UN agency and partners launch programme for sustainable African fisheries

A new partnership involving the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) was launched today to raise $240 million for the first-ever programme to establish sustainable fisheries in Africa’s large marine ecosystems, curtail overfishing and reduce poverty in coastal communities over the next 10 years.

The partnership, which also includes the African Union (AU), the World Bank, WWF-Global Conservation Organization (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund), the African Union (AU), has an initial commitment of $60 million from the Global Environment Facility.

Fishing makes a vital contribution to the food and nutritional security of 200 million Africans and provides income for over 10 million mostly small-scale fisherfolk, farmers and entrepreneurs, FAO said. In addition, fish has become a leading export commodity for Africa, with an annual export value of $2.7 billion.

The funds are to be matched 3 to 1 in from other donors for a total of some $240 million over the next 10 years, FAO said.

The World Bank, FAO and WWF-Global, through extensive consultations, have over the last two years designed the investment fund and promoted the partnership with the AU and Africa’s coastal countries.. The AU will chair an advisory committee including regional fisheries management organizations that will oversee funds and partnership activities.

Community-driven management programmes, monitoring, control of fisheries, protecting marine areas and developing alternative livelihoods to fishing are among the activities eligible for support through the fund.