Small-scale fisheries (SSF) plays a critical role in the development of local economies within the BCLME region. The region’s fisheries sector comprises of marine and inland fisheries (rivers, dams, etc.). It is estimated that over 100,000 small-scale fishers / artisanal fishers are dependent on small-scale fisheries sector for their livelihoods in the form of income, employment, food and nutritional security.
The year 2022 has been declared as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022). The BCC and FAO Namibia collaborated with the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and critical partners from Namibia and across the BCLME region to celebrate with the small-scale fisheries players from Angola, Namibia and South Africa.
The three-day event and celebration (8 – 10 June 2022) provided an opportunity to (i) validate the importance and significance of small-scale fisheries in Namibia and BCLME region; (ii) enhance the understanding of the current status of sector – both inland and marine; (iii) raise awareness on the importance and viability of the sector; (iv) promote capacity development and support towards sustainable resource utilization and improved governance for artisanal and small-scale fisheries.
The event also provided a platform for small-scale fishers and fish workers to share experiences, exchange knowledge and tools toward building stronger resilience and promoting food security, nutrition, eradicating poverty and improving resource and community self- or co-governance, in line with the SSF Guidelines.
The major highlights from the three-day event was (i) the launching of the NPOA-SSF report by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Hon. Derek Klazen (ii) officially launching the AWFISHNET Namibian Chapter and (iii) fishermen and women from inland and marine fisheries sharing and exchanging experiences and lessons learnt.
Officially launch of NAMFISHNET by Ms. Bernadine Salomons
Officially launch of NPOA-SSF Report by the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Derek Klazen.
Fishers sharing and exchanging their experiences, challenges and opportunities to improve their sector.
