Q: Dr Essam, you have multi-country experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, (South, Southeast and East) Asia, Latin America, and Europe. In which region of the world have you observed the most significant progress in aquaculture over the past decade, and what have been the factors that have been the main drivers in this process?

A: In reflecting upon my experiences in various global regions, it’s evident that Asia stands out for its significant progress in aquaculture over the past few decades. The key drivers of this growth have been well-aligned policies and the adoption of adaptable technologies, especially by smallscale operators.

Read more: https://v4.infofish.org/index.php/dr-essam-yassin-mohammed

More info: INFOFISH International

Unlike formal conventions and declarations of the UN, voluntary guidelines provide an integral role for civil society actors and communities in shaping them. Focusing on the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines), this article underscores the importance of local-level implementation, given the significant contribution of small-scale fishing communities to national economies. It suggests that democratization requires active community participation, meaningful consultation, as well as identification of relevant indicators and participatory actions. Ultimately, successful implementation of the SSF Guidelines requires contemporaneous empowering of communities at the local level and recognizing the true value of small-scale fishing worldwide.

Read more: INFOFISH International 1/2024

Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer commented in a post on X on January 9, 2024 following his attendance at the Invest Maldives Forum in Fuzhou, China, that the Free Trade Agreement signed between both nations has the potential to generate fresh prospects for trade and investment, particularly for the fisheries sector.

The spillover from China's Belt and Road Initiative has positively impacted Maldives' infrastructure and economy over the years. On this note, Minister Zameer acknowledged Maldives' appreciation to China for the solid and productive collaboration between the two nations, encompassing various aspects such as government, business, and culture. "We anticipate with this new FTA that it will further enhance the alliance between the Maldives and China to explore new opportunities for cooperation in the fisheries sector that will benefit both of our nations," stated Zameer.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on his state visit to China, characterised the Invest Maldives Forum as the most successful forum to date, with significant business participation from both countries. According to him, the Maldivian government has continued to promote foreign investments to broaden the tourism economy, stimulate the maritime economy, and modernise the financial economy.

Source: https://en.sun.mv/86959