Webinar on the 10th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (VGSSF) was a significant event for the African Confederation of Professional Artisanal Fisheries Organizations (CAOPA) and all stakeholders involved in the implementation of these guidelines.
Held on May 16, 2024, this virtual meeting brought together experts and professionals in small-scale fisheries from various backgrounds, all united by the same objective: to take stock of the activities carried out since the adoption of the guidelines, to discuss the successes and challenges encountered, and to identify the prospects for the future implementation of the VGSSF.
Among the panelists of this event, we had the honor of welcoming Dawda Foday SAINE, the current Secretary-General of CAOPA, who presented the activities carried out by the organization as part of the implementation of the VGSSF.
Ms. Amie GUEYE, Head of the Professional Organizations Office at the Directorate of Marine Fisheries of Senegal (DPM) and Coordinator of the implementation of the VGSSF, presented the state of implementation of the guidelines in Senegal, highlighting the significant progress made by the country in this area.
Dr. Tsimanaoraty Paubert Mahatante, Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy of Madagascar and Doctor of Applied Oceanography, shared with the participants the main achievements of Madagascar in the implementation of the guidelines, emphasizing the challenges that remain to be met for optimal implementation of the VGSSF in the country.
Ms. Lena Westlund, International Fisheries Analyst at the FAO, highlighted the main achievements of the 10 years of the Guidelines by the FAO and the challenges to be met for successful implementation of the guidelines in developing countries.
This webinar generated a great deal of enthusiasm among small-scale fisheries stakeholders, who actively participated in the exchanges and debates.
The discussions were rich and constructive, and shed light on the many challenges facing the small-scale fisheries sector, but also the many opportunities available to it for sustainable and inclusive development.
We invite all those who were unable to attend this event to view the replay on the link below and to continue the reflections and exchanges on the implementation of the VGSSF in their respective countries.
Aliou DIALLO