The Fishing Zone is that of Amvrakikos - Epirus and includes coastal, riparian and lakeside Local and Municipal Units of the Regional Units of Ioannina, Thesprotia, Preveza, Preveza, Arta, Aitoloakarnania and Lefkada (D. Meganissi) and includes 211,299 inhabitants. Details of the intervention area can be found in the attached files.
The local partnership of the Fisheries (LFAs), which are responsible for the design, preparation and implementation of a Local Development Strategy for the development of the Fisheries & Aquaculture in the geographically defined fishing & aquaculture areas of the Amvrakikos - Epirus Fishing Zone, consists of the «Development Company of Southern Epirus Amvrakikos A.E. - Local Government Development Agency» (Lead Partner), «Development Agency of Epirus S.A. - Local Government Development Agency» and Trichonida Development Agency S.A. OTA.
The development strategy of the Amvrakikos - Epirus Fishing Zone seeks to promote the development process in the intervention area with the central axis of the exploitation of the fishing, tourism and agricultural tradition that will be the main springboard for strengthening the blue economy, while ensuring the protection and preservation of the special characteristics of the natural and man-made environment of the area.
The central objective of the strategy is through targeted interventions for the restructuring and diversification of the productive system, the enrichment and enhancement of the tourism product, the protection and promotion of its rich natural and cultural heritage, the strengthening of the local social fabric and the improvement of living conditions for residents and visitors. This central objective is intersected and reinforced by the logic of digital transformation, the circular economy and bio-economy, innovation, training, cooperation, networking and transfer of know-how.
The strategy to be followed is divided into the following main components which are linked to the main objectives of the local strategy:
- Intuitive entrepreneurship as a vehicle for transforming the production system and introducing modern and innovative practices
- Reverse development of the local economy, with the fishing sector and tourism as the central axis
- Strong identity, recognisable and attractive tourism product
- Sustainable development, focusing on the rich natural and cultural heritage of the region
- Quality of life of the local population through improved infrastructure, services and actions that contribute to social cohesion, the retention of the population in their homes and the reversal of demographic decline
- Participatory democracy and strengthening local social capital, networking, cooperation and active participation of citizens and local actors at decision-making levels
The objectives pursued under the local programme which serve the local strategy are the following:
Thematic Objective 1 - Promoting the transformation of the local productive system - strengthening and diversifying the local economy
Thematic Objective 2 - Strengthening local communities through actions to support the population and promote social entrepreneurship.
Thematic Objective 3 - Improving the quality of life of the local population
Thematic Objective 4 - Preserving and improving the cultural assets of the area and exploiting cultural traditions.
Thematic Objective 5 - Protecting and enhancing the natural environment
Thematic Objective 6: Developing networking and cooperation