FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Shabla - Kavarna - Balchik FLAG

Official name: 
Shabla - Kavarna - Balchik FLAG
Country:
Code: 
BG205
Programming period: 
2014-2020

Area

The FLAG territory has two geographically distinct areas, the coastal region to the east and the Dobrudzha plateau to the west. Fishing in the coastal areas, on the Black Sea, is traditional activity and important to the livelihood of many local communities. Fisheries are predominantly small-scale, accounting for approximately 90% of the sectors total employment. Fisheries and aquaculture are significantly important to the local economy, the regions identity, culture and traditions.

A key challenge to the FLAG is the seasonality of its fisheries industry. The entire supply chain (catch, sales and consumption) of fisheries and aquaculture products are seasonally based. As a result, a lack of diversification and activities outside of the fishing season are a challenge, as is up-scaling the industry while protecting the area’s cultural heritage, natural environments, and biodiversity.  

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

Approximately 20% of the FLAG’s territory is protected. This includes 13 areas protected under the Natura 2000 network. Seven of which are protected bird conservation areas and six are protected natural habitats. The most significant protected area is the Kaliakra Nature Reserve which covers a total of 6.9km2, was one of the first protected areas in Bulgaria.

Population
38 879
Surface area (km²)
1 335
Population density
29
Total employment in fisheries
383
Fishing: 
281
Aquaculture: 
42
Processing: 
60
Women employment in fisheries: 
50

FLAG strategy

The FLAG’s local development strategy has the overarching aim of achieving economic and social renewal in the area through the development of its fisheries and aquaculture sectors. More specific aims include:

  • The diversification of the fisheries activities and encouraging entrepreneurship.
  • The improvement and development of the area’s maritime infrastructure.
  • The conservation of the natural environment and the valorisation of the region’s cultural heritage. Including fishing traditions, and the area’s fisheries, aquaculture and maritime heritage.
  • Animating the local community. Thus, nurturing the CLLD process.
  • Developing cooperation, networking and an exchange of experience and best practices.
Objective: 
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
40%
Supporting diversification
4
27%
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
3
13%
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
2
8%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
2
9%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 000 000
  • EMFF: 
    1 700 000
  • MS co-financing: 
    300 000
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Calls for proposals

The FLAG will make regular calls for projects (typically once a year). The call announcements will be published on the FLAG website.

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Shabla - Kavarna - Balchik FLAG
Members of the partnership: 

FLAG members include the representatives of the three local municipalities (Shabla, Kavarna and Balchik), 12 representatives from the fisheries and aquaculture sector and 11 representatives from other private sectors (some of which are NGO’s).

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
26
% of fisheries actors: 
46%
% of public authorities and other: 
12%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
42%
% of environmental actors: 
0%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
7
% of public actors: 
43%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
3,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

Shabla - Kavarna - Balchik FLAG
 
36а Ravno pole Str.
9680 Shabla
Bulgaria
FLAG President:
Mr. Mariyan Zhechev
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Nelko Yordanov
Languages:
  • Bulgarian (Mother tongue)
  • English (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
23/01/2019
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