High Western Rhodopes FLAG

Official name:

FLAG "High Western Rhodopes: Batak - Devin - Dospat"

Country:

Bulgaria

Code:

BG201

Programming period:

2014-2020

Area

Type of area:

Inland
Rural

Sea Basins:

Rivers and Lakes

Protected areas:

Most of the FLAG’s territory is protected (most of the protected areas are forests). This includes about 50 protected areas (entirely or partially) of four categories (strict nature reserve, wilderness area, natural monument and protected area). Furthermore, a large part of the FLAG territory area falls into the NATURA 2000 – three protected areas (entirely or partially) under the NATURA 2000 Network (one of them according to Habitats Directive and the other two according to Birds Directive).

Population

25 188

Surface area (km²)

1 534

Population density

Total employment in fisheries

Fishing:

Aquaculture:

Processing:

Women employment in fisheries:

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy is committed to decreasing the socio-economic disparities of the fisheries area as well as contributing to its sustainable development. It includes measures for maintaining employment in the fisheries sector and creating new jobs through the following initiatives:

Diversification of aquaculture activities.
Adding value to aquaculture products.
The valorisation of the natural and cultural heritage of the territory.
Expanding tourist services through angling tourism development.

Themes:

Objective:

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

Priority:

% of the budget allocated:

34%

Supporting diversification

12%

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

13%

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

13%

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

28%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
3 000 000
EMFF: 
1 700 000
MS co-financing: 
300 000

Good Practice

Mobilising and training volunteers to prevent poaching

From Denmark to the Rhodopes: bringing fisheries closer to citizens

Calls for proposals

The FLAG will prepare an annual call for projects with a fixed deadline of 90 days after the call is announced. Calls will be published on the FLAG website - www.flag-rhodope.bg

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

The FLAG shares some of its territory and certain board members with two LEADER LAGs (the High Western Rhodopes LAG and the Devin LAG). The FLAG cooperates with the two LAGs on an informal basis. This involves plans to implement national cooperation projects and activities with the LAGs with the aim of developing tourism and environmental protection in the area.

Partnership

Accountable body:

[BG201] High Western Rhodopes FLAG

Members of the partnership:

FLAG members include the representatives from the three local municipalities (Batak, Devin, Dospat), two private aquaculture companies, two private non-fisheries companies, four NGO’s (three of them are local angling associations) and two private individuals.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of fisheries actors:

15%

% of public authorities and other:

23%

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

62%

% of environmental actors:

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

% of public actors:

43%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG:

3,00