FLAG Factsheet
The East Liguria FLAG area covers all coastal municipalities of the provinces of Genoa and La Spezia, and is characterised by a geographical continuity and economical homogeneity based on micro and small businesses (mostly engaged in the trade and tourism sector).
The tourism sector plays a very important role in this area and is based on the attractiveness of the sea, nature, the local gastronomy and cultural heritage. The fisheries sector also plays a key-role: fresh fish “at a distance of 0km” is available as there are 14 landing points in the territory for the local catch. Moreover, there are two aquaculture and mussel culture facilities located in the area.
Cross-sectoral links between fisheries and tourism are present in the area (trade of local products from land and sea, hotels and restaurants, nautical tourism and the fish festival of Camogli), and there is potential to further develop the local economy (e.g. developing quality labels for some typical species such as red shrimp and anchovies).
However, the FLAG area is challenged to maintain a balance between economic development and the preservation of the natural environment (sea and land): the marine environment is polluted with abandoned fishing nets and fishing gear as well as the debris coming from floods in recent years. A reduction of local sea fauna affects many local fishing communities. Another critical factor in the area is the lack of infrastructure (safe moorings, ground areas, car parks, access ramps, landfill facilities for waste collection, etc.).
Protected Marine areas of Portofino and Cinque Terre
The FLAG will work on the following two objectives: increase the profitability of fishing activities and enhance the environmental sustainability of fishing activities.
Actions will include:
National and regional
The FLAG plans to publish around 20 calls for projects over the entire implementation period, on a continuous basis. The website where the calls will be published is currently under development.
The East Liguria FLAG is new and has not yet experience in cooperation.
The FLAG is interested in cooperation projects dealing with strategic approaches to the protection of the marine ecosystem and to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The East Liguria FLAG is an independent structure. Informal cooperation is envisaged with the two LAGs in the provinces of Genova and La Spezia. (Agenzia di sviluppo GAL Genovese and GAL Provincia della Spezia).
FLAG members include the Chambers of commerce in the area, the offices of the Marine Protected Areas of Portofino and Cinque Terre, Genova University, fisheries cooperatives and fisheries organisations.