First Stakeholder Consultation Meeting of the FAO Programme in support of the implementation of the FAO strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa

NEPAD Agency Senior Fisheries Advisor,
Dr. Sloans Chimatiro

10-12 May 2011. Midrand, South Africa. Organised by FAO and NEPAD, the engagement brought together participants from Regional Fisheries Organisations, Regional Fisheries Bodies, Regional Economic Commissions, donors as well as civil society.

The objectives of the meeting were:

1. To participate and contribute to fisheries and programmes and closely link to existing and emerging regional and sub-regional fisheries organisations;
2. To identify a new programme to support the implementation of the FAO strategy for fisheries and aquaculture in Africa;
3. To support the development and implementation of a Comprehensive African Fisheries Reform Strategy promoted by the Partnership for African Fishereis (PAF) under the NEPAD Action Plan for the Development of African Fisheries and Aquaculture -- as was recommended by the recent Conference of African Ministers of Fishereis & Aquaculture (CAMFA).

According to the outcome discussions, priority should be given to the review of existing information on initiatives, programmes and relevant actors through an information sharing system. In this context, it was agreed to adequately define ways to formally identify and integrate actors and also to share these information. The outcome of the review will also define and prioritise appropriate action plans as well as key partners. Such an information sharing system will help to strengthen effective communication channels for fisheries and aquaculture policies and strategic dialogue in Africa.

The participants stressed the importance of integrating climate change considerations into fishery management plans. NEPAD’s participation and contribution in this regard at the Conference of the Parties (COP 17) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Durban, South Africa, in December 2011, was therefore highly recommended.

The FAO Strategy for Fisheries & Aquaculture in Africa is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).