Around 5.5 million people in South Sudan, or almost half the population, face severe hunger, not knowing where their next meal is coming from ahead of the lean season, which peaks in July. Of these around one million people are on the brink of famine. 

Addressing the Our Ocean Conference in the United States capital, Graziano da Silva praised the signatories of the FAO-brokered Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA).

International Mother Earth Day helps raise awareness of the importance of preserving our natural resources. It reminds us that the Earth and its ecosystems are our home. We must take of them. And FAO has an important role to play.