Small-scale fisheries (SSF) operate in both marine and inland waters, accounting for over half of the total fish catch in developing countries. The bulk of this catch is destined for local consumption and is a primary source of essential nutrients. The health of aquatic ecosystems are fundamental to the livelihoods and well-being of fishing communities. For hundreds of years, fishing communities have sustainably managed fishery and other natural resources they depend on.
This video introduces a Handbook developed by ICSF and Crocevia, which describes the components of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and provides an overview of its programmes, targets and commitments on aquatic, marine and coastal biodiversity. Using illustrative examples, the Handbook aims to help fishworker organizations (FWO) and their supporters to understand the important links between biodiversity and human rights in small-scale fisheries. It also recommends actions for fishing communities and civil society to negotiate a just and equitable outcome from international and national processes to put biodiversity on a path to recovery for the benefit of people and the planet. Linking the CBD, the FAO Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines and the Sustainable Development Goals, this handbook will be useful for fishworker organizations, civil society organizations and others working on issues related to biodiversity conservation and sustainable use.
“Read the Handbook here.”