FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Lemesos FLAG

Official name: 
ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΙΑΚΗ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΕΠΑΡΧΙΑΣ ΛΕΜΕΣΟΥ ΛΤΔ
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
CY202
Programming period: 
2014-2020

Area

The Lemesos FLAG is found in southern Cyprus and bordered by the district of Paphos and Larnaca. The FLAG area covers ten communities within the Limassol district and Municipality.

Within the locality, the area of Amathus, in the Agios Tychonas community, is designated as a marine protected area for historical reasons. Here one can find the submerged ancient port of Amathus which is a point of interest for divers. The location also hosts Cyprus’ first artificial reef. To allow this reef to develop and in order to achieve smooth growth in the biodiversity of the seabed only certain activities such as controlled diving, swimming, scientific research and education in relation to marine life are allowed. For the same reason, all forms of fishing activity, anchoring etc. are prohibited.

In terms of the fisheries sector, much fishing is small-scale, while the most valuable species targeted tend to be tuna and swordfish. The main challenges that this FLAG must face include the rising average age of fishermen, a lack of infrastructure, lack of cooperation between fishermen and a high degree of dependency between fishermen and fish markets.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

Amatheus

Population
113 544
Surface area (km²)
255
Population density
444
Total employment in fisheries
63
Fishing: 
59
Aquaculture: 
2
Processing: 
2
Women employment in fisheries: 
14

FLAG strategy

The strategy aims to foster the protection of the marine environment, promote employment, and maintain lifelong education.

The FLAG focuses on strengthening the links between its marine fisheries and aquaculture and the processing sector in the region. It also focuses on tourism with a view to fishermen hosting tourists on their boats.

Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
40%
Supporting diversification
3
20%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
1
5%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
2
10%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
4
25%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 311 500
  • EMFF: 
    1 733 625
  • MS co-financing: 
    577 875
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Project examples

Some of the proposed projects:

  • Basic infrastructure and equipment for fishermen, including buildings to store their equipment and products.
  • Thematic info points and an exhibition space
  • Improving the marine and coastal environment and projects related to diving
  • Fishermen hosting tourists on their boats

Expertise & cooperation

The Lemesos FLAG is a new FLAG. Nevertheless, the group can count on the experience of the Development Agency of Lemesos which has thematic experience and expertise from the 2007-2013 period when it managed a LEADER Local Action Group.

During this time the group was involved in improving local products and linking traditional products to tourism.

Partnership

Accountable body: 
The Development Agency of Lemesos LTD
Members of the partnership: 

The FLAG Membership is comprised of the ten communities and the Limassol municipality. It also includes the Union of Limassol Communities, Limassol Chamber of Commerce, the Industry Association of Professional Fishermen of Limassol, the Federation of Industries and the 3rd Industrial Area of Limassol Ypsonas.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
75
% of fisheries actors: 
3%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
7%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
5
% of public actors: 
40%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
3,00

Visuals

Map

FLAG Contacts

The Development Agency of Lemesos LTD
 
Nafpliou 13
3025 Lemesos
Cyprus
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Rakis Pieridis
Phone:
+357 25 760111
Languages:
  • Greek (Mother tongue)
  • English (Advanced)
Publication date: 
10/04/2017
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