The United Republic of Tanzania showcases SSF Guidelines in action at UNOC3
©Photo: Ministry of Fisheries & Ocean Resources, Maldives
At the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held in Nice, France (9–13 June 2025), the United Republic of Tanzania reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable ocean governance and the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines). Represented at plenary, panel and side events, the United Republic of Tanzania highlighted its National Plan of Action for the SSF Guidelines (NPoA-SSF) a flagship approach to the governance of the small-scale fisheries sub-sector, including rights-based fisheries management.
The country shared progress on key achievements, including development and implementation of the National Plan of Action for the SSF Guidelines (NPoA-SSF Guidelines) and the establishment of the Tanzania Women Fishworkers Association (TAWFA) , Tanzania’s NPoA-SSF emphasizes responsible governance of tenure through participatory co-management and equitable access to fisheries resources. These priorities were further reinforced during side events which emphasized gender equality, participatory governance, Preferential Access Areas and co-management as key pillars to sustainable and just fisheries.
"The United Republic of Tanzania’s participation at UNOC3 was an opportunity to share and inspire our commitment to implementing the SSF Guidelines”. explained Lilian Ibengwe, Coordinator of the Tanzania National Task Team for Implementation of the NPoA–SSF Guidelines and Principal Fisheries Officer at the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. “Initiatives such as the development and implementation of the National Plan of Action (NPoA – SSF Guidelines) — a process that has been nationally led, participatory, and inclusive—and the formation of the Tanzania Women Fishworkers Association (TAWFA) demonstrate our dedication to advancing gender equality, community empowerment, and sustainable fisheries governance. By sharing our progress and lessons learned, we aim to support peer learning and strengthen regional collaboration for more sustainable and resilient fisheries”
The United Republic of Tanzania’s NPoA-SSF Guidelines was recognized as a strong example of fisheries governance approach that ensures both social equity and ecological sustainability, advancing tenure security, food security, and climate resilience. Through active engagement in regional platforms such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other collaborative initiatives, the United Republic of Tanzania underscored the importance of cooperation in achieving equitable and sustainable ocean governance. Its experience offers valuable lessons for other countries, including the members of the Bay of Bengal Programme Inter-Governmenal Organization (BOBP-IGO) that have expressed interest in developing NPOAs-SSF, on how inclusive and sustainable small-scale fisheries management can be implemented in practice.
The United Republic of Tanzania’s strong presence at UNOC3 reaffirmed its readiness to work with partners to ensure a just, inclusive, and resilient future for small-scale fisheries.
The participation of Ms Lilian Ibengwe at the conference was supported through the project Enhancing Equitable, Climate-Resilient, and Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries through the Implementation of the SSF Guidelines, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).
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