The Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) are the first international instrument dedicated entirely to the immensely important small-scale fisheries sector. They are the result of a long and intensive global bottom-up consultative process.
What makes the SSF Guidelines stand out is that they go beyond fisheries and highlight the rights of fishers and fish workers. In sum, they are about people, not just about fish. The SSF Guidelines are aimed at all actors striving to secure sustainable small-scale fisheries, to end hunger and poverty and strengthen human rights. They are a tool to guide dialogue, policy processes, and action at all levels, from local communities to global fora.
Get to know the SSF Guidelines
The principles in the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) address policies, strategies and legal frameworks concerning small-scale fisheries, but also other matters affecting lives and livelihood in fishing communities. They have a clear human rights-based approach, and they put people, rather than fish, in focus. The SSF Guidelines are global in scope, and they guide dialogue, policy processes and actions at national, regional and international level.
Latest news
Passing the baton: bolstering young fishers’ roles for sustainable fisheries resources
23/02/2024
A small fisher, Agus Riyadi realized that the waters around Binuangen, West Java has high fisheries potentials and has been an essential source of livelihood for his family and local communities. “We need to protect the fisheries resources here and actively monitor their utilization, especiall...
The 6th edition of the International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH) focused on small-scale fisheries
26/01/2024
Rome - The International Fishing Industry Safety and Health Conference (IFISH) is the world’s only conference devoted to safety and health in fisheries and aquaculture. It’s 6th edition, from 8 to 12 January 2024, was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the U...
Recent publications
Developing and implementing a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) – Guide for trainers
01/03/2024
A training programme around the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOASSF) has been developed to support these processes at national level. This guide for trainers was developed to be used along with the rest of trainings materials on how to to develop and implement an NPOA-SSF.
Developing and implementing a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF) – Manual
01/03/2024
This Manual was developed to provide guidance on how to develop and implement a National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF). These processes are unique in their kind because they ensure that the voices and concerns of small-scale fisheries are heard and allow them to actively participate in decision-making processes that shape their lives and livelihoods.
Other relevant instruments
- The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
- The Voluntary Guidelines to support the progressive realization of the right to adequate food (the Right to Food Guidelines)
- The CFS Principles for Responsible Investment in Agriculture and Food Systems (the RAI Principles)
- The Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (the Voluntary Guidelines on Tenure)
- The UN Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals (the SDGs)
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