FLAG Factsheet
The region of Huelva comprises the five coastal municipalities of Ayamonte, Isla Cristina, Lepe, Cartaya and Punta Umbría. Situated on the Atlantic coast the area has an attractive coastline, low levels of urbanisation and extensive marshlands, dunes and pine forests, many of which are protected.
Fishing is important to the regional economy. Produce includes a variety of fish, molluscs and shellfish, and the area has the environmental conditions required for developing aquaculture. Fishing practises include trawling, purse seine and small-scale artisanal vessels. Important sectors related to fishing in the area include processing (mainly canning) and tourism.
A key challenge is out-migration and attracting young people to the area. The FLAG aims to transform the region into a competitive hub where jobs are generated, resources are efficiently managed and where there is social cohesion and integration. It aims to act as a transforming axis for economic activity in the region through the following themes: innovation, equal opportunities and environmental sustainability.
134km of the FLAG’s territory is protected including the Laguna del Portil’s nature reserve, the Odiel marshes and the Río Piedras’ marshes.
The FLAG aims to make the area more innovative, sustainable and efficient in the management of resources by 2021. The FLAG strategy includes the following key objectives:
Promoting innovation in the region’s fisheries and tourism industries.
Regional
Projects examples and ideas for the FLAG include the following:
The creation and renewal of the area’s hospitality and tourism sector.
Calls for projects are made annually and are published on the FLAG website:
http://costaluz.islacristina.org/convocatorias/
The Huelva FLAG share its territory with the local LAG. As a result, an informal cooperation exists between and several FLAG members are also members of the LAG.
FLAG members include the town halls of the local municipalities (Isla Cristina, Punta Umbría, Ayamonte, Lepe and Cartaya), the fishing organisations (‘cofradías’) of Isla Critina and Punta Umbría, the San Francisco residents’ association, a women’s association and several fisheries enterprises.