Mobilizing youth to ensure a sustainable future for our seas

The Eurocean’s Youth network,  invited FAO Brussels Director Raschad Al-Khafaji to present the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 and FAO’s role in managing fisheries and aquaculture sustainably.  

The presentation was made within the framework of a webinar and workshop  the network held on Fisheries & Maritime Surveillance.  

The Eurocean’s Youth Network, established by the Surfrider Foundation Europe in partnership with the French Ministry of the Sea, brings together hundreds of young people aged between 20 and 27 from 25 countries of the European Union and aims at linking young people with the maritime world.

Al-Khafaji outlined the role of fisheries and aquaculture in the global context, noting that to feed the world’s growing population and combat rising malnutrition and hunger,  a blue transformation is essential.  

Bringing about such a transformation will be pivotal to achieving sustainably managed fisheries and aquaculture and fair fish value chains, the FAO Brussels Director told the audience. “FAO offers policy advice, data and analyses to ensure effective policies and governance structures to support equitable resources and services to enhance the livelihoods of fishers and fishworkers, while ensuring sustainability,” he said.

Presenting the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture , Al-Khafaji noted that small-scale artisanal fishers and fish farmers produce 40 percent of aquatic foods. “The International Year is a good opportunity to highlight the importance of small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture for our food systems, livelihoods, culture and the environment,” he said. He called upon youth to join the campaign by raising awareness of these important, but often forgotten small-scale food heroes.

The presentation was followed by a lively exchange of questions and answers.

You can read more about FAO’s work on fisheries and aquaculture in a newly developed publication here.

You can read more about the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 here.