Tornedalen Haparanda FLAG

Official name:

Fiskeområde Tornedalen Haparanda skärgård

Country:

Sweden

Region:

Norrbotten

Code:

SE201

Programming period:

2007-2013

2014-2020

Area

The FLAG area includes mountains, farmland, forest landscapes and an extensive archipelago. The Torne River, which runs through the FLAG’s territory, is Europe's largest unspoiled continuous waterway and is the main spawning site for wild salmon in the Bothnian Sea.

Fishing is varied in the region. In the archipelago, there are 35 small-scale fisheries enterprises which mainly fish for salmon and various white fish used for traditional dried ‘lutfisk’. The rest of the river is mainly used for sports fishing which is developing continuously. Common catches in the area for sports fishers include salmon, grayling and pike.

Challenges for the FLAG area include the ageing population of professional fishers and the difficulties associated the recruiting younger trainees. Another main challenge for the area is the low adoption rate of pesca-tourism by local enterprises.

Type of area:

Coastal
Inland

Sea Basins:

Baltic Sea
Rivers and Lakes

Population

44 201

Surface area (km²)

40 157

Population density

Total employment in fisheries

Women employment in fisheries:

FLAG strategy

The FLAG strategy is focused on the following key objectives:

Developing pesca-tourism in the area’s inland fisheries and speeding up the diversification of fisheries activities into other sectors such as tourism.
Developing processing systems for fisheries products.
The restoration of landing sites and their facilities for fishermen.
Educational and training initiative for fishermen and young adults wanting to enter the industry.
Improving the image and awareness of the area and its markets as a prime fishing destination.
The creation and preservation of fisheries jobs.

Themes:

Objective:

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

Priority:

Supporting diversification

Enhancing and capitalising on the environmental assets

Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage

Strengthening the role of fisheries communities in local development

Funding

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

1 674 600

EMFF:

837 300
MS co-financing:

837 300
Sources of co-funding:

Regional
Funds:

EAFRD

ERDF

ESF

Project examples

Project ideas for the Tornedalen Haparanda FLAG include:

A mapping and signage system for locating fishing spots which will also identify tourism companies and destinations.
The restoration and protection of the area’s natural environment.
Practical and theoretical training in water restoration to increase the natural reproduction of fish.
Increased accessibility for disabled people to fishing sites and the industry.

Calls for proposals

The FLAG does not have specific calls for projects or deadlines. Applications can be made on an ongoing ad-hoc basis.

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has thematic experience in environmental protection and in developing sustainable pesca-tourism. The FLAG would like to cooperate with other CLLD groups, both nationally and internationally, on these themes.

Links with LEADER or other CLLD groups

The FLAG shares a legal structure with the local LEADER LAG, their territories overlap, and they also share some board members. The FLAG and LAG do not have a common local development strategy but do coordinate their work informally.

Partnership

Accountable body:

Fiskeområde Tornedalen Haparanda skärgård 2020

Members of the partnership:

FLAG members include the area’s municipalities (Haparanda, Övertorneå, Pajala and Kiruna), Länsstyrelsen Norrbotten (administrative body), tourism companies, local fishers, small-scale fisheries enterprises and several NGOs.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly:

% of fisheries actors:

10%

% of public authorities and other:

15%

% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors:

75%

% of environmental actors:

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

% of public actors:

15%

Number of contracted staff in FLAG:

1,00