International technical assistance
Under the Global Capacity Development Programme, the PSMA Secretariat has developed a structured capacity development approach to deliver international technical assistance that ensures the effectiveness and sustainability of capacity development interventions.
Following an official request of assistance by developing States, and subject to the availability of funds, a comprehensive needs assessment process is carried out in the country, with the active participation of relevant national agencies involved in the implementation of the PSMA, which results in a National Strategy and Action Plan specific for the country.
The Plan then guides the next steps including the review and strengthening of policies, legislation, institutional capacity, monitoring, control and surveillance, and enforcement.
Information on the beneficiary countries and the type of support provided is summarized in the latest working document and/or report of the Part 6 Working Group meeting.
In short, these areas of work cover the 3 main pillars of capacity development interventions through technical assistance support:
- Policy and legislation
The review of national policy and legislation; technical support to a State to strengthen its legislative framework, to align it with international and regional requirements, with the objective of ensuring it has the legal basis to fulfil its responsibilities. This may include support in strenghtening implementing regulations.
- Institutional setup and capacity
The review of the setup of institutions, and activities leading to improving the capacity within a country to be able to carry out the functions to fulfil its responsibilities under the international framework. This includes inter-agency coordination with clear roles and processes for each national agency involved.
- MCS and operations
The review of the schemes, processes, tools and activities to support fisheries management in general and the fight against IUU fishing through port controls as more specific target. This refers to detecting, stopping and correcting irregularities including through enabling the use of technology and/or development/use of information systems, and the development, upgrade and implementation of standard operating procedures.
- © FAO/Lorenzo Catena