FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The island of Corfu lies of the North-west coast of Greece. The local economy is mainly dependant on tourism. The island is known for its natural beauty and pleasant climate. As the only part of Greece not to have been occupied by the Ottoman empire, it has a unique history.
The FLAG area is located in the south of the island, where 31% of the fishermen of Corfu live and 75% of the fisheries production (fishes, molluscs and shellfish) takes place. The catch exceeds 500 tonnes per year.
An ageing population and poverty are some of the main challenges of the area. It is also proving difficult to get younger people to join the industry.
There are two Natura 2000 protected areas in the south of Corfu- namely the lake of Korission and the wetland of Alykes Lefkimis. These areas cover 35.86 km² (or 26% of the FLAG area).
The main aims of the FLAG’s strategy include differentiation of production, increased competitiveness of entrepreneurship and the improvement of the quality of life of the local population.
Specific priorities include enhancing gastronomy, supporting pesca-tourism, improving the quality of the services provided and enhancing the environmental advantages of the area.
It is hoped to boost the social economy and entrepreneurship via cooperation between fisheries and other sectors of the economy.
National
The CLLD is multi-funded. It receives funding from the EMFF and the EARDF.
Project ideas include ideas in the field of gastronomy, organised tours in the area, pesca-tourism, and accommodation services.
The FLAG is interested in cooperation projects on various environmental issues relating to Natura areas. Participation in an inter-territorial project about “Marine environment, coastal threats and fisheries” is envisaged.
The FLAG shares a legal structure with the local LEADER LAG and their territories overlap. They also have a common Programme Management Committee which allows them to share strategies.
FLAG members include the municipality of Corfu, the region of the Ionian Islands, the association of municipalities, the local technical chamber, the local fisheries association and the union of agricultural associations.
Although no fisheries actors are formal members of the association, a local fisheries organisation sits on the project selection board of the FLAG.
