FLAG Factsheet
Located in the north of Portugal, the Litoral Norte (North Coast) is part of the Alto Minho region (NUT III), which is composed of 25 communes that make up five coastal and inland municipalities (Braga, Viana do Castelo, Caminha, Vila Nova de Cerveira and Valença).
The area has significant tourism potential, mainly due to the quality of the natural environment, the rivers course (the Minho and Lima Rivers are designated Sites of Community Importance - Natura 2000), and the coastal zone (16 Blue Flag beaches, Litoral Norte Natural Park).
Along the coast, there are many active fishing communities, which help to preserve the area’s maritime identity and traditions. The quality of the fish caught here is well recognised, with most popular species being octopus, sardines, mackerel (sea species), lamprey, sole and shad (migratory species found in local rivers).
Other activities associated with the "blue economy" include ship building and repair, and offshore renewable energy production.
The development of the maritime economy is a strategic priority for the region and is essential to preserving the social and cultural fabric of the area.
Specific challenges:
The strategy proposed for the Litoral Norte presents the following vision for the development of the area:
"A territory that values its maritime and fishing resources and traditions, while supporting new opportunities for economic development and job creation."
Realising this vision for the Litoral Norte is based on the pursuit of the following strategic objectives:
National
To consolidate the good results achieved in the last programming period, the FLAG will build on the dynamics generated by a series of flagship project, such as:
Not available yet. To date there is no specific national legislation relating to the launch of calls for applications.
Type of cooperation projects foreseen:
FLAG territory overlaps with two rural CLLD groups: the three CLLD groups in the territory [the Coastal LAG Litoral Norte (FLAG), led by CIM Alto Minho, the ADRIL and the ADRIMINHO (Rural LAG's)] are partners in several projects and territorial development initiatives.
A protocol of joint procedures has been signed between the CLLD groups, which aims to promote synergies between the different funding instruments (EMFF, EAFRD, ERDF and ESF).
The partnership governance model is supported by a Partnership Protocol, signed by 49 local and regional entities, which are considered fundamental to the development of the Litoral Norte (North Coast) development strategy. These entities are part of the General Council of the Coastal LAG Litoral Norte. The private sector represents 75% of the members of the partnership, covering the main intervention areas, namely:
There are 12 public entities, including: