FAO organizes workshop with small-scale fisheries stakeholders to define the priorities for new project in Madagascar

FAO officially launched the national implementation phase of the project Enhancing equitable, climate-resilient and sustainable small-scale fisheries through the SSF Guidelines implementation with a technical workshop held at Toliara, in the Atsimo-Andrefana Region. 

The workshop was attended by multiple stakeholders, including the Minister of Fisheries and Blue Economy, representatives from government agencies and NGOs, FAO fisheries experts from both Madagascar and headquarters, and local small-scale fisheries (SSF) actors. During his address, the Minister highlighted the technical support FAO can provide and expressed his anticipation for continued collaboration to support the implementation of the National Plan of Action for Small-Scale Fisheries (NPOA-SSF), as well as the broader development of the sector in the country. 

The project aims to strengthen the resilience of small-scale fishing communities while supporting their role as custodians of aquatic resources. It emphasizes biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and a human-rights-based approach that places equity and gender equality at the center of its actions. The ultimate goal is effective, participatory governance of the small-scale fisheries sector, contributing to healthy fish stocks, biodiversity conservation, and equitable livelihoods. 

During the workshop, participants reviewed the national work plan for Madagascar through 2027. The priority activities were defined during the discussions and included, among other things, formalizing actors through registration and ID cards, revision of legislative texts in line with the SSF Guidelines and creating a national federation for small-scale fisheries. Support for elaboration of a regional fisheries management plan for Atsimo-Andrefana and implementation of co-management in Lake Alaotra, supported with provision of equipment, and facilitation of the development of income-generating activities were also underlined. Participants stressed the importance of developing a multi-sectoral strategy for migration, strengthening the capacities of actors and their organizations with climate-smart equipment and Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) support, and producing communication materials on the SSF Guidelines and the National Small-Scale Fisheries Action Plan (PAN-PP). 

The next steps involve a detailed review of the group discussion outcomes and adjustments to the work plan, including budget calibration, by FAO. The final plan will then be shared with participants, including the task force and the Directorates of Fisheries and Blue Economy (DRPEB/MPEB) involved, to guide the implementation of the project across Madagascar. 

• SSF Guidelines website 
• Enhancing equitable, climate-resilient and sustainable small-scale fisheries through the SSF Guidelines implementation project 
• SSF Guidelines country page: Madagascar 
• NPOA-SSF in Madagascar