Launch of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022 Presentation of the Margarita Lizárraga Medal 2020-2021

 Launch of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022

Presentation of the Margarita Lizárraga Medal 2020-2021 

Remarks By 

Dr QU Dongyu, FAO Director-General

 As prepared

19 November 2021

 

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

1.         The FAO Margarita Lizárraga Medal, awarded every two years, pays tribute to Ms Margarita Lizárraga, FAO Senior Fishery Liaison Officer, for her decisive role in promoting the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, and her productive work in the field of fisheries for almost forty years, especially in developing countries.

 

2.         It is my pleasure to announce that the Award Selection Committee unanimously agreed to award the 2020-2021 Medal to Ms Margaret Nakato of the Katosi Women Development Trust in Uganda.

 

3.         Ms Nakato was selected in recognition of her success in organizing women in fishing communities to work together, empowering them with knowledge and skills, access to training, technology and markets.

 

4.         As a result, women have a greater voice and strengthened role being drivers of change.

5.         Ms Nakato’s example is one of truly empowering women food producers, not just to improve their own lives, but the food production and nutrition of entire communities.

 

6.         As an early partner in developing and implementing the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication, Ms Nakato has proven to be an inspiring, positive and passionate mentor for young women in small-scale fisheries.

 

7.         A leader dedicated to responsible and sustainable fisheries, with her support of women and men in small-scale fisheries, has led to effective projects in partnership with a variety of stakeholders at local, regional and global level.

 

8.         To summarize, her contribution to the application of the Code is outstanding, practical, tangible and sustainable, as well as catalytic.

 

9.         Ms Nakato was also featured as a FAO “Food Hero” in the 2020 World Food Day celebrations - a voice to show how the fisheries sector contributes to sustainable agri-food systems.

 

10.       As this year’s award ceremony is being held virtually, I would now like to hand over the Medal and scroll virtually to Ms Nakato – and our colleagues in the FAO Uganda Country Office will hand it over to her in person.

 

11.       Congratulations!