The International Collective in Support of Fishworkers (ICSF), while deeply appreciating the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework for its immense focus on human-rights-based approaches, has emphasized the critical concerns of small-scale and artisanal fishers on Agenda Item 4: Mainstreaming biodiversity in fisheries management in the context of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
In a Statement at the First Session of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management, ICSF urged that participatory and community-based fishery management practices be deployed towards sustainable management of fisheries as spelt in Target 10.
The Statement also called for legislations to be framed at the national and subnational level to ensure that the social, economic and environmental benefits of fishery resources are fairly and equitably shared with the local communities.
In addition to incorporating target 23 on gender equality, we also call for integrating the Gender Plan of Action as adopted by COP15 to safeguard the gender concerns of SSF.
“In the pursuit of the Global Biodiversity Framework’s goals within fisheries management, we must recognize and address the unique challenges faced by small-scale fisheries. This entails adopting policies and management strategies that promote sustainable practices, enhance resilience, and empower local communities. By fostering collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building, we can create a more inclusive and effective framework that safeguards both biodiversity and the livelihoods of those who depend on small-scale fisheries”, the Statement concluded.
The ICSF Statement is available at https://www.fao.org/fishery/services/storage/fs/fishery/documents/COFI-FM/COFI-FM-2024/statements/observers/ICSFAgenda4COFI-FM1.pdf