We are excited to learn that the final version of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) is now available online and in six different languages on the FAO website. Follow these links for English, French and Spanish versions.
These Guidelines are the first negotiated international instrument dedicated specifically to small-scale fisheries and represent a global consensus on steps needed to improve small-scale fisheries governance and development. They have been developed through a participatory process in which the WFFP, WFF, ICSF and other activists and organisations who work towards securing the human rights of small-scale fishers were key stakeholders in its development. While we celebrate the endorsement of these guidelines the biggest challenge lies ahead: implementation. The strong and active participation of all stakeholders, in particular fisher and fish worker organisations and CSOs, was crucial for the development process. For the implementation, this participation will be even more important. The WFFP look forward to being part of the process of implementing the SSF Guidelines.
