The ministerial declaration of the 8th Conference of Ministers Responsible for Oceans, Inland Waters, and Fisheries from the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) calls for the SSF Guidelines implementation
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Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | On 11 September 2024, ministers from the Organization of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) convened for the 8th Conference on Oceans, Inland Waters, and Fisheries. The ministerial declaration, a key output of the event, highlights OACPS's commitment to strengthen ocean governance, foster sustainable development, and safeguard the rights and livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities—essential to promote food security, economic resilience, and biodiversity protection.
The declaration calls on member states “to develop and accelerate the implementation of participatory and gender equitable initiatives, national Small-Scale Fisheries strategic plans of action, guided by national and regional policies, plans and roadmaps, the OACPS Stretegic Plan of Action for Fisheries and Aquaculture – 2023 and the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines), to ensure support for small-scale fishing communities and co-management of fisheries resources”
This emphasis aligns closely with the meeting's theme, “Accelerating Action for Sustainable and Resilient Oceans, Fisheries, and Aquaculture in OACPS Countries and Regions.” Leaders and stakeholders committed to strengthening small-scale fisheries as part of broader efforts to address climate challenges and enhance sustainable ocean governance across OACPS regions. Additionally, the declaration emphasizes the role of women and youth throughout the small-scale fisheries value chain and encourages actions to remove barriers to women’s engagement.
Read the declaration
Access the OACPS website to learn more