FiTI conducts first country mission to Guinea-Bissau to explore interest in joining the FiTI

A joint country mission between the FiTI International Secretariat and its regional partner organisation ‘Regional Partnership for Coastal and Marine Conservation’ (PRCM) was conducted to Guinea-Bissau in January 2021 to explore with national stakeholders the possibility of the country increasing transparency in fisheries management by joining the FiTI.

During this 1-week mission, the FiTI was able to meet a variety of stakeholders, including the President of the Republic, H. E. M. Sissoco Embaló, the Vice-Prime Minister and the Minister of Fisheries. Verbal commitments for more transparency in the fisheries sector and to join the FiTI were obtained from both the President and the Vice-Prime Minister. Also, a draft of the country’s public commitment, including an unequivocal statement to work with business and civil society, was drafted by the FiTI International Secretariat, translated into Portuguese and provided to the Minister of Fisheries.

In addition, several meetings with non-governmental organisations – such as the National Organization of Artisanal Fishing Shipowners (ANAN-PA) – were conducted, where stakeholders clearly expressed their strong interest in Guinea-Bissau joining the FiTI.