FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG is situated in the southern part of the Dolj county, on the Danube, and on the border with Bulgaria. Agriculture is the region’s primary sector as the land is naturally suited for growing cereals, vegetables and fruit. Secondary sectors include the automotive industry, heavy electrical and transport equipment, aeronautics, chemicals processing, food and textiles. The county’s capital, Craiova, is the largest city in southwestern Romania. The recently opened Calafat Vidin Bridge on the Danube is in the FLAG territory and offers development opportunities, connecting both people and businesses.
While agriculture in the FLAG territory is prominent, the region also has strong forestry and fish farming industries. The area includes the Calafat Port, one of two small ports on the Danube where activities are related to tourism and hospitality services.
A central challenge to the area is an ageing population and high out-migration. Many of the young economically active population tend to migrate to Craiova or other more dynamic areas, either within Romania or the rest of Europe.
There are five protected areas in the FLAG’s territory covering a total of 3km2. These areas are Pajistea Halofila Gighera, Pajistea Cetate, Ciuperceni-Desa, Balta Cilieni-Bailesti and Balta Lata.
The FLAG’s local development strategy aims to create a framework for the sustainable development of the region and its fisheries communities. The strategy is based on an open and dynamic approach that has enabled, with the help of all actors involved, the development of a realistic diagnosis of the area, focusing on the identification of advantages, problems, opportunities and risks.
The implementation of the strategy is aimed at reducing the decline of the fisheries sector, increasing the living standards of fisheries communities, supporting the professional diversification of fishermen, and protecting the area’s natural environment.
Regional
Project examples and ideas for the FLAG include:
The FLAG makes two calls for projects a year. More information can be found on the FLAG website
The FLAG has experience in implementing EU funded projects which it would like to share with other CLLD groups. In order to achieve its strategic objectives, the FLAG would like to lay the foundations of several national and transnational cooperation projects focused on the sustainable development of the fisheries and fisheries communities.
The FLAG does not share a territory with a LEADER LAG or any other CLLD group.
FLAG members consist of municipalities of Calafat and Bailesti, four private fisheries enterprises and several civil society organisations including a fishermen’s association.