The results of the survey of organizations and communities, conducted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Saint Mary’s University (Canada), in cooperation with several global fisher organizations, is now ready for distribution. It is available in online, Word and PDF formats at the survey website: https://ssf-stewardship.net/.
The survey information indicates that it is directed to (a) coastal and inland fishing communities (ones that have fishing as a prominent livelihood); (b) fishing organizations (whose members are primarily or all fishers and/or fish workers); (c) economic or professional organizations, associations, cooperatives, etc., that represent fishers and fish workers, e.g., in fishery management or sectoral initiatives; (d) supporting organizations with a primary mandate to work with and support fishery communities and organizations.
The survey compiled information on environmental conservation and stewardship activities by small-scale fishers around the world. This initiative highlights and celebrates the key leadership role of fishing communities and small-scale fishery organizations in protecting and caring for the environment, and supporting sustainable livelihoods. A survey is being carried out, leading to an on-line platform showcasing examples of environmental conservation/stewardship practices, and a guidebook to support fishing communities, fisher organizations, and policymakers. This is an empowering opportunity for small-scale fishers to highlight their positive environmental conservation and stewardship activities, and to support implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries.
The survey compiled examples that cover many different kinds of environmental conservation and stewardship activities. Thiey include those directly related to the fishery (e.g., fishery management measures to ensure sustainable use of fishery resources and ecosystems, to help maintain livelihoods and food security) and those with other goals (e.g., to maintain or enhance local environments, for health and well-being reasons).
For the survey, participation was invited from fisher organizations, local fishing communities, and certain other organizations, as follows:
— coastal and inland fishing communities (ones that have fishing as a prominent livelihood);
— fishing organizations (whose members are primarily or all fishers and/or fish workers);
— economic or professional organizations, associations, cooperatives, etc., that represent fishers and fish workers, e.g., in fishery management or sectoral initiatives;
— supporting organizations with a primary mandate to work with and support fishery communities and organizations.