IIED at the 5th World SSF Congress
Throughout the 5th World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress in Thailand from 27 April to 1 May, IIED and partners attended and hosted events.
The World Small-Scale Fisheries Congress is a space that brings experts together to amplify voices, build connections and shape solutions for more sustainable small-scale fisheries.
This year, the congress took place between 27 April to 1 May in Hua Hin, Thailand, focusing on three key themes:
- Just harmony: demonstrating how small-scale fisheries can help address tension, resolve conflicts and bring harmony to coastal and ocean space
- Young futures: exploring youth thoughts and ideas about the future of the ocean, the fisheries, the coast, the communities and the society that they are part of, and
- Regenerative wisdom: looking at regenerative food systems as key to achieving food security without harming resources, habitats and the aquatic ecosystem.
IIED and partners hosted events focused on social protection in fisheries and urban fishing communities.
Events
Monday 27 April
Pathways towards urban blue justice
Hosted by: IIED, JEI, SLURC, Federal University of Bahia
Speakers: Ruth Pinto, IIED; Andrew Maki, JEI; Rende Paul Kunnu, Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation; Gabriela Leandro Pereira, School of Architecture at the Federal University of Bahia; Ana Cristina Da Silva Caminha, Women’s Group Gamboa; Ansumana Tarawally, SLURC; Kadiatu Kargbo, Woman for Beteh
Small-scale fishing communities have long occupied coastal cities, yet their lives are often threatened by forced displacement, loss of access to waterfronts, marine pollution, industrial fishing and other extractive activities. Within these communities, women, young people, people with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples are especially impacted by unequal access to opportunities, resources and decision-making processes.
This session outlined challenges faced by urban fishing communities in Lagos, Freetown and Salvador, highlighting current advocacy efforts and proposed ways forward. Session participants shared their experiences and identified opportunities and methods to collectively advocate for the rights of urban fishing communities across different scales.
Related reading: Rights and housing justice for urban small-scale fishing communities
Wednesday 29 April
Protecting people, nature and food through social protection: lessons from Thailand, Zanzibar, Bangladesh and Tunisia
Hosted by: IIED, WIOMSA, FAO, ICSF, WorldFish
Speakers: Annabelle Bladon, IIED; Ramphueng Tisa, a member of the Federation of Thai Fisherfolk Association from Trat Province; Samiya Selim, ULAB; Julius Francis Woiso, WIOMSA; Yassine Ben Arfa, FAO; Eddie Allison, WorldFish
Small-scale fishers and fish workers play a central role in managing fisheries and conserving ecosystems, making significant contributions to global goals such as food and nutrition security. Yet fish stocks are in decline globally, and people in the small-scale sector often bear the greatest costs of conservation and management efforts, while benefits flow elsewhere.
Given their mandate to protect people and promote better opportunities, social protection interventions have untapped potential to enable and incentivise environmental stewardship in small-scale fisheries, while upholding human rights and addressing the needs of vulnerable people. This session shared research and policy efforts to better connect social protection with fisheries management and related conservation measures, and facilitated knowledge sharing between countries.
Related reading: Blue social protection: protecting people, fish and food | Incentive-based approaches as a game changer for Zanzibar’s fisheries | Strengthening incentives for coastal stewardship in Bangladesh | Philanthropy’s role in sustaining fisheries for people and nature
Solidarity, collaboration and justice – the future of food systems
In this Make Change Happen podcast episode, IIED researchers Annabelle Bladon and Giulia Nicolini, along with two guests, discuss the essential elements of strong collaboration and solidarity in sustainable food systems, as well as the role of fishing and aquaculture.
Stay informed
You can sign up to IIED's mailing list for updates and invitations to events throughout the year, including webinars, critical themes and debriefs.
Contact
Oliver Arnold-Richards ([email protected]), strategic campaigns manager, Communications Group
