A public benefit non-profit association, Local Fisheries Action Group Ruse – Ivanovo – Borovo (FLAG Ruse – Ivanovo – Borovo), was officially established today during a constituent meeting held at the Ruse Municipality building. The event was opened by the Mayor of Ruse Municipality, Pencho Milkov.
“The objectives of this joint initiative are highly ambitious. I strongly believe that, together with our neighbouring municipalities, we will succeed in transforming the region into an attractive place that combines natural and cultural heritage with opportunities for modern business and a high quality of life,” said Mr. Milkov. He explained that the Local Fisheries Action Group will operate in two main directions: by building local capacity within the municipalities and by working closely with non-governmental organisations and the wider fisheries and aquaculture community.
During the meeting, the participants adopted the Articles of Association and elected the Management Board, with Pencho Milkov being elected as its Chairperson.
The project includes activities aimed at supporting the establishment of FLAG Ruse – Ivanovo – Borovo across the municipalities of Ruse, Ivanovo, and Borovo. Preparatory actions will also be undertaken to develop a Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) Strategy, which will support the sustainable development of communities engaged in fisheries and aquaculture.
There is a clear recognition of the need to unite the efforts of the local community—including public authorities, businesses, and civil society organisations—to actively support the sustainable development of the area. A Partnership Agreement for the establishment of FLAG Ruse – Ivanovo – Borovo was signed by Ruse Municipality, Ivanovo Municipality, Borovo Municipality, and representatives of the local business and non-profit sectors, with Ruse Municipality acting as the lead partner.
The activities are implemented under the project “Preparatory Activities for the Establishment of the Local Fisheries Action Group (FLAG) Ruse Municipality – Ivanovo Municipality – Borovo Municipality and the Development of a Community-Led Local Development Strategy for the 2021–2027 Programming Period”, under Procedure BG14MFPR001-3.001 “Capacity Building and Preparatory Actions in Support of the Development and Future Implementation of Community-Led Local Development Strategies”, financed through the Maritime Affairs, Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme 2021–2027.