In the light of the contributions of the fisheries sector in food and nutrition security, and in the light of the issues and challenges faced by small scale women and men fishers who form the majority of the labor force in fisheries, this Independent Dialogue would like to gather together representatives of small scale fishers’ organizations in a discussion on the solutions they have undertaken to overcome these challenges while contributing to sustainability of the oceans, of the lands , and the eco system in general. In this Independent Dialogue, we would like to hear their voices, their perspectives, their solutions and their recommendation so that as small scale women and men fishers, they can play their utmost part in contributing to the global goals of ending hunger and poverty , first amongst their communities, and next, to the whole society.

Objectives

1. Increase the understanding of the participants about the issues and challenges faced by small scale men and women fishers in the Asia Pacific region as well as their initiatives towards sustainable fisheries .
2. Highlight the solutions and key messages from small scale fishers in effectively implementing the VGSSF and in building the capacities of small fishers

Participants

Target participants are  small scale women and men fishers, NGOs, academe, local and national government agencies officials, international partners and other support groups

There will be presentations on initiatives of small scale fishers and sub regional break out groups where key solutions and priorities will be identified.