FiTI promotes impact-driven fisheries transparency & regional cooperation at 12th PRCM Forum

NOUAKCHOTT, April 28–30, 2026. The FiTI International Secretariat conducted a mission to Mauritania to participate in the 12th PRCM Forum and contribute to a high-level regional dialogue on the role of transparency in strengthening fisheries governance and sustainable management in West Africa. The mission also provided an opportunity to engage with key national, regional and international stakeholders on advancing fisheries transparency and improving the use of fisheries information systems.

The FiTI International Secretariat was represented by Mr Mansor Ndour, FiTI Regional Coordinator for Francophone Africa, while the FiTI International Board was represented by its Chair, Dr Audun Lem. This was Dr Lem’s first official visit to implementing countries since his appointment as Chair of the FiTI Board.

On April 27, 2026, Dr Audun Lem participated in the high-level panel on “Sustainable Fisheries – A Pillar of an Inclusive Blue Economy in West Africa.” He highlighted Mauritania’s leadership as the birthplace of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) and noted the initiative’s increasing growth and expanding global recognition in promoting transparent, inclusive and sustainable fisheries governance. Dr Lem stressed the importance of using transparency as a practical tool for accountability, participation and evidence-based decision-making, while also acknowledging the continued support of PRCM and GIZ Mauritania for strengthening fisheries governance in Mauritania and the wider sub-region.

On April 28, 2026, a dedicated FiTI side event gathered representatives from governments, regional institutions, civil society organizations and technical and financial partners around a common objective: transforming fisheries transparency into a concrete lever for impact. Discussions emphasized that transparency should move beyond the simple publication of information and become a practical tool supporting accountability, inclusive governance and sustainable fisheries management.

During the side event, Mr Mansor Ndour presented the FiTI’s concept of “useful transparency,” highlighting the importance of ensuring that fisheries information is accessible, understandable and effectively used by stakeholders. In this context, the FiTI’s Fisheries Information System (FIS) was presented as a free and structured tool designed to help FiTI Implementing Countries centralize and improve access to fisheries information in support of inclusive and evidence-based decision-making.

Participants stressed the importance of strengthening and interconnecting existing fisheries information systems while avoiding duplication of mechanisms that may create unnecessary administrative pressure. Discussions also highlighted the need to improve accessibility of fisheries information, particularly for artisanal fisheries actors and coastal communities, in order to strengthen participation and governance processes. Attendees recommended integrating fisheries data more effectively into decision-making, improving information accessibility through simplified formats and reinforcing interoperability and sustainability of fisheries information systems.

The mission also provided an opportunity for several bilateral meetings and strategic exchanges aimed at reinforcing partnerships and identifying future avenues for cooperation around FiTI implementation and fisheries governance in Mauritania and the wider region. The FiTI met with representatives from the GIZ, the FAO and the European Union, as well as with the Minister of Fisheries of Guinea-Bissau to explore future cooperation and the possibility of FiTI implementation in the country.

At the national level, the International Secretariat met with the Mauritanian Ministry of Fisheries, which reaffirmed its commitment to FiTI and recognized the initiative’s contribution to improving sector visibility, public access to information and fisheries governance. The Ministry also reiterated its support for stronger Mauritanian representation within FiTI governance structures and for maintaining momentum in advancing transparency reforms within the fisheries sector.