The Nord Basse-Terre Urban Community officially launched the GALPA 2025 call for projects yesterday (May 12) in Sainte-Rose. This initiative aims to support the fishing sector and maritime activities in the Nord Basse-Terre region. The goal is to engage local stakeholders in building an innovative and responsible blue economy.
Sainte-Rose Kicks Off GALPA 2025 for a Sustainable and Resilient Blue Economy
The territory of Sainte-Rose hosted the official launch of the GALPA 2025 (Local Action Group for Fisheries and Aquaculture) call for projects yesterday morning (May 12).
Led by the Nord Basse-Terre Urban Community (CANBT), this initiative is part of the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) and aims to strengthen local economic dynamics centered on the sea.
Through the Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) approach, the CANBT seeks to bring together stakeholders in the fishing sector and maritime activities around the opportunities offered by the program.
Boosting the Local Maritime Economy
The objective is clear: to stimulate the creation of place-based projects that support a sustainable and resilient blue economy. Guy Losbar, President of the Guadeloupe Departmental Council, detailed the purpose of this call for projects:
“This initiative is aimed at a wide range of stakeholders—primarily businesses, but also associations with relevant projects, and even local authorities wishing to get involved—as long as the projects relate to aquaculture, fishing, the marine environment, nautical activities, or marine-related tourism.”
He also stressed the importance of broad participation to ensure the program’s success:
“We’re putting several mechanisms in place, and that’s why I encourage companies and project leaders to get involved, so that the allocated funds are actually used. I also told them that strong uptake would give me more leverage to request additional funding.”
Essential Support for Local Actors
Among the potential project leaders is Alex Lamotte, a professional fisherman who highlighted the importance of these grants, despite challenges posed by regulations that are sometimes seen as too strict for Guadeloupeans:
“These are still valuable resources made available to Guadeloupeans, aimed at creating added value for our local artisans—those who are ready and able. If I understood correctly, the funding can go up to €100,000, with a reimbursement rate from 85% to 100%. That’s a real advantage for professionals looking to grow and evolve in their field. It could be a great boost both for established artisans and for newcomers who want to get involved.”
This launch marks the beginning of a regional tour, offering project leaders across Nord Basse-Terre a platform to voice their ambitions and receive tailored support in building a prosperous and responsible maritime future.
Source: RCI
