FLAG Factsheet
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.
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.
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.
Regional and national
Projects ideas will be focused on the following themes:
The FLAG makes regular calls for projects which will be published on the FLAG website
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.
The FLAG is an independent structure and works informally with the other FLAGs in Sicily.
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.