Initial agreement to initiate the NPOA-SSF process

Before a country embarks on the process of developing an NPOA-SSF, there must be general recognition within the country concerned that there is an interest in implementing the SSF Guidelines, and that an NPOA-SSF is an appropriate vehicle to achieve this. In addition,  in order to make it a reality in the spirit of the SSF Guidelines, all stakeholders need to work together. Therefore, before the development of an NPOA-SSF is initiated, there should be formal agreement among the stakeholders in the country that such a plan is required to translate the SSF Guidelines into concrete action.

A proposal to this effect can be put forward by a civil society organization (CSO), such as a small-scale fishing organization , a government department, an individual, "champion for change", or a group of interested stakeholders. The proposal should include a preliminary vision for the NPOA-SSF as well as options for its scope. In most cases, the concept would need to be incorporated into a funding proposal in order to secure the funds required for the process.

The outcome of such discussions should be a formalized agreement to develop an NPOA-SSF. It is important to note that although it may be proposed by other stakeholders, in order to achieve its objectives, there needs to be government buy-in.