Speaker's corner
FAO Atrium
Special talk: Celebrating 10 Years of the SSF Guidelines: small-scale fishers' and indigenous peoples' solutions for advancing food sovereignty
Description
This session will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries, providing a framework to advance the rights of small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples and sharing key insights from the 2nd SSF Summit. It aims to guide States toward a sustainable food system that fulfills human rights obligations.
Speakers
Mr. Herman Kumara, National Fisheries Solidarity Organisation (Sri Lanka), WFFP; Mr. Anaru Fraiser, IITC, Aotearoa (New Zealand); Mrs. Margaret Nakato, Katosi Women Development Trust (Uganda), WFF; Mrs. Rochelle Diver, IITC, (USA); Mrs. Nadine Nembhard, Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organizations (Belize), WFFP; Mr. Sebastian Mathew, International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (India), ICSF; Mrs. Lorena Ortiz, Confederation Mexicana de Cooperativas Pesqueras y Acuicolas (Mexico), WFF.
Viet Nam's perspective: bridging biodiversity and fisheries toward a Blue Transformation
Description
The Kunming-Montreal GBF was adopted in 2022. While the KMGBF has a wide-ranging remit, it includes several targets (such as Targets 5, 9 and 10) outlining specific actions relevant to fisheries management. In this Speaker's Corner, the Vietnam Department of Fisheries Surveillance will share its experience and importance of ecosystem-based fisheries management in halting and reversing biodiversity loss.
Speakers
Mr. Nguyen Thi Trang Nhung, Director of Scientific Technology and International Cooperation Division, Vietnam Department of Fisheries Surveillance;
Mr. Andrew Clayton, Project Director, Ecosystem Conservation and Fisheries, International Fisheries, The Pew Charitable Trusts.
Reducing fishing impacts on biodiversity in the Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction
Description
The Common Oceans Program is a GEF funded global partnership promoting sustainable marine resource use and biodiversity conservation in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This session will highlight joint initiatives in reducing fishing impacts on biodiversity in tuna and deep-sea fisheries, by presenting best practices, new technologies, and deep-sea habitat protection efforts.
Speakers
Viktoria Varga Lencses, Coordinator, GEF Common Oceans Program, FAO; Dr. Hilario Murua, International Seafood Sustainability Foundation Eszter Hidas, Project Manager, Deep-Sea Fisheries Project, FAO.
Better Together: Using certification standards and tools to facilitate collaboration and support for small and medium scale fisheries in Indonesia to make improvements towards sustainable performance
Description
Fishing sustainably protects stocks and the ocean. However, many fisheries in developing economies face barriers to transitioning to sustainable fishing and certification. In this session, speakers from the Government of Indonesia and the Marine Stewardship Council share insights into how barriers have been overcome and how to apply learnings elsewhere.
Speakers
Dr. Ridwan Mulyana, Director of Fish Resources Management, DG Capture Fisheries, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF), Government of Indonesia;
Camiel Derichs, Program Development Director, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
No sustainable fisheries without transparency – lessons learned from a transformative journey towards participatory governance
Description
This session explores the critical role of transparency in sustainable fisheries management. Chile will share the country's experience with the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) and the implementation of the FiTI Standard, highlighting how improved access to government information supports participatory governance, decision-making, and accountability in marine fisheries management.
Speakers
Dr. Rocío Parra Cortés, Head of Legal Division, Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Chile; Dr. Valeria Merino, Chair of the International Board of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative.
Combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUU); efforts of the IUU Fishing Action Alliance (IUU-AA)
Description
The IUU-AA, a coalition of Governments, non-governmental organizations, and industry, was launched in 2022 to drive global efforts at addressing IUU fishing through: greater transparency; use of technology; and supporting State and non-State partnerships. This talk will highlight the IUU-AA's role, recent progress, and upcoming plans in combatting IUU fishing.
Speakers
Heather Wood, Director, International Fisheries Policy, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Government of Canada; Michele Kuruc, Senior Advisor, Global Fishing Watch.
Closing the oversight gap for unregulated species: squid spotlight
Description
Fisheries managers face many challenges in turning attention to unregulated and under-regulated fisheries, including globally significant squid fisheries. Better understanding the status of squid populations and prioritizing specific tools can help improve oversight of squid fisheries, in unregulated regions, or regions under the remit of RFMOs that need stronger management.
Speakers
Andrew Clayton, The Pew Charitable Trusts; Alfonso Miranda, CALAMASUR (Committee for the Sustainable Management of Jumbo Flying Squid).
Inland fisheries in the broader landscape: a compelling case of the transformational potential of inland fisheries within integrated water resources management (IWRM)
Description
This insightful session presents the connections between integrated water resources management (IWRM) and sustainable inland fisheries with a case study of Indonesia's application of the ecosystem approach to inland fisheries considering the broader basin ecosystem attributes. This example demonstrates IWRM's transformative impacts on inland fisheries ecosystems and their dependent fishing communities.
Speakers
Dr.Ir. Ridwan Mulyana, M.T, Director of Fisheries Resource Management, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia; Valerio Crespi, Fishery Officer, FAO; Angela Lentisco, Fishery and Aquaculture Officer, FAO-RAP.
FISH4ACP: transforming the Gambian oyster value chain from the bottom up
Description
This talk aims to highlight how blue food system transformation translates into practice by showcasing the work done by oyster harvesters and farmers in the Gambia with support from FISH4ACP. FISH4ACP is a fisheries and aquaculture value chain development project active in 12 ACP countries led by the Organisation of the African Caribbean and Pacific States and financially supported by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Speakers
Khadidiatou Diallo, National Professional Officer, FISH4ACP - The Gambia, FAO; Gilles van de Walle, Chief Technical Adviser, FISH4ACP, FAO.
African fisheries and aquaculture - so far, how far? Tenth year anniversary of the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS)
Description
African Union is leading the implementation of the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS) aimed at improving governance of the sector for increased sustainable contribution to food security, livelihoods and wealth creation. We are celebrating a decade existence of PFRS.
Speakers
Hellen Guebama, Fisheries Officer at AU-IBAR; Dr Bernice Mclean, Senior Programme Officer, Blue Economy at AUDA-NEPAD.
Development of the National Plan of Action for Small Scale Fisheries: the Philippines experience of locally implementing the SSF Guidelines
Description
To share the dynamic approach leading to a strong participation of key SSF players to secure buy-in early on increasing likelihood of implementation of the NPOA SSF. The lessons learned and the major role of the institutionalized National Technical Working Group (NTWG) to supervise the development process will be shared.
Speakers
Mr. Roy Ortega, OIC Fisheries Resources and Management Division, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Philippines.
Small-scale fishing communities on the frontline of marine conservation
Description
For millenia, small-scale fishers have sustainably managed the natural resources they depend on. Their contributions to a healthy aquatic environment are deeply rooted in their culture, knowledge and practices. When it comes to looking at how to mainstream biodiversity in fisheries management, small-scale fishing communities and Indigenous Peoples deserve special consideration.
Speakers
Wifek Abdel Jawed, of the Development group for the fishing of Ghannouch, Tunisia and member of the WWF delegation; M. Gaoussou GUEYE, président de la CAOPA.
A Climate Risk Index for Biodiversity: A tangible tool for achieving climate resilient fisheries
Description
The global climate risk index for biodiversity (CRIB) synthesizes multiple data streams to produce risk information for 24,975 marine species, facilitating climate informed fisheries management. We will showcase a web-based platform that managers and stakeholders can use to prioritize, rank, and triage stocks or species at multiple scales.
Speakers
Dale Marsden, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Canadian delegation; Katie Schleit, Oceans North (NGO), Canadian delegation.
Sustainable canoe manufacturing for environmental and economic resilience in South Sudan
Description
The FICREP project is pioneering the development of the local canoe manufacturing industry in South Sudan. This initiative seeks to replace traditional wooden canoes and imported Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) canoes with local wooden canoes enforced with epoxy resin. During the presentation the way to the successful implementation of this technique will be elaborated upon.
Speakers
Mr. Jackson Mogga, Director of Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy in the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries of South Sudan; Mr Matthew Walsh, Fisheries Expert, FAO.
Collective action in Small-Scale Fisheries to achieve Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
Description
Aquatic foods support millions of people and are key to achieving Zero Hunger. This conversation will share the significance of small-scale fisheries in global food security, and showcase how collective action can improve fisheries conditions, highlighting the role of community empowerment and participatory governance in achieving Zero Hunger.
Speaker
Felicito Núñez Bernardez, representative from the Garifuna Fishers of Honduras.
Bridging science and sustainability - How data and information from the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen is transforming aquatic food systems
Description
The talk will showcase the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, the labs and equipment used for collecting data on fish stocks, biodiversity, and ocean health, and highlight how the EAF-Nansen Programme is promoting sustainable fisheries management to achieve healthy and productive aquatic food systems.
Speakers
Ms. Merete Tandstad, EAF-Nansen Programme Coordinator, FAO; Ms. Graça D'Almeida, Director of Resource Management at Ministry of Fisheries, Namibia; Nikolaos Nikolioudakis, EAF-Nansen Programme Science Coordinator, IMR/FAO.
Towards fair and sustainable access arrangements for the benefit of coastal communities
Description
In its annual resolution, the UNGA requests distant-water fishing nations to negotiate access arrangements with developing coastal States "on an equitable and sustainable basis and to take into account their legitimate expectation to fully benefit from the sustainable use of the natural resources of their exclusive economic zones." The proposed exchange will explore the current practice and experience with access arrangements and will discuss the conditions that will enable so-called 'resource holding countries' and in particular small scale fishers in the Global South to benefit from them.
Speakers
Mr Mahatante Tsimanaoraty Paubert, Madagascar Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy; Mr Gaoussou Gueye, President of the African Confederation of Professional Organizations of Artisanal Fisheries (CAOPA).
Aligning the FAO Eco-labelling Guidelines with current sustainability frameworks: addressing market access challenges facing Small-Scale Fisheries
Description
This event will discuss improving market access for small-scale fisheries (SSF) by ensuring inclusive, non-discriminatory ecolabelling schemes aligned with Sustainable Development Goals. It will highlight the need for SSF-inclusive certification standards, considering FAO's call for a review of the current Ecolabelling Guidelines and sharing best practices for equitable market access.
Speakers
H.E. Qaiser Ahmed Shaikh, Minister for Maritime Affairs, Pakistan; Martin Purves, Managing Director, International Pole and Line Foundation.
Turning waste into wealth in Barbados: Powering the Caribbean’s circular economy
Description
Barbados mainstreamed in its 2023-2033 Fisheries Policy the value-addition to fish waste. The successful pilot interventions conducted in 2021-2023 to optimize the utilization of these waste attracted private investment, catalytic funding and are now being upscaled. This would significantly curve the estimated 3,000T of fish waste generated annually, with much of these thrown in landfill.
Speaker
Christopher Parker, Deputy Chief Fisheries Officer, Ministry of Environment and National Beautification, Green and Blue Economy, Barbados.
An ocean of opportunities: the potential of seaweed to address sustainability
Description
Seaweed, a versatile marine macroalgae, is gaining recognition for its multifaceted contributions to sustainable development and food security. The global seaweed market is valued at $17 billion, with exports reaching $1 billion in 2021 (UNCTAD, 2023). Seaweed finds applications in various areas, including food consumption and industrial sectors such as hydrocolloids, non-plastic substitutes, and biofuels. Despite its potential, the seaweed sector remains largely unregulated. Member States should consider harnessing seaweed’s regenerative properties to advance ocean and food-related SDGs.
Speakers
Chantal Line Carpentier, Head of the Trade, Environment, Climate Change and Sustainable Development Branch, United Nations Trade and Development; Vincent Doumeizel, Senior Adviser on the Oceans, United Nations Global Compact and Advisor to the Global Seaweed Coalition.
Solving the climate, biodiversity and hunger crises: the critical role of sustainable and regenerative aquatic food systems
Description
Rebuilding wild fisheries and supporting sustainable growth in regenerative aquaculture is critical for conserving biodiversity, supporting communities and ensuring a lasting seafood supply. With activities in over 20 countries, The Nature Conservancy's Global Aquatic Food Systems program will highlight innovative tools, technologies and approaches to achieve regenerative, nature-positive and equitable food systems.
Speaker
Robert Jones, The Nature Conservancy, Director of Aquatic Food Systems.
The importance of integrating small-scale aquaculture farmers into the digital era.
Description
Aquaculture has experienced extraordinary growth in the last 50 years. The digitalization of aquaculture (Aquaculture 4.0) is the next step in the industry's development. It is crucial to integrate all aquaculture producers into the digital era. Otherwise, small-scale producers risk losing competitiveness and viability in the long run.
Speaker
Antonio Garza de Yta, Vice-president, CIDEEA.
Innovative horizons: exploring aquaculture co-management for Sustainable Development
Description
The talk explores aquaculture co-management (ACM), a collaborative approach to address risks and promote equitable resource access. It highlights the FAO Guidebook for Developing ACM Systems' strategies for sustainable aquaculture, emphasizing multi-stakeholder participation. Attendees will learn about ACM types, goals, best practices, and implementation.
Speakers
Prof. Simon Bush, Wageningen University, The Netherlands; Elisabetta Martone, FAO.
Current status and priorities for transforming inland fisheries in aquatic landscapes
Description
A captivating session inspired by the forthcoming FAO fisheries circular on the state of the global inland fisheries. Discover the key facts, priorities and, most importantly, opportunities related to inland fisheries and their place in productive landscapes and livelihoods and be part of the conversation shaping their future.
Speakers
Robert Arthur, FAO International Inland Fisheries Specialist; Varun Tandon, FAO International Fisheries Consultant.
Social protection for Small-Scale Fisheries: protecting people, fish and food
Description
Join us to explore how expanding social protection in the fisheries sector can mitigate economic shocks, climate-change impacts, and socio-economic disparities. Learn how countries are breaking barriers to ensure better coverage and adequacy for small-scale fishers and fish workers. Jointly organized by the FAO and the World Bank.
Speakers
Daniela Kalikoski, Fishery Industry Officer, FAO; Gunilla Greig, Senior Fisheries Specialist, World Bank.
Implementation of the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines: a legal and policy scan
Description
This event will officially launch the book “Implementation of the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines: A Legal and Policy Scan”, which provides a comprehensive assessment of multiple countries’ legal and policy frameworks vis-à-vis the SSF Guidelines. The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines), adopted in 2014 by the FAO COFI, reaches its 10th anniversary this year. This marks a timely opportunity to share experiences and progress in the implementation of the SSF Guidelines, many of which can be facilitated through national legislation.
Speaker
Prof. Ratana Chuenpagdee, Memorial University of Newfoundland and TBTI Global; Dr. Julia Nakamura, Legal Officer, Development Law Service, FAO Legal Office; Prof. Svein Jentoft, The Norwegian College of Fishery Science, UiT The Arctic University of Norway.
Blue fishing ports
Description
The FAO Blue Ports Initiative enhances fishing ports for sustainable development. Representatives from Spain and China will discuss the importance of these ports in social, economic, and environmental growth, sharing their experiences in promoting coastal community development within the Blue Transformation framework.
Speakers
Manuel Pablo's, Ministerio de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación, Spain; Guillermo Vitullo, Subsecretaría de Pesca, Argentina.
Driving forward the Blue Transformation using the power of pre-competitive partnerships
Description
GSSI exemplifies how broad stakeholder networks in the seafood industry drive dialogue, collaboration, and sustainability. By highlighting examples from partners, GSSI shows the importance of global partnerships in enhancing efficiency, inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. Tools like the Global Benchmark Tool, Social Benchmark Tool, and Seafood MAP promote sustainable practices and bridge public-private sector gaps, advancing the SDGs.
Speakers
Laura del Castillo Munera, SDG Impact Manager at GSSI; Marcelo Hidalgo, Sustainability Director of the Fishing Industry Association in Papua New Guinea and part of GSSI's delegation; Nada Bougouss, Fishery Officer, FAO.
Launch of the FAO technical paper No. 718 on "Navigating the waters of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change"
Description
Climate negotiations are high on the global agenda with annual expectations from the UNFCCC Conference of Parties (COP). What is the place of aquatic foods in these discussions? Join this conversation to learn more about climate negotiations and hear how you can contribute to push the climate and aquatic food agenda.
Speaker
Xuechan Ma, FAO fishery officer.
Environmental stewardship by Small-Scale Fisheries - responsible fisheries and biodiversity conservation
Description
Small-scale fisheries are on the frontlines of aquatic conservation. This reality is highlighted in the new FAO report "Environmental Stewardship by Small-Scale Fisheries" which provides support for implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines and the Global Biodiversity Framework, as well as aiding effective fishery policy and sustainability of fishery livelihoods.
.
Speaker
Anthony (Tony) Charles, Member, Fisheries Expert Group of the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management and Professor, Saint Mary’s University.
CBD Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) - What does it mean to Members?
Description
Let’s speak about opportunities, challenges and needs for the aquatic food sector in i) reframing our policy and practice to better connect to focus areas of the GBF, in ii) sectoral representation on GBF decision making processes, iii) recognition for fisheries and aquaculture mainstreaming of biodiversity, and iv) access to dedicated resourcing set aside for progressing the GBF.
Speakers
Serge Garcia, Member, Fisheries Expert Group of the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management; Joe Appiott, Coordinator for Marine, Coastal and Island Biodiversity, Convention on Biological Diversity; Kim Friedman, Senior Fishery Resources Officer, FAO.
The IMCS Network - connecting and strengthening the global fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement community
Description
The IMCS Network will present mechanisms and capabilities developed to support our members - those that work at the forefront of fisheries MCS, compliance and enforcement. We have worked to identify and understand priority needs and have developed responses to support communication, collaboration, coordination, and capacity development across our membership.
Speaker
Sarah Lenel, Senior MCS Specialist, IMCS-Network.
Collecting ultimate beneficial ownership information - the benefits to sustainable fisheries
Description
This session will start with Ms. Fiore introducing the concept of beneficial ownership and why it is important to sustainable fisheries. Following that, Ms. Wood will discuss Canada's efforts to determine foreign ownership in their flagged fishing vessels through a national survey of beneficial ownership and corporate structures.
Speaker
Gina Fiore, Officer, The Pew Charitable Trusts; Ms. Heather Wood, Director of International Fisheries Policy, Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.