The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) are the first international instrument dedicated entirely to the immensely important small-scale fisheries sector. They are the result of a long and intensive global bottom-up consultative process.
What makes the SSF Guidelines stand out is that they go beyond fisheries and highlight the rights of fishers and fish workers. In sum, they are about people, not just about fish. The SSF Guidelines are aimed at all actors striving to secure sustainable small-scale fisheries, to end hunger and poverty and strengthen human rights. They are a tool to guide dialogue, policy processes, and action at all levels, from local communities to global fora.
Get to know the SSF Guidelines
The principles in the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) address policies, strategies and legal frameworks concerning small-scale fisheries, but also other matters affecting lives and livelihood in fishing communities. They have a clear human rights-based approach, and they put people, rather than fish, in focus. The SSF Guidelines are global in scope, and they guide dialogue, policy processes and actions at national, regional and international level.
Latest news
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The 10th anniversary of the SSF Guidelines
25/06/2024
In 2024 we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the endorsement of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). To bring together responsible fisheries and sustainable development, the SSF Guideli...
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Virtual inception meeting on new project 'Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines for gender-equitable and climate-resilient food systems and livelihoods - Phase 2”
15/05/2024
A virtual inception meeting was held to bring together key project stakeholders and FAO colleagues from headquarters, regional and country offices to introduce and discuss the activities that will be developed during the new FAO project 'Implementing the Small-Scale Fisheries Guide...
Recent publications
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Technical guidance for the creation and implementation of a national fisher registry in support of fisheries management
24/06/2024
Small-scale and artisanal fisheries are vital for global food security, poverty reduction, and sustainable resource management. Despite their importance, these communities often face marginalization. Empowering both men and women in fisheries can lead to improved socioeconomic outcomes and sustainable development.
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Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication
21/06/2024
The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) are the first international instrument dedicated to the immensily important small-scale fisheries sub-sector. They inform policies, strategies, and legal frameworks for small-scale fisheries, impacting not just the fisheries themselves but the entire fishing communities.
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Other relevant instruments
- The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
- The Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food (the Right to Food Guidelines)
- The CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (the RAI Principles)
- The Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (the Voluntary Guidelines on Tenure)
- The UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs)
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