FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Utena FLAG

Official name: 
Utenos regiono vietos veiklos grupė
Country:
Region: 
Code: 
LT209
Programming period: 
2007-2013
2014-2020

Area

The Utena FLAG is situated to the east of Lithuania and is close to the Latvian border. The area has a naturally rich environment and comprises many lakes, forests, ponds, rivers, and streams and is a popular destination for national and international tourists. There are 182 lakes throughout the region making it a popular destination for water sports, cultural excursions and eco-tourism.

Considering its excellent natural resources and a longstanding tradition of fishing, the area’s fisheries sector has a relatively small number of fishing enterprises and a low level of employment. As a result, there is a high outmigration of young people, which is a challenge to the FLAG. As is maintaining the area’s cultural connection with fishing. The added value generated by the industry was historically important for the local population as lake fish made up a significant part of the region’s food. However, the environmental value of the area offers the potential for diversifying economic activities into sectors such as tourism which could increase employment and furthermore reduce outmigration.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

The FLAG’s territory includes two protected regional parks, Gražutės and Sartai.

Population
38 890
Surface area (km²)
1 229
Population density
33
Total employment in fisheries
35
Fishing: 
15
Aquaculture: 
14
Processing: 
6

FLAG strategy

The Utena FLAG strategy is focused on the development of the area’s fisheries industry and its integration with other sectors. It aims to create value throughout the fisheries supply chain, develop new fisheries and aquaculture enterprises and regeneration opportunities within the industry. A key objective is the creation of jobs through the before mentioned activities which will, in turn, reduce outmigration from the area.

Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
60%
Supporting diversification
3
20%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
3
20%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
550 546
  • EMFF: 
    253 160
  • MS co-financing: 
    297 386
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

  • Multi-funding: 

    EAFRD:  €1 729 410

  • Funds: 
    EAFRD

Project examples

The Utena FLAG plans to support project ideas related to:

  • The creation and development of fishing and aquaculture enterprises
  • The development of new and innovative fisheries processes
  • The encouragement of businesses to develop new fisheries and aquaculture products
  • The promotion of recreational activities including amateur sport-fishing and diving
  • The protection and survival of rare and threatened native species of fish and crayfish and the preservation of biodiversity

Calls for proposals

The FLAG will make regular calls for projects from 2018 onwards. Calls will be published on the FLAG website: http://www.utenosvvg.lt/kvietimai/

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has experience in the promotion of cultural heritage which it is willing to share with other CLLD groups. The FLAG is interested in transnational cooperation projects related to the promotion of local services and products, the encouragement of entrepreneurship in fisheries and social issues such as dealing with youth employment and improving the inclusion of women.

Budget envisaged for cooperation: 
14000.00

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Utena region FLAG
Members of the partnership: 

The FLAG comprises 42 members. By sector this is represented by 22 members from civil society (54%), 15 members from the private sector (36%), two of which are fishermen and four members from local authorities (10%)

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
42
% of fisheries actors: 
10%
% of public authorities and other: 
36%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
54%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
13
% of public actors: 
15%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
5,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

Utena region FLAG
 
Taikos st.6
28153 Utena Lithuania
Lithuania
FLAG Manager:
Ms. Edita Rukšytė
Phone:
+370 389 72765
FLAG President:
Ms. Jolita Umbrasienė
Languages:
  • Lithuanian (Advanced)
  • English (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
31/07/2018
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