FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

FLAG Samokov

Official name: 
FLAG Samokov
Country:
Code: 
BG209
Programming period: 
2014-2020

Area

The FLAG territory is located in western Bulgaria close to Sofia. The area’s landscape is mixed and includes mountainous highlands, several rivers, and many natural water resources which are in good ecological condition and one of the main assets of local fisheries.

Good environmental conditions make the area suitable for aquaculture which is a traditional family practice in the region. More recently, several fisheries processing activities have also been established. Outside of fisheries, skiing and related tourism is growing in the area around the resort of Borovets.

Challenges include the regions mountainous terrain and high elevation which limits opportunities and makes it difficult businesses to diversify. There is also an inadequate infrastructure for the area’s reservoirs, insufficient capacity for aquaculture processing, and an underdeveloped fisheries distribution network.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

Most of the FLAG’s territory sits within protected areas under the NATURA 2000 Network including six areas listed under the Habitats Directive and two listed under the Birds Directive.

Population
35 871
Surface area (km²)
1 210
Population density
34
Total employment in fisheries
48
Aquaculture: 
20
Processing: 
28
Women employment in fisheries: 
28

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy focuses on the sustainable development of the area’s inland fisheries. Through the creation effective partnership between the public, private and civil sectors, and the integration of the entire fishing community. The main objectives of the strategy include:

  • Adding value to local fisheries and aquaculture products, creating jobs, and promoting innovation at all stages along the fisheries and aquaculture supply chain.
  • Supporting diversification of the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
  • Promoting social well-being, and the areas cultural and natural heritage.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
76%
Supporting diversification
4
14%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
2
1%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
3
8%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
1
0%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 000 000
  • EMFF: 
    1 700 000
  • MS co-financing: 
    300 000
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Project examples

Potential project ideas include:

  • Improving the competitiveness and viability of aquaculture enterprises, including improving safety and working conditions, by building and updating sites and diversifying incomes.
  • Support the development of various types of economic activities such as restaurants, markets, shops and other leisure activities and services in order to stimulate the sale and consumption of fish.
  • Improving infrastructure to attract investment for sustainable economic local development, improving the environment and making the area more attractive.
  • Conservation and restoration of aquatic biodiversity and improvement of ecosystems.

Calls for proposals

Calls are made on an ongoing basis. The FLAG publishes calls for project proposals in a regional daily newspaper, on the website of Samokov Municipality and its information message board, and on the FLAGs own website: https://mirg-samokov.eu/

Expertise & cooperation

FLAG Samokov is interested in cooperation in the field of environmental protection, diversification of aquaculture activities, and promoting local culture and natural heritage.

Budget envisaged for cooperation: Up to €5 000 (and annual costs for study trips to other Bulgarian and European FLAGs).

Partnership

Accountable body: 
FLAG Samokov
Members of the partnership: 

FLAG members include one municipality, five private aquaculture companies, and three non-government organisations.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
9
% of fisheries actors: 
56%
% of public authorities and other: 
11%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
33%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
5
% of public actors: 
20%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
2,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

FLAG Samokov
 
34 Makedoniya Str.
2000 Samokov
Bulgaria
FLAG President:
Mr. Vladimir Georgiev
FLAG Manager:
Ms. Yoana Spasova
Phone:
+359 888 595 880
Languages:
  • Bulgarian (Mother tongue)
  • English (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
15/05/2019
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