Integrating small-scale fisheries in policymaking

FAO

Integrating small-scale fisheries in policymaking

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 2 p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Full item page

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1533en

Synopsis (short abstract) Small-scale fisheries (SSF), employ 90% of capture fishers globally and support around 500 million people. They are vital for sustaining communities and reducing poverty. Despite their importance, SSF face threats like climate change and have historically been overlooked in policymaking. Over the past decade, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has worked to integrate SSF into policy discussions at various levels. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines). Developed with input from over 4 000 stakeholders, these guidelines, the first focused solely on SSF, provide advice for inclusive and sustainable management. Implementation has gained traction internationally and regionally, with the Mediterranean and Black Sea adopting a 10-year Regional Plan of Action for SSF (RPOA-SSF). National Plans of Action (NPOA-SSF) are now being emphasized, with FAO supporting countries in their development. FAO has facilitated the formation of national SSF task teams to actively advocate for the integration of small-scale fisheries in policy frameworks. NPOA-SSFs have been created in countries like Malawi, Namibia, United Republic of Tanzania, and Uganda, with Madagascar and the Philippines finalizing theirs. These efforts include forming task teams and working groups, comprising government representatives and SSF actors, to ensure effective policies through shared knowledge and collaboration. FAO has also developed tools like SSF Lex and e-learning courses to support continuous SSF Guidelines implementation, aiming to improve SSF community livelihoods and ensure sustainable resource management amid climate challenges.

Statutory body / Meeting title FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI)

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd1533en

Language English

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