South Ipeiros Amvrakikoy FLAG

Official name:

Αναπτυξιακή Νοτίου Ηπείρου – Αμβρακικού Αναπτυξιακή Ανώνυμη Εταιρία ΟΤΑ

Country:

Grèce

Region:

Epirus

Code:

GR212

Programming period:

2007-2013

2014-2020

Area

The FLAG area covers the region of the northern part of the Amvrakikos gulf and the Ionian Sea in the Preveza prefecture. The area is well known for its environmental richness and hosts both a RAMSAR wetlands protection area and multiple Natura 2000 sites. Numerous avifauna, mammals, fish and vertebrate species are found here. The area is characterised by small-scale fishing, extensive fish farming and aquaculture.

The main human induced pressures here include agricultural runoff, logging, over fishing, intensive fish farming and other food industries causing the deterioration of the unique environmental profile of the broader area.

The challenge here is to structure the development of the local economy so as to protect the environment and promote the special character of the traditional fishing industry.

Type de zone:

Côtière
Rurale

Bassins:

Méditerranée

Protected areas:

Protected areas include a National Park (Amvrakikos Wetlands National Park) ten Ramsar sites, and four Natura 2000 sites. These protected areas cover 43% of the FLAG area.

Population

42 771

Surface area (km²)

552

Population density

Total employment in fisheries

394

Fishing:

211

Aquaculture:

110

Transformation:

Women employment in fisheries:

FLAG strategy

The priorities of the FLAG strategy include:

Preserving and improving the environment in the area
Promoting the area as an important ecotourism and pesca-tourism destination
Increasing the added value and quality of local fish production
Diversifying and improving competitiveness of the local economy

Thèmes:

Objective:

Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain

Priority:

% of the budget allocated:

Supporting diversification

23%

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

15%

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020:

1 700 000

EMFF:

1 275 000
MS co-financing:

425 000
Sources of co-funding:

National
Multi-funding:

Yes. The FLAG is also a LAG for the new programming period (2014- 2020). The total approved multi funding is €7 850 000 (€1 700 000 from the EMFF and €6 150 000 from the EAFRD).
Funds:

EAFRD

Project examples

Project ideas include the following:

Setting-up and supporting traditional food production enterprises
Setting-up and supporting scuba diving, sailing, surfing etc.
Encouraging ecotourism and fish tourism amenities

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has experience in environmental projects and is interested in inter-territorial and transnational cooperation especially regarding the Mediterranean basin.

At the moment, two (transnational) cooperation projects are envisaged. The first concerns life in the wetlands and the second about the monitoring of sea mammals

Budget envisaged for cooperation:

80000.00

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

The organisation is multi-funded. It receives funding both from EMFF and EAFRD. The FLAG also functions as a LEADER LAG and the two areas of intervention overlap. The LAG and the FLAG share the same administration and legal structure as well as a broad strategy for the development of the surrounding rural territories under their surveillance.

Partnership

Accountable body:

Development Company South Ipeiros Amvrakikou SA (ETANAM SA)

Members of the partnership:

The FLAG membership includes the region of Epirus the municipalities of Arta and Preveza, the regional development association and the Association of Free Fishermen of Preveza.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of environmental actors:

33%

Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board:

% of public actors:

33%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG:

3,00