Pontevedra FLAG

The area forms a geographical entity around the mouth of the Lérez River in the South West of Galicia, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Pontevedra, where it creates Pontevedra's ria. Six municipalities form part of the territory. The coastal area’s boundaries are characterised by natural landmarks: The Lanzada isthmus in the North, the Cabo Udra in the South, the islands Ons and Onza - as part of the National Park of the Atlantic Islands - in the West. The area is very densely populated (548 Inhabitants/ km²).

The economy of the Pontevedra estuary is based on three pillars: the service economy concentrated around the city itself, maritime activities such as (shell)fishing and port activities clustered in the south and tourism, mostly on the north bank.

A key challenge for the area is to improve connections between the more traditional sectors such as fisheries with potential sources of innovation. There is a lack of collaboration between research institutes and entrepreneurs locally, especially in the fisheries industry. No formal ways exist to channel information or knowledge on innovation towards the fishery sector.

The tourism industry also consists of mainly small family driven companies. There is a need here for an overall coordination to market the region as a touristic and authentic brand based on natural and cultural assets (including maritime and fisheries heritage).