Bringing attention to small-scale fisheries through the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022

The United Nations General Assembly declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA).  The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the lead agency for celebrating the year in collaboration with other relevant organizations and stakeholders.  IYAFA 2022 has provided a unique opportunity to highlight the potential and diversity of small-scale artisanal fisheries and aquaculture, and underline the unique benefits of engaging in partnerships and cooperation with fishers, fishfarmers and fishworkers. 

IYAFA 2022 has engaged a wide range of actors, including civil society organizations, in its many activities.  One such organization is the Federation of the Artisanal Fishers of the Indian Ocean (FPAOI), an organization that brings together representatives of various fishers associations of the Indian Ocean (including Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion Island and Seychelles). 

Mr Patrick Fortuno, who has been actively involved in the celebration of this year in his role as General Secretary of the FPAOI, shares his views on IYAFA 2022 and the importance of civil society involvement in this kind of global advocacy initiative.

Patrick, 2022 is the International year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture.  Why is this year so important?

Small-scale artisanal fishers are often marginalized.  The contributions they can make to ensuring food security and food safety, alleviation of poverty and job creation are often overlooked. IYAFA has provided us with an opportunity to demonstrate how small-scale artisanal fisheries are a force to be reckoned with and to shine a light on the crucial role artisanal fishers play in the socio-economic life of a country. COVID-19 has proven that artisanal fisheries and aquaculture are an essential pillar for food security. Hats off to our brave fishers who have risked their lives to feed the population during this challenging global health crisis!

What are some of the activities civil society organizations like FPAOI have been undertaking in celebration of IYAFA?

Civil society organizations have been engaging in a range of advocacy activities in support of IYAFA.  These have included facilitating consensus among small-scale fisheries actors on a common vision and actions.  For example, a workshop entitled “Shaping the artisanal fisheries in Rodrigues; challenges and opportunities “ was held in support of the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines) as well as to engage members in processes that directly influence and affect their lives and livelihoods, and those of their communities.  We have undertaken a number of talks and workshops for all stakeholders involved in small-scale artisanal fisheries in order to help disseminate information on the SSF guidelines, share knowledge and best practices, and showcase success stories.  Two specific events we have organized included a culinary exhibition of seafood, to demonstrate aspects of our value chain, and we even organized a regatta competition to highlight the many cultural aspects of artisanal fisheries in our communities.

What are your plans beyond 2022, after IYAFA comes to a close?

IYAFA is not an end in and of itself.  It is building a foundation upon which the future of artisanal fisheries will be constructed. A synergy has been built with fisheries authorities and other stakeholders, which will reengineer small-scale artisanal fisheries, bringing fishers to the centre of sustainable and responsible fisheries development.  A cooperative society in Mauritius, member of the FPAOI, with the financial support of the Small Grant Project of the United Nation Development Fund is embarking on a project entitled, “Empowering Fishermen through sustainable fishing practice and value chain,” showcasing a successful artisanal fisheries enterprise. This initiative will be replicated by other members, while respecting their specific contextual differences. Recognising the importance of artisanal fisheries and aquaculture is already a great achievement, but it is essential to enable small-scale artisanal fishers to bring their agenda to the relevant authorities and other relevant fora.

Looking beyond IYAFA, do you see any future partnership opportunities between FPAOI and FAO?

IYAFA is changing artisanal fisheries and aquaculture by empowering artisanal fishers to improve their livelihoods and offer an improved service to society. Training artisanal fishers, empowering them, building their capacities, this is a lifelong process, and the support of FAO is essential to reach that laudable mission.

Thank you, Patrick.  Any final words?

The support of FAO is to be commended. Without the guidance of FAO, artisanal fisheries and aquaculture would be left aside in economic and social development discourse. A big thank you and gratitude to FAO.

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Federation of Artisanal Fishers of the Indian Ocean (FPAOI)

FPAOI was formed in 2015 after representatives from various fishers association of the Indian Ocean (Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion  Island and Seychelles), under the patronage of the Indian Ocean Commission / Smart Fish and CRPRM, joined forces to defend and promote the resources and livelihood of fishers in their region. FPAOI works to promote and represent the interest of artisanal Fishers of the Indian Ocean at national, regional, international level; to safeguard the livelihood of fishers through active and efficient participation of in the exploitation of resources and governance; and to promote education and training of Fishers.

Fédération des Pêcheurs Artisans de l'Océan Indien - FPAOI - Home | Facebook

For more information on the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022, please see: Home | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations | International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org)