COTE D’AZUR FLAG

Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) is a mechanism within the EMFAF that aims to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture by involving local stakeholders. This approach is implemented in various regions through Fisheries and Aquaculture Local Action Groups (FLAGs).

As part of this CLLD initiative, the Côte d’Azur FLAG, coordinated by the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute, has a €2.2 million budget for the 2021–2027 period.

Since its establishment in 1966, the Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute has combined scientific research with public awareness missions, guided by its motto: “Understanding, explaining and protecting the sea.” The Institute has a dual focus: conducting innovative scientific research and disseminating the results to make them accessible to a wide audience.

For several decades, the Institute has conducted cutting-edge research in marine biology, ecology, and the management of coastal environments.

The Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute has always promoted an integrated approach to environmental management, closely involving local stakeholders in its projects. It fosters collaborative initiatives that bring together researchers, local authorities, fishers, businesses, and citizens to promote sustainable development that respects local specificities and community needs.

Thanks to its in-depth knowledge of the field and long-standing relationships with many local actors, the Institute has built a strong network of trust with fishers, local governments, associations, businesses, and other stakeholders in the maritime and environmental sectors.

This close connection with local actors is a valuable asset in coordinating the EMFAF’s Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) program. Being firmly rooted in the region, the Institute is well-positioned to understand local realities and tailor proposed actions to the specific needs of the communities it serves.

© Quentin SIMON (Paul Ricard Oceanographic Institute scientific platform | T3 Architecture).