“Youth remains an indispensable element in all human institutions and enterprises, as well as in artisanal fisheries.” Reinforced by this assertion, the African Confederation of Professional Organizations of Artisanal Fisheries (CAOPA) organized from 28 to 30 June 2021, in Saly-Portudal, Senegal, the first meeting of the youth unit of its various member organizations and countries of Africa.
The aim was to make them aware of the content and modalities of the application of the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries (SSF) and to introduce them to the organizational dynamics in order to prepare them to take over.
At the opening of the meeting, the first of its kind, the President of CAOPA, Gaoussou GUEYE declared: “We are together to see how you, the young people, will take over the destiny of CAOPA. But you must be resilient, patient and above all informed to be able to communicate and argue in front of your interlocutors.”
During 48 hours, participants from ten member countries were briefed on “CAOPA as an organization; awareness and effective implementation of SSF guidelines in Africa; organizational development; and IYAFA (International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture) 2022″.
At the end of the meeting, CAOPA Youth Unit presented a declaration in which they made a number of commitments.
Firstly, they consider the creation of the CAOPA Youth Unit as a “challenge to African youth” to build their capacity and acquire relevant knowledge on fisheries. This is to enable them to participate effectively in fisheries governance and management at local, regional and international levels. To this end, they called on, among others “African youth to take up the challenge; respective organizations to replicate this CAOPA initiative; and respective governments to prioritize youth implication in fisheries governance and management”.
Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries
In this regard, they stated: “we take ownership of the Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries and are ready to strengthen awareness, involve stakeholders and mobilize support for effective implementation in our respective countries”.
Regarding the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022), the youth of CAOPA affirm that the institution of IYAFA 2022 is recognition of the contribution of artisanal fisheries and aquaculture to food and nutritional security, the achievement of human rights and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Therefore, they committed to be ambassadors of IYAFA 2022 in their respective countries; facilitate the setting up of organizing committees in their countries; and carry out actions to brand IYAFA 2022.
In addition, the young people intend to set up a CAOPA Youth Committee to coordinate activities related to the celebration of IYAFA 2022.
By Aliou DIALLO