FLAG Factsheet
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.
Amatheus
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.
National
Some of the proposed projects:
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.
The Development Agency of Lemesos is a company with limited liability. The share capital of the company belongs to 75 shareholders, including public and private organisations. There are two different committees within the legal entity of the Development Agency of Lemesos: 1) the "Fisheries" Programme Management Committee” which is the decision-making body for the FLAG and 2) the “Agriculture Programme Management Committee” which is the decision-making body for the LEADER LAG. The Manager of the Development Agency of Lemesos is responsible for the coordination of both programmes.
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.