FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Sun and Blue FLAG

Official name: 
FLAG GAC Il Sole E L'azzurro, Tra Selinunte, Sciacca E Vigata
Country:
Code: 
IT-SIC-IT230
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The FLAG territory comprises a diverse coastline and sandy dunes and is characterised by several delicate ecosystems. The region is a major tourist destination due to its rich archaeological history. As such, the main activities in the area are related to tourism including sports fishing and boating. Fisheries in the FLAG territory are predominantly small-scale and use traditional methods.

Challenges for the area include the sustainable development of the area’s growing tourism industry. The number of visitors are increasing, as is the number of new accommodation units. While this growth is good for the region economically, a challenge for the FLAG is capitalising on this growth in terms of fisheries and in ensuring the protection of the area’s natural environment and traditions.   

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

The FLAG territory includes several protected areas, the largest of which is Foce del Belice with a surface area of 5.46km2. Other protected areas include Torre Salsa, Capo S. Marco, Baia Renella, Foggia, Lido-Tonnara, Sovareto, San Giorgio Timpi Russi and Makauda.

Population
148 794
Surface area (km²)
868
Population density
171
Total employment in fisheries
1 850
Fishing: 
1 100
Processing: 
750
Women employment in fisheries: 
500

FLAG strategy

The FLAG’s strategy aims to allow sustainable economic development through involving the area’s fishing communities in the economic, environmental, cultural development of the region. The FLAG will work to enhance local fishing traditions while also preserving the natural environment.

The FLAG is focused on strengthening the competitiveness of fishermen by developing their skills and knowledge, improving safety and working conditions, as well as providing new and better support infrastructures. Other actions include developing the area’s tourism potential by promoting natural resources and local products while protecting marine and coastal environments.Further information on this FLAG to follow.

Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
Supporting diversification
4
Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets
4
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
4
Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development
4

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
2 121 436
  • EMFF: 
    1 060 718
  • MS co-financing: 
    1 060 718
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    Regional and national

Project examples

Projects ideas will be focused on the following themes:

  • Infrastructure investments in port areas.
  • Diversification of economic activities and development of tourism potential.
  • Promotion of local seafood products.

Calls for proposals

The FLAG makes regular calls for projects which will be published on the FLAG website

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has built expertise and experience on cooperation projects as leader of the Sicilian FLAGs network. Along with 20 other Italian and European FLAGs, the FLAG coordinated their participation in the EXPO 2015 Universal Exhibition.

In this programming period, the FLAG is interested in cooperation projects on the promotion of fish products and its marketing and in cooperation projects directed to the conservation of cultural heritage linked to fishing.

Partnership

Accountable body: 
FLAG il Sole e l'Azzurro tra Selinunte Sciacca e Vigata
Members of the partnership: 

FLAG members include the 10 municipalities (Sciacca, Campobello di Mazara, Castelvetrano, Menfi, Ribera, Cattolica Eraclea, Montallegro, Siculiana, Realmonte, Porto Empedocle), the University Consortium of the Province of Agrigento, two research institutions, fishing cooperatives, fishermen associations, a tourism consortium, local development agencies, the tourist district, four fish processing enterprises, and environmental associations.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
47
% of fisheries actors: 
32%
% of public authorities and other: 
6%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
34%
% of environmental actors: 
6%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
11
% of public actors: 
36%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
1,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

FLAG il Sole e l'Azzurro tra Selinunte Sciacca e Vigata
 
Via Roma 13
92019 Sciacca (AG)
Italy
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Giovanni Borsellino
FLAG President:
Ms. Francesca Valenti
Languages:
  • Italian (Mother tongue)
  • English (Intermediate)
  • Spanish (Intermediate)
  • French (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
22/09/2017
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