Mbour, Senegal, February 26, 2024 – Three leading organizations in small-scale fisheries in Africa, the Pan-African Platform of Non-State Actors in Fisheries and Aquaculture (AFRIFISH-net), the African Confederation of Professional Organizations in Small-Scale Fisheries (CAOPA), and the African Women Fish Traders Network (AWFISHNET), have joined forces by signing a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership aims to promote sustainable and inclusive small-scale fisheries that benefit grassroots communities, women, and youth.
The MoU aims to:
– Coordinate and harmonize the organizations’ positions on key issues in small-scale fisheries and aquaculture.
– Promote the five priorities of the Call to Action for Small-Scale Fisheries, launched in 2022, including preferential access to coastal areas, women’s participation, protection of small-scale fisheries, transparency and accountability, and resilience to climate change.
– Implement FAO guidelines for sustainable small-scale fisheries and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Reform Strategy in Africa.
– Support small-scale fisheries and aquaculture communities, especially women and youth.
– Promote the trade of fishery products at the sub-regional and continental levels.
Gaoussou Gueye, President of AFRIFISH and CAOPA, stated, “This memorandum of understanding is a significant step for small-scale fisheries in Africa. By joining forces, we can amplify the voices of small-scale fishers at all levels and promote sustainable policies that benefit all.”
The signatories acknowledge, “Small-scale fisheries are a vital sector for the African economy and food security. This memorandum will strengthen the capacities of small-scale fisheries organizations and empower them to play a more significant role in fisheries management in Africa.”
They also emphasize, “Women play a crucial role in African small-scale fisheries. This MoU will promote women’s empowerment and ensure their effective participation in decision-making.”
The Memorandum of Understanding came into effect in early February 2024 and will last for three years. It is renewable by mutual agreement.