FLAG Factsheet
Kainuu-Koillismaa is an area of dispersed settlement in North-East Finland with hundreds of lakes. The fishing traditions are strong and vital both among professional and non-professional fishermen. The lakes are mostly underfished and aquaculture has great potential.
Some of the main challenges have been identified as: the long distances between fishermen and markets which increase costs, a lack of technology to utilise small-sized fish and the small number of fish processing companies.
No protected water areas, except some spatial and temporal fishing restrictions to protect spawning migration.
The strategy is based on local strengths and the activity of local actors. Innovation and lifetime learning are among the main themes.
The strategy focuses on the following areas:
Natonal and provincial
Projects can be presented and selected on an ongoing basis
Type of cooperation projects foreseen: Sharing expertise in fishing techniques and fish processing with other inland FLAGs on a transnational level.
The FLAG shares a legal structure with the local LEADER LAG and their territories overlap. They also share a board member and co-operate informally.
The FLAG membership includes the Elävä Kainuu, Koillismaa and Keskipiste-Leader LEADER LAGs. and the municipalities and cities of Kajaani, Vaala, Sotkamo, Kuhmo, Paltamo, Puolanka, Ristijärvi, Hyrynsalmi, Suomussalmi, Posio, Taivalkoski, Kuusamo and Pyhäjärvi.