Fisheries for sustainable development: FISH4ACP Programme Steering Committee

The FISH4ACP Steering Committee gathered to discuss the progress, challenges and activities of the programme and its second year of implementation to unlock the potential of fisheries and aquaculture in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.

The Organisation for African Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Assistant Secretary-General for the Environment and Climate Action, Cristelle Pratt, stressed the relevance of the FISH4ACP programme to “bring the improvements needed in the livelihoods and well-being of ACP citizens and communities, especially entering the post-COVID-19 period.”

European Commission Directorate-General for International Cooperation and Development (DG DEVCO) Head of Sector for Sustainable Agriculture, Christophe Larose, said the programme implementation is making significant progress, despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He stressed the European Union’s interest in seeing the benefits of the programme realized in the twelve identified value chains.

The participants of the Steering Committee also welcomed the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Ministry has financially contributed to the programme to support the analysis of two extra value chains in The Gambia and Zambia. Participants, including FAO Brussels Director Rodrigo de Lapuerta, welcomed the agreement with BMZ as an excellent example of a Team Europe approach.

The FISH4ACP project, implemented by FAO and supported by the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), aims to tackle the underlying challenges of building sustainable fisheries and aquaculture while working and enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of value chains in twelve ACP countries. The programme pays special attention to small and medium-sized businesses for their potential to stimulate inclusive growth and bolster food security, particularly for women and young people.