Fish(ing) for the Future: Sustainable fish for food security and nutrition in Africa

Stronger joint support for Africa’s fisheries and aquaculture was the theme of the event co-organized by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Commission (EC) and FAO. The event is one of many which we will be co-organizing under the auspices of the German Presidency of the Council of the European Union. It was hosted by Members of the European Parliament Isabel Carvalhais and Pierre Karleskind. Both MEPs are Members of the European Parliamentary Alliance against Hunger and Malnutrition.

Martin Hoppe, Head of Division at the German Ministry (BMZ) underscored the economic, environmental, and social importance of sustainable small-scale fisheries, which, through innovation, can foster important social transformation. In her video message, H.E. Amb. Josefa Sacko, African Union Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, reminded participants of the importance which the African Union places on fisheries and aquaculture through the AU NEPAD Policy Framework for Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as in its Blue Economy Strategy. Both Manuel Barange, Director at the FAO Fisheries Division and Michael Phillips, Director of Aquaculture and Fisheries Science at WorldFish provided scenarios for sustained and sustainable growth, particularly highlighting nutritional aspects.

Gaoussou Gueye (CAOPA) and Veronika Veits (DG MARE), talked about small-scale fisheries and the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. In his intervention, Leonard Mizzi (DG DEVCO) focused on Team Europe’s role in supporting countries and regions to implement integrated approaches for the conservation and sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture in the continent.

You can access the recording here.