The Asia-Pacific Regional Consultation for the 3rd Nyéléni Global Forum is currently taking place in Negombo, Sri Lanka, from June 9th to 12th, 2024. This significant event is being facilitated by NAFSO Sri Lanka and the Movement for National Land and Agriculture Reforms (MONLAR). It aims to bring together diverse voices from the region to discuss and advocate for food sovereignty, an essential component for sustainable and equitable food systems.
The consultation kicked off with an evocative Mystica, organized by representatives from various local groups including farmers, fishers, pastoralists, environmental and feminist activists, plantation workers, consumers, and other laborers. This gathering provided a vibrant platform for participants to express their demands, aspirations, and hopes towards achieving food sovereignty. The Mystica set the tone for the consultation, highlighting the collective commitment to addressing food sovereignty issues through grassroots advocacy and solidarity.
Key Presentations and Messages
Nimal Perera, the Secretary of the Regional Advisory Group (RAG) for Asia and the Pacific, delivered a compelling presentation titled “Fishers’ Rights are Human Rights too and the Need for Food Sovereignty.” In his speech, Perera underscored the intrinsic connection between the rights of fishers and the broader struggle for food sovereignty. He emphasized that protecting fishers’ rights is fundamental to ensuring sustainable and equitable food systems, highlighting that fishers are crucial to the health and sustainability of our oceans and the livelihoods of millions.
Suba Shini Deepa, the National Women Coordinator of NAFSO and Coordinator of the Sri Vimukthi Fisher Women’s Organization, presented a passionate case for “We the Fishers need Customary Tenure Rights for Food Sovereignty.” Deepa highlighted the critical need for recognizing and securing customary tenure rights for fishers. She argued that these rights are a cornerstone of food sovereignty, allowing communities to maintain control over their traditional fishing grounds and resources, which is vital for their sustenance and cultural heritage.
Hilda Fernando from the Sri Vimukthi Fisher Women Organization delivered a powerful message: “No Women in Fisheries, No more Fisheries.” Fernando’s statement highlighted the indispensable role of women in the fisheries sector and the urgent need to address gender equity within this domain. She pointed out that women are often the backbone of fisheries, involved in various stages from catch to market, and their exclusion or marginalization would significantly harm the industry.
This event resonated deeply with the audience and aligned with the broader advocacy of the World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP)
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/fHZpvNEM3u96y8xD/?mibextid=w8EBqM