The idea of an Action Plan to coordinate aquaculture development was conceived at the Fisheries Development Donor Consultation in Paris in 1986, following a special session on aquaculture potentials and constraints to development presented by the Aquaculture Development and Coordination Programme (ADCP), which is a field project funded by the United Nations Development Programme, executed by FAO from its Headquarters.
The following report 'Planning for Aquaculture Development' is intended to assist in the preparation of such a Plan. It has been formulated by twenty four individuals who have a broad range of international and sectoral experience in the subject, acting in their personal capacities, at an expert consultation organized by ADCP. The meeting was hosted by Ittica Valdagri in Policoro, Southern Italy, in the facilities which were used for the annual training course for the Mediterranean Regional Aquaculture Project, 1984-87. The meeting was held from 26 July-2 August 1988.
The participants recognize the constraints of this collective approach to planning development, knowing full well that the majority of identifiable needs for action are national, and in some cases even local, in origin. This is because aquaculture is not only a very diverse activity, which involves many systems and practices, and innumerable biological species, but also because it is a combination of technology and the equally important milieu of social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors which influence its acceptability and successful development.
The participants also recognize that the majority of identifiable needs are already being met to some degree by many national and regional efforts, and reinforcement of these efforts, where known, is mentioned. In some cases knowledge of sectoral activities in certain countries and regions was weak, thus constraining preparation of comprehensive background papers and subsequent synthesis. Furthermore, only limited consideration is given to the major uncertainties affecting the further development of aquaculture, such as the potential for increased investment in view of the continuing decline in the economies of many countries, especially in Latin America. However, in view of the limitations of national capital investment and external capital assistance, an effort to identify common national needs which would respond to cooperation and regional organization is justifiable and worth making. To this end, therefore, this report reflects the discussions and opinions of the participants and not of any particular organization.
The target audiences of the report, which is intended as a non-organizational and impartial document, are predominantly government administrators in developing countries where aquaculture is recognized as a sector of increasing economic importance, and the donor community which has supported aquaculture development. It is intended to assist in guiding and coordinating their collective efforts in the next decade. In addition, the report is also intended for the NGOs and the private sector, who have opportunity and interest to work together with international development as well as for their independent benefit.
