Fiches FLAG
The FLAG area is in the western part of Lithuania, near the Curonian Lagoon. Almost the entire district is situated in the Lithuanian coastal lowlands. Lagoons and bodies of water occupy 19% of the area which is famous for water sports and recreational fishing. On the island of Rusnė, there are three main ports. On the mainland, there are four ports, of which, Šilutė is the biggest in terms of capacity. The area has a longstanding cultural heritage which is characterised by architecture, craftsmanship, tradition, and folklore, unique to the area, distinguishing it from other parts of Lithuania due, in large, to its ties to the cultures of both Lithuania and Lithuania Minor (Prussia Lithuania). In the Curonian Lagoon, common catches include salmon, perch, bream, and eel. To secure an adequate income, fishermen have diversified into recreational and tourism activities due to commercial fishing being regulated in a majority of the Nenunas Delta, which is now a protected area.
Challenges to the FLAG include a relatively high outmigration, which is due to several factors. Despite there being many fisheries enterprises in the area, most are small-scale with a limited capacity to modernise their activities and create jobs which has in turn, led to a lack of industry knowledge and educational opportunities in the local population. Other challenges to the FLAG include the development of an infrastructure which is adapted to support both environmental protection and economic growth.
The FLAG area includes the Nmunas Delta Regional Park, which is Natura 2000 protected area and one of the most important sites in Europe for migratory water birds.
The FLAG strategy aims to:
National
Projects will be focused on the following examples and ideas:
The FLAG will make regular calls for projects from 2018 onwards.
The FLAG has experience in adding value to local resources which it will willing to share. The FLAG is interested in transnational cooperation projects related to adding value, the promotion of innovation, the development of short supply chains and the creation of jobs
The FLAG has no links with other CLLD groups
The FLAG comprises of 49 members. Of these members, 46% is represented by non-governmental organisations (NGOs), 50% private businesses and 4% local government actors. The FLAG board is a collegial governing body and consists of five NGOs, three fisheries businesses and three repressive from the local authority.