FiTI engages CPLP to enhance fisheries transparency in Lusophone countries

LISBON, June 03. The FiTI International Secretariat met with the Executive Secretariat of Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP) [The Community of Portuguese Language Countries] in Portugal to discuss opportunities to improve fisheries transparency in Lusophone countries.

CPLP is an international collective of nine Portuguese-speaking member states dedicated to strengthening diplomatic ties, improving strategic and economic collaboration, and promoting the Portuguese language. The nine member states include Brazil, Angola, Cabo Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste.

During the meeting at CPLP’s headquarters, the FiTI Regional Coordinator for Lusophone Africa and Advisor for Strategic Engagement introduced CPLP Executive Secretariat Dr. Zacarias da Costa to FiTI’s aims and mission. Through these aims, they explored the possibility of a multilateral strategic partnership between CPLP and FiTI to support dialogue with member states.

Attendees recognized that both organizations shared goals of sustainable fisheries management and ocean health through a commitment to enhance transparency in fisheries management. This is demonstrated by Cabo Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe’s implementation of the FiTi Standard, and the interest and engagement with FiTI already underway in CPLP members Guinea-Bissau, Angola and Mozambique.

The idea for a strategic partnership was well-received, with both CPLP and FiTI open to discussing forms of future cooperation. Dr. da Costa committed to sharing the proposal with the member countries and emphasizing the importance of implementing the FiTI Standard to enhance the sustainability of each member country’s marine fisheries.

To involve the member countries further, the CPLP Executive Secretary requested more detailed information about the procedures necessary to either 1) cement a strategic partnership between CPLP and FiTI, or 2) become an observer member of the FiTI International Board. The Board will review the potential options for collaboration and the requested information.