We, the World Forum of Fish Harvesters and Fish Workers (WFF), the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP), the International Indian Treaty Council (IITC), La Via Campesina (LVC), and members of the International Planning Committee for Food Sovereignty (IPC), represent millions of small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples from coastal and inland regions worldwide.
Our communities worldwide are facing a critical threat to their existence due to climate change, environmental degradation, and pollution. Small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples are particularly vulnerable, experiencing impacts such as rising water levels, temperature changes, drought, reduced fish stocks, altered fish migratory patterns, floods, and more frequent storms. We acknowledge the Blue Economy as a significant driver of biodiversity loss and consequently Climate Change impact.. Development projects, such as converting fertile agricultural fields and mangroves into shrimp farms, or engaging in mining activities in coastal and inland regions, pose threats to our natural habitats, and negatively impact clime.
In conclusion, we emphasize the valuable role and significance of Governments in implementing the SSF Guidelines to address the challenges of climate change as invaluable tool to guide Governments in addressing climate disasters and strengthening the sustainability and the livelihood of small-scale and Indigenous Peoples. We maintain our commitment to collaborating with FAO and Governments to enhance the climate disaster resilience of SSF communities and Indigenous peoples.
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