FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG area consists of the Sporades islands, and the community of Trikeri.
The Sporades islands are characterised by geographical isolation. The morphology, the limited degree of human intervention and the excellent condition of the natural environment, makes the area an ideal refuge for many endangered species.
The main fish species in the gulf are: tuna, sardines, anchovies, red mullet and shrimp. Although fishing is traditionally the strongest sector here, in recent years there has been an upward trend in the tertiary economy.
The main challenges here include an aging population, the significant lack of economic innovation, and a lack of infrastructure - access to the islands of Sporades is also problematic for example.
There are several protected areas in the FLAG area including the Islands of North Sporades, Kira Panagia, Poura, Piperi, Skantzoura and Skiathos, the forests of Skiathos and the National Marine Park at Alonnisos. The total surface area covered by these areas is 274,1km2.
The strategic objectives for the FLAG area include:
National
Current project ideas include:
The FLAG is new in the fisheries sector and therefore lacks experience. Cooperation projects envisaged include the Biomonitoring of Marine mammals (interregional). The aim of this is to develop a protocol of sound ecotourism practices for marine mammal observation with other FLAGs in the area.
The FLAG is multi-funded. It receives funding both from EMFF and EARDF. The FLAG shares a legal structure with the local LEADER LAG and their territories overlap. They also have a common Programme Management Committee. This allows them to share strategies. The FLAG has cooperation with all the Leader LAG/CLLD groups in Greece (either formal or informal).
The FLAG membership includes the municipalities of Zagora-Mouresi, Volos and Notio Pilio, one fisheries association and the regional association of municipalities of Thessaly.