Tanzania Champions Global Fisheries Sustainability

The Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Abdallah Ulega, addressed the World Summit for Small-Scale Fishers in Italy.

In his speech, he underscored Tanzania’s leadership in implementing the International Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries, while also encouraging other nations to commit earnestly to these guidelines.

Minister Ulega highlighted that 98% of Tanzania’s fishing activities are conducted by small-scale fishers. Recognizing this, the government has established robust systems to provide loans and essential equipment to these fishers, including boats, nets, cages, and fish processing tools.

“Tanzania stands as a beacon in the execution of the International Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries. We urge other countries to adopt a similar dedication in implementing these guidelines,” said Ulega.

He elaborated that the Tanzanian government’s support includes providing better financial access and resources to small-scale fishers. This initiative has been instrumental in enhancing their productivity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. By equipping fishers with necessary tools, the government aims to boost the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

The minister further emphasized the importance of the Africa Small-Scale Fisheries Summit, which Tanzania will host in Dar Es Salaam. Scheduled to bring together fishers from across the continent, the summit will discuss achievements, challenges, and the future of the industry. This event will also mark the 10th anniversary of the guidelines’ implementation and will focus on opportunities within the blue economy.

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“This summit will not only highlight the potential within the blue economy but will also strengthen the African voice for sustainable fisheries management. It provides an excellent platform for exchanging ideas, discovering opportunities, and exploring technologies that will help our small-scale fishers thrive,” Ulega noted.

He pointed out that the stable leadership under President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been pivotal in positioning Tanzania as a leader in the fisheries sector. The president’s efforts to bolster economic diplomacy have attracted international stakeholders, making Tanzania a suitable host for such a prestigious event.

Minister Ulega shared that in March last year, he was invited by the Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to speak at the International Fisheries Conference in Italy. During his address, he highlighted Tanzania’s success in preparing and executing a strategic plan for the small-scale fisheries guidelines, further announcing Tanzania’s intention to host the Africa Small-Scale Fisheries Summit in 2024.

“This summit is crucial for delegates to exchange ideas and identify opportunities to advance the blue economy, ensuring significant steps towards building a better future for our youth and communities,” he said.

The summit, coordinated by the government in collaboration with various international organizations, including the African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), FAO, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), aims to unify efforts in managing fisheries across Africa. It will feature leaders, experts, investors, and researchers in the fishing industry.

Minister Ulega concluded by stressing the broad benefits of the summit, including expanding the global market for Tanzania’s fisheries products and opening new investment opportunities for the sector. The event will also provide fishers with the chance to learn modern techniques that can increase their productivity