FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Messinia FLAG

Official name: 
ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΙΑΚΗ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ –ΑΝΑΠΤΥΞΙΑΚΗ ΑΕ ΟΤΑ
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
GR217
Programming period: 
2014-2020

Area

The FLAG area has a strong level of community cohesion. Despite this, they still face issues related to an ageing population. The primary sector is characterised by small-scale fisheries and small-scale agriculture. Tourism is very important for the economy of the region.

The main challenges in the area include:

  • The promotion of youth entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector and education and retraining for unemployed people
  • The diversification of tourism with support for fishing tourism, diving, etc.
  • Upgrading port infrastructure and services (e.g. creation of marine parks, facilitation of diving activities and marine observation, etc.)
  • Upgrading the quality of life in fishing areas 
Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

There are nine Natura 2000 areas, including the Pyloy lagoon, making up about 38.15% of the FLAG area. 

Population
16 482
Surface area (km²)
282 553
Population density
58
Total employment in fisheries
119
Fishing: 
109
Aquaculture: 
10

FLAG strategy

The FLAG’s strategy aims to:

  • Support the interconnection of local businesses and local identity
  • Improve the quality of life of the local population, through support for social cohesion and fighting poverty
  • Improve competitiveness especially in the value chain of the agri-food sector, through support for innovation, networking and collaboration

Through the implementation of the strategy for fisheries, the encouragement of local development and support for diversification of activities, it is hoped to create new jobs.

Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
35%
Supporting diversification
4
25%
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
3
20%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
2
12%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
1
7%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
1 750 000
  • EMFF: 
    1 312 500
  • MS co-financing: 
    437 500
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

  • Multi-funding: 

    Yes. The CLLD programme is multi-funded. It has a total public budget of €8 550 000 (€6 850 000 from the EAFRD and €1 750 000 from the EMFF). EAFRD will support: Investments in agri-food processing, infrastructure, knowledge transfer and support for professional training and skills and the creation/modernisation of other businesses in Mesinia. 

  • Funds: 
    EAFRD

Project examples

Project ideas include:

  • Fishing tourism and other related activities
  • Infrastructure in order to encourage tourist activity in the fisheries areas of Messinia (marine parks, monuments etc.)

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG is interested in cooperation with other fishing areas in Europe, knowledge exchange and dissemination of best practices in the area of environmental protection management and supportive actions for entrepreneurship in fisheries areas.

There is one transnational project envisaged at the moment - “Marine Protected Areas & Activities: Fishing - Tourism". The main philosophy of this project is to support successful management practices in marine protected areas in conjunction with the development of economic activities (fishing, tourism) and the sustainable management of natural resources. 

Budget envisaged for cooperation: 
100000.00

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Development Company of Messinia S.A
Members of the partnership: 

The key partner of the FLAG is the Region of Peloponnese as well as local municipalities. Although there are no fisheries actors in the membership there is a fisheries association on the decision-making board of the FLAG.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
6
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
8%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
9
% of public actors: 
44%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
6,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

Development Company of Messinia S.A
 
Omirou and Mezonos 50
24132 Kalamata
Greece
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Ilias Spartianos
Languages:
  • Greek (Mother tongue)
  • English (Basic)
  • French (Basic)
Publication date: 
20/10/2017
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