ecoMAR FLAG

Official name:

GALP ecoMAR

Country:

Portugal

Code:

PT207

Programming period:

2014-2020

Area

The FLAG area extends over a coastal area of 35km and covers five parishes in two municipalities. This territory is noted for its traditional small-scale fisheries. This is a predominantly agricultural area with a growing tourist sector thanks to its accessible beaches.

The main challenges are: lack of organisation in the fisheries sector; ageing fishing support structures; ageing fleet; low educational and professional qualifications; coastal erosion; a need for protection and conservation of natural resources; and a lack of involvement and civic participation.

Type of area:

Coastal

Sea Basins:

Atlantic

Protected areas:

Two Sites of Community Importance (SCIs): Sintra-Cascais (PTCON0008) and Peniche-Santa Cruz (PTCON0056). Together they cover an area of 1.783ha, which corresponds to 23.88% of the FLAG area.

Population

37 894

Surface area (km²)

154

Population density

246

Total employment in fisheries

Fishing:

Women employment in fisheries:

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy comprises three strategic objectives that seek to focus on the wide range of challenges and opportunities that fall on the coastal communities of the FLAG area:

Diversification of fisheries and the coastal economy;
Promoting innovation and knowledge as a driver of blue growth;
Protection of natural resources and the environment.

Themes:

Objective:

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

Priority:

% of the budget allocated:

31%

Supporting diversification

22%

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

26%

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

16%

Funding

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

1 689 269

EMFF:

1 435 879
MS co-financing:

253 390
Sources of co-funding:

National
Funds:

ERDF

ESF

Project examples

Some projects ideas:

Creation and development of micro and small enterprises;
Recovery and modernization of equipment and small infrastructure connect to fisheries;
Adding value to local fisheries and sea products across the supply chain, such as new products and short distribution chains;
Promotion of sustainable tourism in coastal areas;
Promoting energy efficiency and use of renewable energy;
Creation of local marine and coastal protected areas;
Promotion of wind and water sports events and activities.

Expertise & cooperation

The areas of interest for cooperation are:

Enhance knowledge and skills in fishing activity;
Contribute to the diversification of the local economic;
Promote the sharing of scientific and technological knowledge associated with coastal systems;
Improve the mechanisms of protection and enhancement of coastal biophysical systems and sustainable management of marine resources;
Enhance the economic development of tourism.

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

The FLAG shares a legal structue with the local LEADER LAG and their territories overlap. They aslo have a common Programme Management Commttee which alows them to share strategies. The FLAG also cooperates with other FLAGs nearby and throughout Portugal.

Partnership

Accountable body:

Agência de Desenvolvimento Costeiro – ECOCOAST – Associação

Members of the partnership:

The FLAG membership includes several local municipalities, town councils and parish councils as well as local chambers of commerce, a natural history society, the Portuguese environment agency, the Torres Vedras fishing union, the association for development and support to fisheries in Porto Dinheiro, the Portuguese aquaculture association and an export-import association.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of fisheries actors:

45%

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

23%

% of environmental actors:

10%

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

% of public actors:

40%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG:

4,00