local Pentru Pescarie Durabila In Delta Dunarii

Country:

Romania

Region:

Tulcea

Code:

RO205

Programming period:

2007-2013

2014-2020

Area

The Danube Delta FLAG area comprises 25 administrative units and covers two contrasting geographical zones: the wetland of the Danube delta and the continental zone.

The FLAG area is made up of the entire Danube delta, a world natural heritage site and a biosphere reserve and has undeniable value to the fisheries sector. At present, there are around 1 034 fishermen working here and there are 46 landing points authorised as first sale centres. Commercial fishing activity takes place in the following areas: the Danube delta, the Razim - Sinoe complex and the Black sea coast.

The area faces a series of challenges such as a lack of diversification of economic activities, environmental problems, difficult access to medical infrastructure services, insufficient food safety, a lack of skilled workers and insufficient diversification of the economy.

The most valuable opportunities in the FLAG area include its significant tourist potential due to its traditional gastronomy and an impressive variety of beautiful natural and cultural landscapes.

Type of area:

Coastal
Inland
Rural
Urban

Sea Basins:

Black Sea
Rivers and Lakes

Protected areas:

One Biosphere Reserve (Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve), 20 areas with full protection, one scientific reserve, six nature reserves, nine Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and 8 Sites of Community Importance (SCIs), representing approx. 80% of the total area.

Population

144 543

Surface area (km²)

5 839

Population density

Total employment in fisheries

1 428

Fishing:

1 034

Aquaculture:

394

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy aims to:

Promote diversification to supplement fisheries incomes and create jobs by boosting investment and adding value to local products
Enhance environmental activity and encourage investment that responds to climate change
Promote the history and culture of the fisheries area

Themes:

Objective:

Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain

Priority:

% of the budget allocated:

36%

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

30%

Supporting diversification

20%

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

10%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020:

9 437 500

EMFF:

7 078 125
MS co-financing:

2 359 375
Sources of co-funding:

National

Project examples

Projects idea include:

Diversification of activities for workers in the fisheries and aquaculture sector (e.g. conversion of housing to accommodation units, tourist facilities, aquaculture mini-farms, etc.);
Creating jobs outside the fisheries sector (for example turning reeds into solid fuels, setting-up traditional handicraft workshops and apprenticeships);
Improving access to basic services in hard-to-reach fishing areas (especially health and healthcare services, quality assurance and food compliance, etc.);
Certification of local traditional products, organic certification, registration of the collective brand for fish caught and the resulting products;
Support local culture including traditional folklore ensembles of all nationalities and minorities in the FLAG area.

Calls for proposals

Several calls per year are envisaged. Each call for applications will be open for 30 days. After the evaluation of the projects submitted, other calls will be opened until the budget allocated to the measure is exhausted.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has experience in artisanal fishing techniques, diversification and the promotion of cultural, historical and gastronomic heritage
They are also interested in the processing of fishery products, the added value of traditional products and innovation.

Budget envisaged for cooperation:

30000.00

Partnership

Members of the partnership:

The FLAG membership is made up of six members and include Tulcea county council, the Danube delta biosphere reserve, three local fisheries associations and one NGO.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of fisheries actors:

33%

% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors:

33%

Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board:

% of public actors:

33%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG:

10,00