FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Lesvos FLAG

Official name: 
ΕΤΑΛ Α.Ε. (ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΤΟΠΙΚΗΣ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΗΣ ΛΕΣΒΟΥ Α.Ε.)
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
GR224
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

Lesvos is the third largest island in Greece and forms part of the North-East Aegean region. The island is rural and sparsely populated.

The island’s per capita income is below the average for EU regions, and it is in need of better infrastructure and accessibility to the mainland. The local economy is based on agricultural and fisheries activities. The island is known for olive oil, local dairy products, and fish. There is also a growing tertiary sector based mainly on tourism. Lesvos can be described as largely unspoilt and has a varied landscape which ranges from mountains to plains to rough volcanic terrain.

The challenges here include a need for better infrastructure, a declining population and a lack of younger people entering the fisheries sector.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

Almost 40% of the island, across nine separate Natura 2000 areas, is protected. This includes three areas of Special Community Interest (SCIs) and six Special Area of Conservation (SACs). In addition to this, there are also several protected aquatic areas.

Population
86 436
Surface area (km²)
1 642
Population density
52
Total employment in fisheries
1 295
Fishing: 
1 231
Aquaculture: 
46
Processing: 
18
Women employment in fisheries: 
152

FLAG strategy

The FLAG’s strategy focuses on enhancing social and economic prosperity in the area with emphasis on the advantages of the island’s remote location and the diverse rural and insular natural environment. There will also be a focus on the need to develop synergies in the supply chain for fisheries and aquaculture products.

There will be an emphasis on introducing appropriate expertise in order to increase innovation and competitiveness. CLLD in Lesvos also aims to introduce qualitative differentiation and branding of products and services from the island and the creation of a local tourism identity that focuses on the local characteristics of the area.

Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
25%
Supporting diversification
5
30%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
2
15%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
3
15%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
4
15%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
3 000 000
  • EMFF: 
    2 250 000
  • MS co-financing: 
    750 000
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

  • Multi-funding: 

    EAFRD funds, EDRD funds and ESF along with local funds will be used to complement the strategy in various projects.

  • Funds: 
    EAFRD
    Other(s)

Project examples

Ideas for upcoming projects include:

  • Processing fishery products
  • Developing Pesca-tourism
  • Assisting professionals in the fisheries sector to expand and diversify their primary activity - fishing, providing training and improving skills.
  • Helping entrepreneurs in order to increase the competitiveness of the local economy, increasing the value added of local fisheries products and fostering fisheries tourism by taking advantage of traditional boats and the area’s fishing heritage.

Calls for proposals

The first call for projects could be opened towards Summer 2017 After the selection criteria will have been approved.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has experience in managing natural resources and is interested in cooperating with areas in the Mediterranean basin on:

  • the protection of natural resources
  • alternative tourism
  • small-scale local products especially those linked to traditional gastronomy

The FLAG plans to continue the transnational cooperation www.diveinourislands.com, enlarging the partnership and enriching actions.

 

Budget envisaged for cooperation: 
280000.00

Partnership

Members of the partnership: 

ETAL S.A. Partnership, as a legal entity consists of:

  1. The North Aegean Regional Union of Municipalities
  2. The Union of Agricultural Associations of Lesvos
  3. The Chamber of Commerce of Lesvos

And is complemented at the board of the CLLD decision making body (LAG/FLAG) by the:

  1. Municipality of Lesvos
  2. Coastal Association of Professional Fishermen of Lesvos

Decision-making on the main board of the FLAG and LAG is done on a consultative basis and is reported to normally be unanimous, the key guiding principle in all decisions is transparency.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
20
% of fisheries actors: 
20%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
40%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
10
% of public actors: 
40%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
3,00

Visuals

Map

FLAG Contacts

Lesvos local Development Company (ETAL SA)
 
ΕΤΑΛ Α.Ε. (ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑ ΤΟΠΙΚΗΣ ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΗΣ ΛΕΣΒΟΥ Α.Ε.)
4 Ermou Street
81100 Mytilini, Lesvos
Greece
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Anastasios Perimenis
Phone:
+30 2251 029400
Languages:
  • Greek (Mother tongue)
  • French (Advanced)
  • English (Advanced)
  • Italian (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
29/05/2017
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