FiTI Participates in AU-IBAR’s 4th SIDS Platform Meeting

From 6 to 8 March 2025, the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) participated as an observer in the 4th Meeting of the Platform of Africa’s Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Fisheries and Aquaculture, held in Mindelo, Cabo Verde. The event was organised by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) and chaired by the Seychelles.

The meeting convened key stakeholders from Cabo Verde, Comoros, Madagascar, São Tomé & Príncipe and Seychelles, alongside development partners and technical experts. Notably, five of the Platform’s six member countries are FiTI implementing countries.

This important platform serves as a collaborative mechanism for African SIDS to articulate common positions in international fisheries and aquaculture fora and strengthen their capacity to shape global negotiations.

FiTI’s participation in this meeting provided a valuable opportunity to engage with regional partners and highlight the importance of transparency and inclusive governance in marine fisheries. It also enabled FiTI to present an ongoing project focused on strengthening climate actions through transparent fisheries management in African Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

This initiative aims to support national stakeholders in identifying tangible, fisheries-related recommendations for climate adaptation and mitigation. It addresses the limited integration of climate science in fisheries management and the lack of public access to information critical for informed decision-making. By examining national climate policies, engaging stakeholders, and assessing information gaps, FiTI is helping countries to improve resilience, align fisheries management with national climate goals, and strengthen eligibility for climate finance.

As small island nations, SIDS are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change — from ocean warming and acidification to shifting fish stocks and increased vulnerability of coastal communities. FiTI emphasised that improving public access to credible fisheries information is not only vital for effective and accountable decision-making, but also for developing climate-responsive policies that are informed, equitable, and sustainable.

The meeting agenda also highlighted the final validation of the SIDS Platform’s Rules of Procedure and preparations for the 2025 UN Ocean Summit and AFRAQ25. The meeting concluded with the formal handover of the Platform’s Chairmanship to Cabo Verde.

FiTI welcomed these milestones and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting African SIDS in implementing the FiTI Standard to strengthen national governance, build stakeholder trust, and ensure that transparency supports climate-resilient and sustainable fisheries.