FiTI presents Cabo Verde’s 2nd FiTI Report at UN agencies meeting

The FiTI International Secretariat, represented by the Regional Coordinator for Africa, Sara Lopes, Fishery Analyst, Hiliana Silva, and the FiTI National Secretariat, Mr. Emilio Sanches, were invited by the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cabo Verde, Dr. Patricia Portela de Sousa, to participate in the quarterly meeting with all UN agencies operating in the country. The purpose of the invitation was to present Cabo Verde’s second FiTI Report, as well as the 17 recommendations put forward by the National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG).

During the discussion that followed the presentation, participants raised several questions and expressed interest in continuing to review the report and the MSG’s recommendations. Their aim is to support the continuous improvement of the marine fisheries management system in Cabo Verde and to contribute to strengthening the capacity of the FiTI implementation structure in the country.

Fundamental issues were raised regarding the transparency process in fisheries, the role and functioning of the MSG, as well as the positioning of the FiTI Report in relation to the allegations made in the country concerning possible overfishing or unreported and illegal shark fishing under the Fisheries Agreements, which was signed by Cabo Verde with major blocs, countries and international companies.

Participants also acknowledged that the FiTI Report seeks to encourage public debate on marine fisheries, including those related with eventual overfishing and international fisheries agreements.

Both in-person and online participants from the UN agencies expressed strong interest in following the FiTI implementation process in Cabo Verde. They also requested bilateral meetings with the MSG of Cabo Verde to explore concrete ways to collaborate. Namely, the representative of the International Labour Organization (ILO) expressed interest in knowing more about what information on the safety and social protection conditions of fishery workers was included in the report, and how the MSG’s recommendations can help the government improve these conditions.

The FiTI will continue to support the FiTI implementation process in Cabo Verde and will continue to work with the National MSG to schedule meetings with ILO, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and discuss the National MSG Working Plan with the UN Office and the specialised agencies.

Cabo Verde’s second FiTI report, including the 17 recommended actions from the National MSG, can be found here.