FLAG Factsheet
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.
Curonian Spit National Park, Coastline Regional Park, Pagramantis Regional Park, Natura 2000 areas network for both the conservation of birds and habitats.
The FLAG’s local development strategy includes the following key objectives:
National
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/
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.
The FLAG has no connections to a LEADER LAG, it is the only CLLD group opperating in its territory.
FLAG members include six fisheries companies, seven NGOs and three representatives from the administrative units of local municipalities.