Why participate to the GFCM High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives?
Five years away from reaching the targets set by the Malta MedFish4Ever Declaration, and in the wake of recent crises that have called for greater adaptation and need to boost progress, the GFCM High-level conference on MedFish4Ever initiatives: Transformative actions to address new challenges aims to take stock of advances and inspire reinforced ambition towards sustainable Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries and aquaculture.
What will be the format of the conference?
The conference will open on 3 October 2023 with multidisciplinary panels exploring the challenges faced and potential solutions as we look to the future. These will be followed, on the second day, by a high-level segment where ministers and their representatives will announce how they intend to accelerate their commitments towards delivering on their sustainability pledges and defining the future outlook, means and opportunities for this important sector. Other events are also planned to be held in parallel with the conference.
Who can participate?
GFCM's contracting parties, cooperating non-contracting parties, select non-contracting parties, partner organizations and relevant stakeholders are invited to register here.
Register hereWhat is the MedFish4Ever declaration?
Signed in March 2017, the MedFish4Ever declaration is a joint commitment by nations in the region to take decisive steps over the next decade to improve the management and governance of their fisheries. MedFish4Ever aims to secure the long-term environmental, economic and social sustainability of Mediterranean fisheries through:
- Enhancing research and data collection, so management efforts are based on detailed and reliable science;
- Curbing IUU fishing, which harms stocks, undermines data and distorts markets; while exacerbating socioeconomic problems on shore;
- Improving social protection to reflect the risks and uncertainties of livelihoods in the sector, particularly in small-scale fisher communities;
- Securing urgent funding for priority actions towards sustainable fisheries and aquaculture;
- Sharing and spreading best fisheries management practices and technologies across the whole region.
