FLAG Factsheet
The FLAG is situated along the western part of the Polish Baltic sea coast close to the German border. It is an area very rich in fish (62 fish species, both marine and freshwater), with five fishing harbours. There are many small fishing boats and one fish processing plant.
Some of the key challenges include a growing population of cormorant which damages the fish and destroys environmental balance, and seasonality of income from tourism. The fisheries sector is in decline and fishermen’s voice is seldom heard in decision-making.
The National Park of the Wolin Island, natural reserves, several Natura 2000 areas including marine Natura 2000.
The FLAG is planning to raise the competitiveness of the local economy and create jobs, i.e. through the better valorisation of touristic and recreational assets of the area, and to help fishermen earn additional income from direct sales of fish (fresh and/or processed). The FLAG also aims to help fishermen become more involved in local governance and decision-making, and to strengthen the local identity and activity of the inhabitants
National
There will be periodic calls for projects. Information will be available on the FLAG website:
There are two LEADER LAGs whose territories overlap the FLAG area: “Partnership in Development” (Partnerstwo w Rozwoju) covering Międzyzdroje and Wolin, and “Chance for the Pathless Goleniów County” (Szanse Bezdroży Gmin Powiatu Goleniowskiego) covering Stepnica. However, their strategies are separate and there is only informal exchange of information.
There are 11 public sector actors, representing the 4 municipalities, culture centres and museums. The membership also includes the Świnoujście branch of the Marine Fisheries Institute, 30 fishermen and SMEs from the tourism sector as well as numerous NGOs, including local heritage associations and an association of mentally handicapped persons.