Costa Sostible FLAG

The FLAG territory covers both the Ria de Muros e Noia and the Ria de Corcubión. The region has historically been highly dependent on fishing even though the sector has not reached the same importance as it has in the south of Galicia. Still, the five ports and their auction (Noia, Muros, Fisterra, Porto do Son and Portosín) do generate crucial employment in their immediate surroundings where fishing is part of the traditional way of life.

Other economic activities are concentrated in the main urban areas of the FLAG, situated in the north (Cee - Corcubión ) and east (Noia) which are well connected by major roads to the cities of La Coruña and Santiago de Compostela. This leaves the central part (Carnota, Dumbría) of the FLAG territory as the most peripheral and isolated.

The territory is also dealing with a much older population profile that the rest of Galicia. On top of that, depopulation is also an issue, with population levels having dropped by 9.5% between 1999 and 2013. A lack of opportunities apart from low skilled employment, making the territory less attractive for younger generations is one of the reasons for this.

Today, the FLAG area is challenged to support the high amount of micro-businesses which face difficulties in adapting to external changes within the fisheries supply chain. The fragmentation of the sector also leads to problems in the management of common resources such as fish stocks.

Tourism has emerged as one of the few alternatives to the decline of traditional industries. The beaches and the landscape, promoted in the media by events such as the Vuelta cycle race of Spain, are key to attracting more tourists. In addition, the demand for second homes in the region is increasing.

However, the region is not yet taking full advantage of the emerging flow of tourism. There is a challenge to unite all initiatives through an overall strategy on promoting the region as a tourist destination.