BMZ Innovation Dialogue on the future of African rural areas

In the context of its project 'A world without hunger', the German Ministry for Development Cooperation (BMZ) co-convened an innovation dialogue called 'Empty seas or great potential? Opportunities for action for sustainable fisheries'  with the NGO Bread for the World.

The Innovation Dialogue was held at the BMZ and was attended by about 100 participants from ministries, NGOs, academia and the general public. It was opened by Gunther Beger, Director Division Economics, Trade and Rural Development, BMZ, and Thilo Hoppe, Former MP/Strategic Management of Bread for the World.

In the presentation by FAO, the SSF Guidelines were introduced as part of the existing tools to address current shortcomings in sustainable fisheries, including in Africa. A panel consisting of Gunther Beger, BMZ, Franzisco Mari, Bread for the World, Andrea Wever, Director of Corporate Responsibility, Metro, and Stefanie Kirse, MSC Programme Director for Germany, Austria and Switzerland discussed sustainable supply chains and how small-scale fisheries in Africa can be supported in this context.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were considered as an important comprehensive framework for action for development partners, with interlinked goals and an emphasis on leaving no one behind.