We, men and women professionals of African artisanal fishing, gathered in Saly, Republic of Senegal, on November 20, 2024 to discuss the 10 years of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Alleviation (SSF Guidelines) and the Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa: what prospects for their implementation?
Recognizing the importance of artisanal fishing and aquaculture to employment creation, the economy of our countries, food security, social and environmental protection;
Noting after 10 years of existence:
– out of the 54 states, only six countries have taken initiatives for implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the context of Food Security and Poverty Alleviation (SSF Guidelines).
– The political framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa remains unknown;
– The multiplicity of professional organizations, hence the implementation of the platforms of non -state -based players in artisanal, interlocutors of states and institutions, at national, regional and continental level;
– Insufficient support provided to the African artisanal fishing sector;
Noting the misdeeds of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) in the economy of our states and the sustainability of the resource and biodiversity;
Noting mining, oil and gas exploration and exploitation, the upsurge of Fishmeal and Fish oil plants, jeopardizing the future of coastal communities;
Considering the excellent opportunity offered by the celebration of World Fisheries Day to engage in exchanges between stakeholders: states, institutions, professionals and civil society;
Considering that blue transformation must promote inclusive growth, food security coupled with resource management;
Taking into account the importance of co -management in governance and management of fisheries;
Finally, considering that the call for action launched by artisanal fishing communities around the world in 2022, must result in immediate and concrete actions.
Reaffirm our commitment to continue the popularization of SSF Guidelines and the policy framework and reform strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa;
Let us invite our states and the institutions to provide sufficient technical and financial means to the various platforms put in place;
Recommend to our States to enforce the support measures essential by multinationals;
Exhort for multinationals to respect their commitment.
Recommend to our States to respect their commitment to the implementation of SSF Guidelines.
Let us invite our States to strengthen monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) to eradicate IUU fishing.
Long live Africa
LESS TALK! LESS TALK!!
WE NEED ACTION!
ACTION!! ACTION!!! NOW