FAO, the European Union and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States launch new programme

23 October 2019, Oslo – In the presence of FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu, today European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Karmenu Vella, and Patrick I. Gomes, Secretary General of and the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) signed an €40 million funding agreement to boost the development of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

The signing took place in Oslo, on the sidelines of the Our Ocean 2019 conference. Representatives from governments, business, civil society and research institutions are attending this global event to promote action for a clean, healthy and productive ocean.

Vella noted how the programme that will be funded through the agreement will strike a balance between production and protection, to contribute towards fair income distribution; to promote decent working conditions, sound fisheries management and social inclusiveness; and to champion sustainable aquaculture practices.

Welcoming the agreement, Qu said the programme represented an innovative approach that will boost economic returns and social equity, and reduce negative impacts on the marine environment and was fruit of a comprehensive value chain approach takes into account all players, at all stages - from net to plate.

Gomes also welcomed the agreement, and stressed the urgent need to boost the ACP regions’ fisheries and aquaculture sectors to ensure that they can continue to contribute to economic growth, decent jobs and food and nutrition security.

The FISH4ACP programme will work with 10 value chains in 10 different ACP countries, aiming to maximise their economic returns and social benefits, while minimising the detrimental effects on natural habitats and marine wildlife. It will pay special attention to small-scale fisheries because of their potential to deliver economic and social benefits, particularly for women.