Territorial cooperation for sustainable development in the framework of fisheries local action groups. the case of galicia (spain)

Abstract

The Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) applies the experience of the LEADER method and Community-led Local Development (CLLD) with the objective of the sustainable development of coastal areas. This important transformation of CFP through decentralisation and subsidiarity, partnership and innovation, networking, and interregional and transnational cooperation is done through Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs), which develop joint actions that allow them to exchange experiences and supports interregional and transnational cooperation between fisheries communities. The purpose of the study is to analyse the scope of the cooperation developed in Galicia in the EFF (2007–2013) and EMFF (2014–2020) planning periods, by reviewing the FLAG development strategies and the actions financed, both study visits and good practice seminars, as well as cooperation projects. The results show that the development of cooperation actions within the framework of FLAGs, despite having increased since 2007, is still very limited in its complexity and its scope is, in most cases, regional. In conclusion, we reflect on the complexity of cooperation, the need to advance along this path, and the suitability of the FLAG to lead the process.