FLAG Factsheet
Rügen is an island in the Baltic Sea and the largest in Germany. It is known for its beaches and white chalk cliffs which span coastline of approximately 574 kilometres. The island is also well-known for the Jasmund National Park which his home to primeval beech forests and white-tailed eagles.
The island’s regional economy is dominated by tourism and the service sector. Fishing is a traditional secondary industry in the region. Fisheries are coastal and comprise mostly of gillnet and small deep-sea vessels. There has been a steady decline in the number of full-time fishermen working in fisheries which is a challenge for the area. This is largely due to fisheries becoming less important to the area economically.
Approximately 45% of the FLAG area is protected. This includes two National Parks, a Biosphere Reserve and Natura 2000 protected landscapes.
From a cultural perspective, fisheries are significant to Rügen, more so than in all other regions in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Therefore, the FLAG strategy is focused on the following themes:
Existing examples of FLAG projects include the support of the region’s annual ‘fishing days.’ Support includes the creation and printing of marketing materials such as flyers, poster and the acquisition and installation of banner and beach flags to raise public awareness.
FLAG project ideas include:
The FLAG does not make specific calls for projects. Instead, project proposals can be made year-round
The FLAG has experience in direct marketing, infrastructure, and the development of tourism. The FLAG is interested in cooperation project related to these themes at national and international levels.
The FLAG falls under the management of the LEADER LAG. The two organisations share a territory and the same board members. However, they do not share a legal structure.
The FLAG also coordinates it work informally with other neighbouring and national CLLD groups.
FLAG members include two independent fishermen, two representatives from the local municipalities, one economic actor and members from the area’s ecological and social communities