UN recognizes the vital role of small-scale fisheries and aquaculture in global sustainability.

The United Nations recognized the critical role that small-scale fisheries and aquaculture play in global food security and sustainable livelihoods, leading to the designation of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture. This designation aimed to highlight the importance of these sectors in maintaining the sustainable management of aquatic resources and supporting the socio-economic wellbeing of communities reliant on these industries. Artisanal fisheries and aquaculture involve small-scale operations that often use traditional methods and techniques, contributing substantially to the nutrition and economic stability of millions of people, particularly in developing countries. The sector provides employment for nearly 90% of the people engaged in fisheries worldwide, with an estimate of around 120 million people involved, and a significant portion of these being women. Moreover, these small-scale practices are a cornerstone for ensuring biodiversity, as they typically implement more sustainable and environmentally friendly approaches compared to larger, industrialized fishing operations. Through the recognition by the UN, efforts have been made to garner global support for policies that safeguard the interests and rights of small-scale fishers and aquaculture practitioners, promoting their access to resources, markets, and decision-making processes. During this period, various initiatives were promoted to support research, knowledge sharing, and capacity building within the sector. Efforts were also made to integrate artisanal fisheries into broader national and international strategies for food security and poverty alleviation. By doing so, it was anticipated that these sectors would gain better recognition and support, enhancing their resilience and sustainability in the face of challenges such as climate change and overfishing. This recognition by the UN underscores the necessity of sustaining and empowering small-scale fisheries and aquaculture as vital contributors to the global fight against hunger and poverty, while also preserving aquatic ecosystems for future generations. Hashtags: #UN #ArtisanalFisheries #Aquaculture #FoodSecurity #SustainableLivelihoods #MoofLife