A collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach is the defining characteristic of national FiTI implementations, enshrined in FiTI Principle 5 “Transparency is most effective when information is shared and verified through the active, free, effective, meaningful and informed participation of governments, business, civil society, scientists, and other stakeholders as equal partners, thereby allowing all stakeholders to ensure that information is credible and legitimate.”
Each FiTI implementing country must therefore establish a National Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) as the main national decision-making body responsible for applying the global FiTI Standard to the national context and overseeing its implementation.
The legitimacy and effectiveness of National MSGs are crucial to the success of the FiTI, yet despite requirements and safeguards in the FiTI Standard and its Guidance Notes, stakeholders may still encounter misconduct or non-compliance with the Standard, the FiTI Principles, or spirit of the initiative. Addressing such concerns comprehensively and in a timely manner is essential to maintaining a trusted collaborative process.
The FiTI Compliance Channel is designed to support the integrity of national FiTI implementation by providing relevant stakeholders with a safe and structured avenue to raise concerns about actual or perceived non-compliance with the Fisheries Transparency Initiative. Its purpose is not only to address such concerns, but also to strengthen accountability, foster trust among stakeholders, and ensure that national implementation processes remain credible and aligned with the FiTI’s principles.
Concerns about the FiTI implementation process – related to non-compliance with the FiTI Standard or misconduct by relevant stakeholders – should first be raised at the national level. Only those issues that could not be addressed at the national level or where a stakeholder is not comfortable raising a concern at the national level, such concerns should be addressed to this FiTI Compliance Channel.
