Bizerte, Tunisia – December 4, 2024

The Regional Office of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for the Near East and North Africa is hosting a pivotal workshop to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines) and the 11th anniversary of the Maghreb and North Africa Platform for Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture.

This event brings together key stakeholders, including artisanal fishers, government representatives, regional and international organizations, and civil society groups. With a focus on advancing the role of artisanal fisheries in food security, employment, and cultural preservation, the workshop aims to address the challenges facing this vital sector.

A Pillar of Livelihoods and Tradition

Artisanal fisheries play a critical socio-economic role worldwide, providing nearly two-thirds of the global fish supply for human consumption and generating livelihoods for 90% of fishers globally. In North Africa, this sector directly employs approximately 150,000 people and supports various ancillary activities, from gear maintenance to market distribution. Beyond its economic significance, artisanal fishing embodies cultural heritage, preserving traditional knowledge and practices within coastal communities.

However, artisanal fisheries face numerous challenges, including marginalization in resource management and competition from industrial sectors. These vulnerabilities have spurred efforts to strengthen the sector through collaborative governance and regional initiatives.

Strengthening Cooperation for the Future

The SSF Guidelines, adopted by the FAO’s Committee on Fisheries (COFI) in 2014, advocate for participatory approaches in fisheries management, empowering artisanal fisher organizations to contribute actively to decision-making processes. This workshop will evaluate the progress of these guidelines in North Africa and renew commitments to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14.b, which emphasizes equitable access to marine resources for small-scale fishers.

Revitalizing Regional Platforms

A key highlight of the workshop is the revitalization of the Maghreb and North Africa Platform for Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, established in 2013. Having recently expanded to include Egypt, the platform is set to enhance regional collaboration, with support from partners like the FAO, the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). This initiative aims to foster knowledge-sharing, strengthen organizational capacities, and promote sustainable practices across the region.

Key Objectives and Expected Outcomes

The workshop’s agenda focuses on:

• Familiarizing stakeholders with the SSF Guidelines.
• Strengthening the implementation of participatory approaches in fisheries management.
• Promoting South-South cooperation among artisanal fisher organizations.
• Enhancing advocacy skills and resource mobilization for artisanal fisheries.
• Establishing a renewed and more inclusive platform for regional cooperation.

By the conclusion of the event, participants will have contributed to a dynamic and autonomous platform, capable of representing the interests of artisanal fishers at national, regional, and international levels.

A Shared Vision for Sustainability

As the workshop unfolds in the picturesque city of Bizerte, it serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility to support artisanal fisheries. The FAO, GFCM, and partner organizations reaffirm their commitment to empowering small-scale fishers, ensuring sustainable livelihoods, and preserving the cultural and ecological heritage of coastal communities.

We wish this workshop great success and commend the efforts of the FAO and GFCM in fostering sustainable artisanal fisheries, regional collaboration, and a brighter future for North African coastal communities.

Written by Naoufel Haddad, Secretary General of MOSFA