FARNET
Fisheries Areas Network

FLAG Factsheet

Western Lithuania FLAG

Country:
Code: 
LT212

Area

The FLAG is situated in the western part of Lithuania, near the Curonian Lagoon. The region is well known for covering a large variety of water bodies and is aptly called ‘the land of four waters’ as a result. As well as the Curonian Lagoon, these waters also include the Baltic Sea it is surrounded by the Baltic Sea and several lakes, rivers, ponds, quarries suitable for recreational fishing. This abundance and diverse range of water resources have considerable advantages for fishing and aquaculture and for the development of water tourism in comparison with other regions of Lithuania.

The main challenges to the area are related to the high unemployment rate and the high out-migration of the local population to bigger cities and abroad. Despite the extensive natural water resources available in the area, there is a shortage of fisheries expertise due to a lack of training and education. There is also a relatively low rate of consumption of fisheries products in the region, which presents market development challenges for the FLAG area.

Type of area:
Sea Basins:
Protected areas: 

Curonian Spit National Park, Coastline Regional Park, Pagramantis Regional Park, Natura 2000 areas network for both the conservation of birds and habitats.

Population
120 036
Surface area (km²)
3 703
Population density
32
Total employment in fisheries
47
Fishing: 
7
Aquaculture: 
35
Processing: 
5
Women employment in fisheries: 
5

FLAG strategy

The FLAG’s local development strategy includes the following key objectives:

  • Improving the processing and marketing of local fisheries and aquaculture products.
  • Developing technologies and innovative processes in order to create new and/or higher value-added products of better quality.
  • Setting up small infrastructures and public spaces responding to the needs of the fishing community and tourists (i.e. public facilities for leisure, recreation, sport, cognitive and cultural activities, upgrade public safety measures).
  • Fostering the management of the environment and public spaces.
  • Creating attractive opportunities to young people, creating innovative leisure opportunities and improving infrastructure and adaptation to business needs.
Objective: 
Adding value, creating jobs, and promoting innovation along the fisheries chain
Priority: 
5
% of the budget allocated: 
70%
Supporting diversification
2
5%
Promoting social wellbeing and cultural heritage
4
25%

Funding

Total public budget allocated to the FLAG for 2014-2020: 
619 220
  • EMFF: 
    464 415
  • MS co-financing: 
    154 805
  • Sources of co-funding: 

    National

Calls for proposals

The FLAG will make regular calls for projects (normally twice a year). More information and deadlines will be published on the FLAG website: The FLAG will make regular calls for projects (normally twice a year). More information and deadlines will be published on the FLAG website: www.vakaruzvvg.lt/

Expertise & cooperation

The FLAG has experience in the management of local resources and the development of aquaculture (expertise it is willing to share with other CLLD groups). The FLAG is interested in transnational cooperation projects related to marketing measures.

Partnership

Accountable body: 
Vakarų Lietuvos Žuvininkystės vietos veiklos grupė
Members of the partnership: 

FLAG members include six fisheries companies, seven NGOs and three representatives from the administrative units of local municipalities.

Number of individuals/organisations in partnership/general assembly: 
16
% of fisheries actors: 
38%
% of public authorities and other: 
18%
% of other (non-fisheries) private / NGO sector actors: 
44%
% of environmental actors: 
0%
Number of individuals on main decision-making body/board: 
11
% of public actors: 
27%
Number of contracted staff in FLAG: 
2,00

Map

FLAG Contacts

Vakarų Lietuvos Žuvininkystės vietos veiklos grupė
 
Dzūkų str. 5
LT-96240 Dreverna, Klaipėda district
Lithuania
FLAG Manager:
Mr. Egidijus Narevičius
Phone:
(+370) 64041633
Languages:
  • Lithuanian (Mother tongue)
  • English (Intermediate)
Publication date: 
31/07/2018
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