The small-scale fisheries sector plays a crucial role in food security, poverty reduction, and the sustainable management of marine resources. In 2014, the FAO adopted the Voluntary Guidelines for Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF), marking a decisive turning point for this sector. Ten years later, the 2nd World Small-Scale Fisheries Summit will be held in Rome from July 5 to 7, 2024, to celebrate this anniversary.
This summit, organized in collaboration with various international organizations, aims to assess the progress made in implementing the SSF Guidelines and to define priority actions for the future. The event will bring together up to 300 participants, representing small-scale fisheries organizations, NGOs, governments, and intergovernmental institutions. This summit promises to be a platform for enriching dialogue and concrete action to strengthen the rights and livelihoods of small-scale fishers around the world.
The African Confederation of Professional Artisanal Fisheries Organizations (CAOPA) plays a central role in this event, notably through the active participation of its members in discussions and workshops.
First, the president of CAOPA, Gaoussou Gueye, will speak at the opening of the summit. He will deliver a powerful speech to embody the spirit of unity and the collective efforts of the global small-scale fishing community. Gaoussou will recall how, ten years ago and before, movements fought together for the adoption of the SSF Guidelines.
Mr. Gueye will highlight the common struggle undertaken to have these guidelines adopted.
After the previous edition, the 2nd SSF Summit 2022 will take place over three days. The first day of the SSF Summit is reserved for small-scale fisheries organizations and movements to meet and dialogue. The second and third days are open to other guests to discuss priority topics. To view the preliminary agenda, please click here.
Key Points of the Program
The summit program is organized over three days and addresses various essential topics for small-scale fisheries. Here are the key points in simple sentences:
Customary Land Rights: The recognition and protection of customary land rights are essential to ensure the sustainability of small-scale fishers’ livelihoods. Discussions will focus on the experiences of different countries and ways to strengthen these rights.
Social Development: The summit will address social development issues, emphasizing the empowerment of small-scale fishing communities, including women, and improving living conditions.
Innovations and Best Practices: Technological innovations and best practices will be presented to improve the sustainability and efficiency of small-scale fisheries.
Policies and Governance: The role of public policies and governance frameworks will be discussed to support small-scale fisheries. The summit’s recommendations will aim to influence national and international policies.
The 2nd Small-Scale Fisheries Summit is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the past ten years and to chart the course for the future. The active participation of CAOPA underscores the importance of Africa in this sector and the need to continue efforts for sustainable and equitable small-scale fisheries. The discussions and outcomes of this summit will be crucial in guiding future actions and strengthening the livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities around the world.
Mamadou Aliou DIALLO