Open Government Partnership joins International Board of FiTI

In order to promote access to information and public participation in marine fisheries, as well as wider open government reforms, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) agreed on intensifying their existing collaboration. This includes, inter alia, that the Open Government Partnership, represented by Mr Theo Chiviru, OGP Regional Lead for Africa and the Middle East, will become a permanent observer to the FiTI International Board with immediate effect.

Marine resources belong to everyone. Governments have the fundamental obligation to manage fisheries responsibly as a public asset. And while there are many aspects to achieve sustainable fisheries, the public availability of credible information is a basic necessity. Without such information, the capacity to manage fisheries efficiently and sustainably is affected, as well as the ability for effective oversight, accountability and public dialogue.

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) is an international, multi-stakeholder initiative that brings together reformers committed to making their governments more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens. This partnership now includes 78 participating countries, 76 local governments, thousands of civil society organizations, and several multilateral partners. The OGP is advancing policy reforms in areas such as anti-corruption, digital rights and governance, access to information, civic space and public administration reform – with the goal to strengthen democratic institutions and pave the way for more open societies and economies.

The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) is a global multi-stakeholder partnership that promotes transparency and collaboration in marine fisheries management. By making fisheries management more transparent and inclusive, the FiTI stimulates informed public debates on fisheries policies and supports the long-term contribution of the sector to national economies and the well-being of citizens and businesses that depend on a healthy marine environment.

A commitment to implement the FiTI is already anchored in the national action plans of Seychelles and Senegal, while Cabo Verde, another OGP national member, has publicly commitment to increase transparency in marine fisheries through the FiTI.

OGP and FiTI will continue working together to increase the public availability of fisheries management information and to promote an enabling environment that demands, understands, utilizes and incentivizes online government transparency.