FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network
FLAG Factsheet
The Porte a Levante FLAG was active under Axis 4 of the EFF in the 2007-2013 programming period under the name of GAC Adriatico Salentino. The FLAG territory is situated in the region of Puglia and comprises rich coastal and agricultural landscape, with numerous tourist attractions.
The main challenges for the area include the need to improve and raise awareness of the local fisheries and the need for environmental sustainability and education. Also important is the recovery and enhancement of the area’s historical fishing systems (i.e. ‘Le Ergate’ or ‘Barcarizzi’) and other local traditions.
The FLAG teritory includes eight protected areas which are Costa Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca, Oasi WWF Riserva Statale Le Cesine, Riserva Naturale San Cataldo, Laghi Alimini, Bosco d’Otranto, Parco delle Querce di Castro, Bosco Pecorara and Palude dei Tamari.
The FLAG’s local development strategy is focused on raising the awareness of the region’s fishermen about the potential for developing tourism activities. Other key objectives include environmental conservation efforts and the development of sustainable fishing practices. Specific aims include:
Moreover, the FLAG will reach out to the wider public in the area by enhancing consumption of local and lesser known species, value ancient fishing traditions and other tourism activities linked to fisheries.
National and regional
Project examples and ideas for the FLAG include:
The FLAG makes regular calls for projects which will be published on the FLAG website
In the 2006-2013 programming period, the former Adriatico-Salentino FLAG and Terra d’Otranto LEADER LAG cooperated extensively on several projects connected to education and shortening supply chains. One such project was the ‘FishDirect’ mobile phone application which established a local market for locally caught seafood. The FLAG would like to cooperate in similar projects with other FLAGs in Italy and across the EU.
The FLAG is also a LEADER LAG. The two organisations share a legal structure, a board, and cooperate formally.
FLAG members include the regions municipalities, the Chamber of Commerce, cultural foundations, associations representing the interests of the fisheries, aquaculture and processing sectors, an employer;s organisation, Pro Loco ( a local grass-roots promotional association), several companies and several private enterprises.