The FiTI supports the implementation of the new SD Goal 14 on conserving the oceans
The FiTi welcomes the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted at the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York, 25-27 September.
Results of the inputs gathered through an open and inclusive process, the 17 goals shall determine the global course of action to end poverty, promote prosperity and well-being for all, protect the environment and address climate change.
Contrary to the Millennium Development Goals, the SDGs have a strong focus on oceans and fisheries. This reflects the increasing awareness of the international community regarding the importance of oceans for sustainable development. In fact, in many countries fish assume an important role for the population’s food security and livelihood.
By enhancing responsible and sustainable fisheries through transparency and participation, the FiTI contributes to the implementation of SDG Goal 14: ‘Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development’.
FiTI aims at providing reliable, publicly-accessible and generally-accepted information on fisheries in form of regular country reports as a product of a consultative process. Through this approach, the FiTI particularly supports the SDG targets 14.4, 14.7 and 14.b on the protection of fish stocks and equal access to fisheries (i.e. level the playing field).
By increasing transparency on access to marine fisheries, the FiTI aims at supporting the identification of information gaps, regulatory shortcomings and corruption hampering the implementation of science-based fisheries management plans. Moreover, this information can also be used for the fisheries industries’ stakeholders to fight unsustainable practices such as overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
By increasing participation, the FiTI also supports small-scale and artisanal fishers. As a multi-stakeholder initiative, the FiTI gives equal weight to all groups of stakeholders of the fisheries industry: government, companies, civil society. Artisanal fisheries are major beneficiaries of this approach, as they often lack a voice in fisheries management decision due to unavailable discussion platforms and lack of credible information.
Hence, increased transparency and multi-stakeholder participation will provide a credible basis for national debate on access to fisheries (incl. artisanal fisheries). This will help to create positive competition amongst countries and companies to enhance responsible fisheries.
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development must be a priority. During its implementation starting in 2016, FiTI will play a key role in improving governance in fisheries and help maintain marine fisheries as a sustainable source of livelihood for coastal communities all around the world.
„Responsible management of natural resources is key for sustainable development. Transparency has been proven as central element supporting good governance leading to more accountability, which is desperately needed in order to ensure equal access and fair distribution of natural resource wealth. This is true for extractives like oil, gas and minerals as well as for marine resources including fisheries.“
Prof. Dr. Peter Eigen, Chair of the International Advisory Group of the FiTI
The FiTI is currently in its conceptual phase working towards the implementation of these objectives starting in 2016. A detailed framework (the so-called FiTI Standard) is being developed by the FiTI Secretariat in close consultation with an International FiTI Advisory Group. This high-level multi-stakeholder group consists of renowned fisheries and governance experts from governments, companies and civil society. The 1st meeting was conducted in Berlin on July 24, 2015 . The 2nd meeting of the International Advisory Group will take in Rome on October 21, 2015 – kindly hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
The 1st High-level International Conference of the FiTI will take place on December 14th, 2015 in Nouakchott, Mauritania. Amongst others, the conference will adopt the FiTI Principles and launch the FiTI National Multi-Stakeholder Group in Mauritania.