The International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF) has expressed pleasure in noting that small-scale fisheries issues are integrated into almost all agenda items of the ongoing 33rd Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI 33) of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
ICSF stated this position in an intervention on agenda item 8.2 (Small-scale and Artisanal Fisheries Governance) of COFI 33.
The 33rd Session of COFI, being held in Rome during 9-13 July 2018, aims to review the status of the world’s fisheries and aquaculture and establish global agreements for effective fisheries management.
Welcoming the agenda item COFI/2018/7 and the complementary and additional information provided in COFI/2018/Inf. 17, 18 and 19, ICSF appreciated the clear and concise information provided in these agenda items and information papers on a diverse range of activities undertaken in relation to the SSF Guidelines in various parts of the world in meaningful partnership with different actors in the realms of awareness raising, strengthening the science policy interface, empowering stakeholders, and supporting implementation.
ICSF also welcomed the SSF Guidelines-Global Strategic Framework, developed in consultation with small-scale fisheries actors towards monitoring the progress in implementation of the Guidelines and the achievement of SDG 14, target 14b, in particular.
Looking forward to collaborating with FAO and other actors in the implementation of the Guidelines in the context of marine and inland fisheries, ICSF urged the Committee to provide extra-budgetary support through the FAO Umbrella Programme for the Promotion and Application of the SSF Guidelines.
Appreciating the UNGA 72nd Session declaration of 2022 as the Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, ICSF expressed interest in collaborating with FAO and other partners in the observance of this international year, which is seen as a good opportunity to enhance momentum in the implementation of the SSF Guidelines.
ICSF also welcomed the work of FAO in assessing and monitoring the status of inland fisheries with a view to give them appropriate recognition and support their management. ICSF urged FAO to expand space for inland fisheries in relation to competing uses, and to uphold the principle of fair and equitable allocation of freshwater resources, applying a human-rights-based approach.
2018 ICSF