FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG area is found on the southern-most peninsula of mainland Greece. Within the area we find fish farms, small-scale fishing enterprises and businesses involved in pesca-tourism activities.
The specific challenges confronting the area include an ageing population, the need to promote the area's identity, diversification and adaptation of activities and services and the enhancement of natural heritage, etc. Other challenges include the lack of promotion of youth entrepreneurship in the fisheries sector to reduce unemployment, the need to upgrade port infrastructure and services and the preservation of the marine environment.
The FLAG area includes 899 26km2 of protected areas spread out over six Natura 2000 sites and three Birds Directive Sites.
The FLAG strategy will encourage innovative approaches to creating growth and jobs, in particular by adding value to fisheries products and diversifying the local economy towards new economic activities, including those offered by ‘blue growth’ and the broader maritime sectors.
The strategy aims at supporting fishermen who wish to diversify their business and introduce innovative methods through professional guidance as well as businesses in the tourism industry. It is also hoped to promote youth and female entrepreneurship.
National
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During the last period, the FLAG implemented a series of cooperation projects (transnational and inter-regional) and a range of innovative measures, designed to promote agri-foods, Mediterranean culture and environmental awareness.
For the current programming period, proposed cooperation initiatives include promotional programmes for local gastronomy, a biosphere reserve and various projects concerning port infrastructure.
The FLAG shares a legal structure with the local LEADER LAG and their territories overlap. They also have a common Programme Management Committee which allows them to share strategies. The FLAG also cooperates with other FLAGs nearby and throughout Greece.
The membership includes the municipalities covered by the area as well as the region of Peloponnese, the social cooperative entrepreneurship, agricultural associations the cultural association and an environmental NGO.
Although no fisheries actors are formal members of the association, a local fisheries organisation sits on the project selection board of the FLAG.
