FLAG Factsheet
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).
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:
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
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.
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.