MMAF and FAO to enhance synergy for concrete progress in sustainable fisheries and coastal management through ISLME project
The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations voice their commitment today (24.02) to strengthen synergy in joint efforts to tackle challenges in promoting sustainable fisheries and coastal management under the Indonesian Seas Large Marine Ecosystem (ISLME) project.
“With stronger synergy we are in a better position to really improve project implementation, to attain targets and to create lasting impacts through Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded support,” said Director General of Capture Fisheries (DGCF) Mr. M. Zaini in his remarks at the National Project Steering Committee (NPSC) meeting, conducted both online and offline at the Aston Hotel, Bogor.
The ISLME is a four-year GEF-funded project ending in December 2022 and being implemented in four Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) 573 (along southern Java island to western Timor sea), FMA 712 (northern Java island), FMA 713 (in Makassar straight, Bone Bay, Flores Sea and Bali Sea), FMA 714 (Tolo Bay and Banda Sea), with five selected commodities, namely blue swimming crab, mud crab, lobster, snapper and grouper.
ISLME project has made significant progress in strengthening Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAFM), Ecosystem Approach to Aquaculture (EAA) and marine habitat management. Building on the achievements so far, for 2022, there are 29 proposed activities to carry out, including EAFM, EAA and the completion of Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and Strategic Action Programme (TDA/SAP).
Mr. Zaini, who is also Chair of NPSC expressed his hope that Indonesia’s stakeholders: from MMAF to small fishers could reap concrete benefits from the ISLME project, especially for development of local capacity for sustainable management and utilization of fisheries and coastal resources.
“Moving forward, we do hope ISLME can contribute to helping improve the welfare of small fishers, restore fisheries stocks, especially for the key ISLME commodities. For Measurable fisheries, we (DJCF) are open to inputs and recommendations, we can discuss and follow up together,” he said, stressing that protecting local and small-scale fishers is his office top priority.
FAO Representative Mr. Rajendra Aryal commends efforts in EAFM, EAA, improving data collection by promoting the use of elogbook, the need for accelerating the Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis and its Strategic Action Programme (TDA/SAP). “There were some delays in aspects of project implementation due to the pandemic. However, there is already a workable plan to ensure successful completion of the project,” Mr. Rajendra said.
The GEF Operational Focal Point Laksmi Dhewanthi told the NPSC forum that hopefully through ISLME project, Indonesia continues to make improvements in legal basis, policies and investments; with concrete positive impacts in fisheries and coastal management at the end of the project, especially in unique and critical ecosystems.