Mauritania continues support for the development of the FiTI

Following the Fisheries Transparency Initiative’s first International Conference in Nouakchott / Mauritania, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania renewed its support for the FiTI by signing a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform, acting as the International Secretariat of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI).

Under this MoU, a key activity will be the ongoing development of the detailed international FiTI Framework. This development is based on the Principles adopted during the 1st International Conference of the FiTI and on the conceptual activities, which were carried out in 2015. Furthermore, the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform will support the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in implementing the initial sign-up steps for becoming a FiTI Candidate Country, most notably the establishment of a National Multi-Stakeholder Group for the FiTI.

Mauritania has been a driving force in the process of establishing the FiTI and is proud to continue the collaboration with the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform. Mauritania also expressed their hope that more and more countries will join in supporting this important initiative, in addition to Mauritania, Indonesia, Senegal and the Seychelles.

The MoU provides funding support to the FiTI Secretariat from the beginning of March 2016 until end of February 2017. The MoU reflects the mutual understanding of both parties that other countries, international organizations and donors will support the overall development of the FiTI Framework as well (e.g. by hosting International Advisory Group meetings).

“We are very grateful for Mauritania’s ongoing leadership and support of the FiTI, an initiative that seeks to contribute to more sustainable and inclusive management of fish all around the world” says Peter Eigen, Chair of the International Advisory Group of the FiTI.

The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) is a global multi-stakeholder initiative, which aims at enhancing responsible and sustainable fisheries through transparency and participation. The International Secretariat of the FiTI is currently hosted by the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform, a non-profit, limited liability company based in Berlin/Germany.

Through this deliberative exchange of ideas, the HUMBOLDT-VIADRINA Governance Platform creates a mutual understanding and supports sustainable democratic politics, ultimately strengthening the level of transparency, democratic participation and accountability of citizens.