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Digital and automation solutions can solve labour bottlenecks, increase agricultural productivity, resilience and efficiency, and improve environmental sustainability. However, access is limited in low- and lower-middle-income countries, especially for small-scale producers. Based on ten case studies in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and Asia, this study investigates the suitability of digital and automation solutions for small-scale producers, the main drivers and barriers to their adoption and the role of policies and regulations in creating an enabling environment.Findings show that technologies in the study countries are largely limited to smartphones and tablets, and related software tools (e.g. mobile applications). Most digital and automation solutions [...]

The purpose of the workshop was to support governance actors and community leads to learn and train local communities in moving from vulnerability assessment to adaptation planning and implementation in fisheries and aquaculture. Twenty-six participants (women and men) attended from Angola, Namibia and South Africa. The workshop was spread across two days. Day 1 provided an overview of some of the key ideas and tools for adaptation planning. Participants were reminded of the need to combine information from bottom-up and top-down assessment processes. A review of the adaptation toolbox developed by FAO helped guide partners in planning their adaptation; the importance [...]

Legislating for the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) is complex, due to the holistic nature of the EAF involving multiple factors that underpin the social, economic, environmental, and institutional aspects of fisheries sustainability. These factors include ecosystems integration, risks, inter-sectoral collaboration, research, participatory processes, monitoring, control, surveillance, and enforcement, among others. To assess how the EAF is being implemented through national policy and legal frameworks, FAO developed A diagnostic tool for implementing an ecosystem approach to fisheries through national policy and legal frameworks.     The present legal report on the EAF used the diagnostic tool to assess the alignment of selected policy [...]

The 2022 edition of the flagship publication of the GFCM, The State of Mediterranean and Black Sea Fisheries, provides an up-to-date overview of fisheries status, trends and governance in the region. Now in its fourth instalment, the publication updates the findings from previous editions while analysing emerging issues in the fisheries sector, including the effects of management plans. For the first time, thanks to the recent consolidation of data quality indicators, trends in the fisheries sector are also analysed at the regional level. Based on data and information from GFCM contracting parties and cooperating non-contracting parties, The State of Mediterranean [...]

O presente relatório jurídico sobre a AEP utilizou a ferramenta de diagnóstico para analisar o alinhamento de instrumentos políticos e jurídicos selecionados de Angola com a AEP. Esta análise examinou em que medida 82 requisitos legais da AEP se encontram refletidos nas políticas e legislação angolanas relevantes para o setor das pescas do país e para outros setores que interagem com as pescas (como o ambiente, a fauna selvagem e os ecossistemas e o meio marítimo). Com base neste diagnóstico preliminar, foram identificadas lacunas nos instrumentos analisados e formuladas recomendações sobre domínios específicos que necessitam de ser melhorados.Legislar de acordo [...]

The document is a brief of a specific aquaculture innovation. It contains information on the technique and approach used, scope and scale of application, accessibility and the outcome and benefits of the innovation.Gene editing holds significant potential to enhance selective breeding. While selective breeding has been successful, it is limited by the heritability of the trait. Gene editing also prevents interbreeding with wild fish should they escape from a farm and offers the potential for improved growth rates. Current studies into gene-editing cover a wide range of aquatic species – including various salmonids, rohu, grass carp, common carp, channel catfish, [...]

This Global Plan of Action for the Conservation, Sustainable Use and Development of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (GPA) was developed by FAO at the request of the members of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture in response to the needs and challenges identified in the first global assessment of the status of Aquatic Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (AqGR). It was developed following broad consultation with the regions and, following endorsement by the Commission, was formally adopted by FAO members at the 168th session of the FAO Council. The GPA is voluntary and [...]

Biodiversity for food and agriculture comprises all the components of biodiversity that contribute to crop and livestock production, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture – both wild and domesticated, and at genetic, species and ecosystem levels. It is vital to food security and nutrition, livelihoods and the supply of a range of ecosystem services. The Framework for Action on Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture was endorsed by the FAO Council in 2021. It contains more than 50 individual actions grouped into three strategic priority areas: characterization, assessment and monitoring; management (sustainable use and conservation); and institutional frameworks. It was developed in response to [...]

The MedBycatch project works on improving knowledge, providing skills, tools and means towards the reduction of incidental catch of vulnerable species in the Mediterranean, with particular focus in Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey, Italy and Croatia. The on-the-ground activities aim at implementing standardised data collection and testing mitigation measures towards effectively reducing single and multi-taxa bycatch, induced by trawls, longlines, gillnets and purse seines, through a collaboration approach between national fisheries institutes, local NGOs and fishers and fishing associations. The project plans to leverage change within all the coastal Mediterranean countries on the issue of incidental catch of vulnerable species, including through communication [...]

This policy brief summarizes the findings of surveys among financial and insurance providers, fishers and fisherfolk organizations in the Philippines in 2021. It explains why financial services are important for small-scale fishers (SSF) and provides recommendations for improving their access to finance and insurance. SSF make an important contribution to food security and the rural economy.The average income of most SSF is below the poverty line of USD 2 500/year. For economic growth and sustainable fishing operations SSF need access to financial and insurance services. Less than 50 percent of the SSF have access to financial services. Only 30 percent [...]