Costa Rica has officially recognized the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines), adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at its 31st session in June 2014.
In an Executive Decree, Costa Rica has recorded the important contribution of the artisanal and small-scale fishing sector to maintaining a reliable and fair livelihood for marginalised sections of society, especially those in the small-scale sector.
The Decree states that the Ministry of Work and Social Security, responsible for labour matters, ought to promote and guarantee proper working conditions and human rights, as proclaimed by national and international legislation.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Institute of Fishing and Aquaculture of Costa Rica, the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Ministry of Work and Social Security have been tasked with follow-up activities.