Ecuador strengthens FiTI implementation in 3rd Open Government Action Plan
Ecuador has included a new commitment to strengthen the implementation of the FiTI Standard in its Third Open Government Action Plan, reinforcing the role of fisheries transparency as a key pillar of sector governance. This commitment reflects the growing recognition of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) as a strategic tool to improve access to information, participation and accountability in fisheries management.
As part of the Plan’s launch, the Open Government Directorate held a donor coordination roundtable, bringing together the international cooperation community to present the prioritized commitments. The FiTI International Secretariat was represented by Regional Coordinator for South America, Mr José Velez, and FiTI Coordinator for Engagement and Impact, Ms Gabriela Rodriguez. Additionally, Ms Jennifer Aguilar, FiTI Ecuador National Secretary, also participated, reinforcing technical support for the process and promoting exchange with key stakeholders.
The roundtable also provided an opportunity to identify potential areas of collaboration with key institutions such as the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), particularly in relation to the generation, systematization and use of fisheries-related data.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the FiTI held strategic meetings with several government institutions to advance the implementation of the FiTI Standard in the country. This included a meeting with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE), where both progress in the FiTI process, including the updated FiTI Ecuador web platform, and opportunities for alignment with the Escazú Agreement were discussed, particularly in relation to access to environmental information and public participation. The platform was highlighted for its potential to support the generation of environmental statistics and strengthen data governance.
In addition, a meeting was held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (MREMH), through its Directorate of International Cooperation, to follow up on the FiTI recommendations related to official development assistance (ODA). Discussions focused on improving the classification of cooperation disbursements by incorporating specific categories related to fisheries and marine conservation, as well as strengthening project evaluation mechanisms. As a result, it was agreed to move forward with the implementation of these actions through joint work between the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MAGP) and MREMH.
These engagements reflect continued progress in integrating fisheries transparency into national public policy frameworks and open new opportunities to strengthen inter-institutional coordination. With these efforts, the FiTI reaffirms its commitment to continue supporting Ecuador in the implementation of the FiTI Standard, contributing to more transparent, participatory and evidence-based fisheries governance.
