The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Fisheries & Coastal Development Department and the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Government of Balochistan, organized a day-long inception ceremony for the Gwadar Lasbela Livelihood Support Project Phase 2 (GLLSP-II) at BUITEMS, Quetta on November 30, 2023.
With the participation of over 65 stakeholders from various segments of the fisheries and aquaculture value chain in Balochistan, the event aimed to foster collaboration and development in these sectors. Faiz Barech from FAO welcomed attendees and outlined the event's purpose.
Chief Guest Imran Gichki, Secretary Fisheries & Coastal Development Department Balochistan, emphasized the inclusion of indigenous perspectives in policy formulation. He highlighted the ongoing stakeholder consultation process for the Balochistan fisheries policy and the revision of the legal framework through FAO Technical Assistance under GLLSP-II.
FAO Country Representative Florence Rolle noted the historically neglected status of fisheries and livestock in Balochistan and pledged support for their development, emphasizing their potential for livelihood improvement and economic prosperity in the region.
Dr. Kanwar Muhammad Javed Iqbal, FAO's Senior Policy Specialist, shared updates on GLLSP-II Outcome-2, focusing on policy and legal framework. He announced a provincial stakeholder consultation workshop scheduled for January 2024 in Gwadar.
Rizwan Hayat Khan, FAO's Project Manager for GLLSP-II, highlighted the project's objectives, milestones, and initiatives, including Training of Trainers for climate-resilient agriculture and livestock.
Muhammad Tayyab Lehri, Secretary Livestock Balochistan, emphasized the untapped potential of livestock and fisheries and stressed the need for capacity building, skill development, and value addition for local consumption and export.
Saifullah Zehri, Coordinator of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of GLLSP-II, provided an overview of the project's endeavors and the roles of various project partners. Representatives from fisherfolk, female groups, private sector, civil society, and faculty members of Lasbela University also shared their insights during the occasion.