39. This agenda item was summarized by the secretariat on the basis of document CIFA/XII/2002/3, underscoring the critical importance of the region’s aquatic resources and highlighting the contribution of inland fisheries and aquaculture to food security, and poverty reduction indicating the need to devote more resources to the sub-sectors such that they develop in harmony. Interactions between inland fisheries and aquaculture were noted at several levels: institutional, resource, socio-cultural, markets and bio-technological. The presentation culminated in a review of the challenges and opportunities to develop synergies and reduce negative interactions between the two sub-sectors, including conclusions for the consideration of the Committee.
40. In the ensuing discussion several Delegates expressed their appreciation for the quality of the documents and the presentation including the innovative and timely contrasting of the inland fisheries and aquaculture sub-sectors. Many Delegates also highlighted the nature of these interactions in their countries.
41. The Committee emphasised the important role of the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach (SLA) in addressing these interactions. It noted that in adopting the SLA, care should be taken to ensure elements of profitability were taken into account.
42. The Committee further emphasized that:
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) should be undertaken prior to embarking on activities which impact aquatic environments and ecosystem changes should continue to be carefully monitored;
Governments should develop and strengthen conducive policies and appropriate institutional arrangements while promoting good governance, including mechanisms to address conflicts and competition for resource use;
Governments should promote a holistic approach to aquatic resource development involving all stakeholders including those in the agriculture sector;
Entrepreneurship and profitability should be promoted. Similarly, broad-spectrum interventions involving a variety of actions with emphasis on increased involvement of the private sector, civil society organizations (CSOs) and the NGO community should be encouraged;
The key role of extension should be recognized and governments should be encouraged to delineate the roles of extension and law enforcement workers;
Countries should have a clear and comprehensive strategy for the development of their aquatic resources and promote integrated resource management, as well as integrated catchment (water basin) and community management for aquatic resources including such inter-disciplinary action as integrated irrigation agriculture (IIA).
43. The Committee agreed that there was a need to purposely promote culture-based and enhanced fisheries and requested that FAO should continue to provide technical assistance and advice on the actions outlined in paragraph 42 and in particular on culture-based and enhanced fisheries as parts of integrated aquatic resource/catchment management.
