FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
Fiches FLAG
The FLAG area is situated along the border between the two municipalities of Halkidiki (Sithonias and Aristoteles). Its rural and mountainous geographic characteristics determine its economy and productive profile and have driven growth in the primary sector. Agriculture includes olive production and wine making. The coast and the region’s proximity to Thessaloniki has led to the development of tourism in recent decades.
The main challenges faced here today are in achieving sustainable development in the area through the diversification of the fishing industry, the development of the local productive base, the improvement of competitiveness and quality of products and services, and the promotion of additional opportunities for those working in the fisheries sector.
Two Natura 2000 sites cover approximately 40% of the FLAG area (Oros Itamos-GR 1270002 and Oros Stratonikon GR 1270005).
The strategic goals of the FLAG are:
National
The FLAG/LAG receives funding both from the EMFF and the EAFRD under LEADER. The total public budget allocated to the FLAG from the EMFF and EAFRD for CLLD actions is €8 350 000. The FLAG also expects to receive funding for CLLD from the ESF.
The local programme foresees the publication of periodic calls.
The FLAG has experience in creating business clusters and networks in the fields of tourism and agri-food. It is interested in participating in transnational partnerships on:
The Halkidiki FLAG is multi-funded. It receives funding both from EMFF and ERDF.
The FLAG shares both a legal structure and part of its territory with a local LEADER LAG. They also have a common Programme Management Committee which ensures a high degree of co-ordination.
The FLAG has informal cooperation with other FLAGs and other CLLD groups all over the country. This is mainly organised through HELADA which is the representative body of LAGs and FLAGs in Greece.
FLAG members include the Region of Central Macedonia, the Regional Association of Municipalities of Central Macedonia, five municipalities within the FLAG area, the Association of Forest Cooperatives of Arnaia, two local associations of agricultural cooperatives, the fishing co-operative of Aristotle, a local association of forest co-operatives and the local hotel association.
