A multi-stakeholder engagement workshop was hosted in Accra by the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture in collaboration with Blue Ventures Conservation to showcase ongoing initiatives targeted at bolstering Ghana’s fishing industry.
In order to address cooperative efforts toward sustainable fisheries management and coastal community development, the workshop, which was held at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, brought together stakeholders from across the fisheries sector, including industry actors, academia, and development partners.
Blue Ventures, a worldwide organization dedicated to rebuilding tropical fisheries, collaborates closely with coastal communities to promote the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources.
Its projects in West Africa aim to empower communities by improving monitoring, surveillance, and data gathering, as well as promoting governance, transparency, and resource rights.
The organization also encourages financial resilience through savings and alternative livelihoods, promotes food security and nutrition, and raises community voices, particularly those of women.
Speaking during the function, Ebrima Saidy, CEO of Blue Ventures, praised the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture and her group for their commitment to and leadership in the industry’s advancement.
He reiterated the organization’s dedication to helping Ghana’s fishing industry and urged increased cooperation amongst stakeholders to guarantee priority alignment and long-term effects. Additionally, he acknowledged the noteworthy advancements accomplished thus far, pointing out that they show Ghana is prepared to reach even higher goals.
Honourable Emelia Arthur, the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, stressed in her keynote speech that the program represents a change toward co-management, a strategy that unites partners, communities, and the government to manage fisheries resources together.
She emphasised that the government cannot accomplish sustainable fisheries on its own.
The Minister listed the government’s top priorities, which include bolstering enforcement and governance, enhancing data for well-informed decision-making, empowering communities, particularly women and young people, safeguarding marine ecosystems, and encouraging sustainable livelihoods outside of fishing.
She called on the government, partners, and communities to fulfil their respective responsibilities, characterising the initiative as a call to action. She stated that communities must embrace stewardship, partners must align with national interests, and the government will give leadership.
The engagement, according to Hon. Arthur, is the start of a crucial journey to replenish fish populations, create resilient coastal communities, and promote a robust blue economy in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com