FLAG Factsheet
Located in the south-west of Estonia, the FLAG area is situated around the Pärnu Gulf. The largest of the Estonian counties, Pärnu geographically covers 10.6% of the Estonian mainland and a total of 177 islands; of which only two, Kihnu and Manija, are inhabited. A long-spanning coastline, several resort towns and inland waterways provide the FLAG area with many of the natural prerequisites required for the successful development of tourism.
However, despite these physical attributes and a strong cultural and historical heritage, the coastal villages of the Pärnu area are largely characterised by a decreasing local population due to a decline of the regions primary sector. The main challenges of the FLAG include the transference of skills within the local population required to capitalise on an increased demand for tourism in the area.
A large part of the FLAG’s territory is part of the Natura 2000 conservation network. There are 38 protected areas in Pärnu county, including the Kihnu Väina Sea Park.
The FLAG strategy includes the following main objectives:
Alongside these main objectives, the FLAG also focuses on the integrated promotion of the cultural and historical maritime heritage of the Pärnu area.
National
Some of the proposed project ideas for the Pärnu FLAG include:
A campaign focused on increasing consumer perceptions and the awareness of lesser-known species through improved marketing efforts.
The Pärnu FLAG makes calls for projects twice annually. All announcements relating to calls will be made on the FLAG website: http://www.kalanduskogu.ee/2017a-ii-taotlusvoor-23-30oktoober-2017
Information days are organised prior to the opening of the application process and are advertised locally and on the FLAG website.
The Pärnu FLAG has extensive experience in coastal fisheries and in the fishing cultural heritage of the area. The FLAG is interested in:
While the FLAG shares geographical territories with the area’s local LEADER LAG, at present, they remain two separate and independent organisations. However, the Pärnu FLAG informally cooperates with other FLAGs and LAGs across Estonia.
The FLAG includes a total of 116 members. This includes five local municipalities, 55 independent fishermen, 24 fishing companies, 17 non-fisheries related companies and 15 other private entities.