Report of the HIGH LEVEL INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON THE GLOBAL BLUE GROWTH INITIATIVE FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN Mexico City, Mexico, 27–28 November 2017 FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report FAOPA/R1225 (En) ISSN 2070-6987
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Report of the
HIGH LEVEL INTERNATIONAL MEETING ON THE GLOBAL BLUE GROWTH INITIATIVE FOR LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
Mexico City, Mexico, 27–28 November 2017
FAO Fisheries and
Aquaculture Report
FAOPA/R1225 (En)
ISSN 2070-6987
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No.1225 FAOPA/R1225 (En)
Report of the
International High Level Meeting on the
Global Blue Growth Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean
Mexico City, Mexico, 27–28 November 2017
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
Panamá, 2018
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its
authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies
or products of manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have
been endorsed or recommended by FAO in preference to others of a similar nature that are not
mentioned.
The views expressed in this information product are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the
views or policies of FAO.
ISBN 978-92-5-130463-1
© FAO, 2018
FAO encourages the use, reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product. Except
where otherwise indicated, material may be copied, downloaded and printed for private study, research and
teaching purposes, or for use in non-commercial products or services, provided that appropriate
acknowledgement of FAO as the source and copyright holder is given and that FAO’s endorsement
of users’ views, products or services is not implied in any way.
All requests for translation and adaptation rights, and for resale and other commercial use rights should be
made via www.fao.org/contact-us/licence-request or addressed to [email protected].
FAO information products are available on the FAO website (www.fao.org/publications) and can be
purchased through [email protected].
This publication has been printed using selected products and processes so as to ensure minimal environmental impact
and to promote sustainable forest management.
iii
PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT
This document contains the final version of the report of the International High Level Meeting on the
Global Blue Growth Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Mexico City, Mexico, on
27 and 28 November 2017.
FAO. 2018.
Report of the fourteenth meeting of the International High Level Meeting on the Global Blue
Growth Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean. Mexico City, Mexico, 27-28 November 2017.
FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Report No. 1225. Rome, Italy.
ABSTRACT
This document presents the report of the International High Level Meeting on the Global Blue Growth
Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Mexico City, Mexico, on 27 and 28 November
2017, with the objective of holding an international forum to identify mechanisms for joint action to
increase the contribution of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to food security, poverty alleviation
and, in general, boosting the economy associated with aquatic ecosystems in Latin American and
Caribbean countries. The meeting allowed participants to: 1) identify and discuss the main social,
economic and food production challenges and opportunities offered by fisheries and aquaculture in the
region of Latin America and the Caribbean; 2) identify actions for international cooperation for better
use of the economic potential of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the countries of the region; and
3) establish political commitments to boost Blue Growth in the region. The list of participants
(Annex A), the meeting agenda (Annex B) and the declaration signed by the participating delegates
(Annex C) accompany this report.
v
CONTENTS
PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT .................................................................................................... iii
BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................................... 1
CONTEXTUAL PRESENTATIONS ..................................................................................................... 3
PLENARY WORK AND AGREEMENTS ............................................................................................ 3
Mechanisms for South-South and triangular cooperation to strengthen capacities for fisheries and
aquaculture in LAC and international cooperation for regular assessment of fisheries resources: “All
for one and one for all”........................................................................................................................ 3
Regional strategy to strengthen the fight against IUU fishing ............................................................ 5
Opportunities to increase consumption and intra-regional trade of fish and seafood in LAC ............ 6
Fisheries and Aquaculture in Food and Nutritional Security and Poverty Alleviation ....................... 7
MEETING DECLARATION .................................................................................................................. 8
ANNEX A: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS ................................................................................................. 9
ANNEX B: MEETING AGENDA ....................................................................................................... 11
ANNEXO C: DECLARATION ............................................................................................................ 13
1
BACKGROUND
1. With a demographic scenario warning that the global population will surpass 9 billion inhabitants
by the year 2060, of which Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) will host 792 million1, food and
nutrition security (FNS) through regular access to quality food has become a challenge and a priority
for current action. In this context, fish protein plays a fundamental role by virtue of its biological quality
and its increasing availability from fisheries and aquaculture, the latter sub-sector possessing a growth
rate much higher than those of other sectors.
2. According to the FAO State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (2016), fish (including fish and
shellfish) provide protein and essential nutrients, constituting at least 17 percent of animal protein
ingested globally. The average consumption of fish and shellfish was 21 kg per capita per year in 2016,
that is to say an increase by almost a factor of three with respect to the average consumption in 1960.
This has undoubtedly contributed to improved nutritional conditions, reducing the risk of diseases of
both nutritional and cardiovascular origin and, in general, strengthening the health of country population
through this and other healthy food consumption patterns2.
3. In addition to being one of the main sources of food, the oceans play a fundamental role in
regulating the earth’s climate and providing an important source of income for the more than 3 billion
people who depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods. The value of global marine
and coastal resources used to date is estimated at more than five percent of world GDP.
4. The countries of Latin America and the Caribbean are part of a region of high biological,
physiographic and ecological diversity that contributes significantly to environmental stability and
global food availability. The region possesses vast and very diverse hydrobiological resources
throughout the marine and coastal ecosystems in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, which together
support fisheries that contribute almost 12 percent of global fishing production and four percent of
global aquaculture production. It has some of the most extensive hydrographic basins on the planet
including the Amazon, which contributes 20 percent of fresh water and houses almost 30 percent of the
planet’s mangrove ecosystems. Its protection and sustainable use are imperative for the welfare of future
generations.
5. The international community, within the framework of the 2030 Agenda, ratified the importance
and role of aquatic ecosystems by dedicating a specific objective to their care: SDG 14, “Conserve and
sustainably use oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development”, establishing various
goals that include the efficient management of fishing exploitation; ending overfishing, undeclared and
unregulated illegal fishing and destructive practices3.
6. The Blue Growth Initiative (BGI) is a programmatic system of efforts and actions structured
around the logic of FAO's new strategic framework. Its central objective is “the conservation and
sustainable contribution of biological resources and environmental services of marine, coastal and
continental ecosystems to food and nutrition security and the alleviation of poverty”. This initiative is
aimed at harnessing the potential of the oceans and inland waters through their responsible and
sustainable management, balancing economic growth and food security with the conservation of these
ecosystems through a framework of social equity and transparent governance of food systems. Blue
Growth attaches special importance to regional and national policies that aim for the protection of
ecosystems and the sustainable management of living aquatic resources.
1 Comisión Económica para América Latina y el Caribe (CEPAL), Estudio Económico de América Latina y el Caribe, 2017
(LC/PUB.2017/17-P), Santiago, 2017. 2 FAO. 2016. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2016. Contribution to food security and nutrition for all. Rome.
224 pp. 3 FAO. 2017. FAO Working for SDG 14: Healthy oceans for food security, nutrition and resilient communities. Rome.
36 pp.
2
7. The BGI offers a unique framework for cooperative action and international synergy to face the
challenges of eliminating hunger and poverty in Latin America and the Caribbean, particularly within
the context of macroeconomic volatility and recurring environmental pressures. The meeting reported
here was conceived by CONAPESCA and FAO as an opportunity to develop a Blue Growth agenda,
leveraging advantages in environmental aspects, human capital and regional political will to contribute
to the global Initiative
8. The overall objective of the meeting was to create an international forum to identify mechanisms
for joint action to increase the contribution of sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to food security,
poverty alleviation and, in general, to enhance development through economic activities associated with
aquatic ecosystems in Latin America and the Caribbean. This was accomplished through the following
specific objectives: 1) identify and discuss the main social, economic and environmental challenges and
opportunities for food production from fisheries and aquaculture in Latin America and Caribbean;
2) identify possible mechanisms for international cooperation that allow better use of the economic
potential of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the region; 3) identify strategies for the mobilization
of specific resources for fulfilling the objectives of the BGI; and 4) establish joint political commitments
to boost Blue Growth in the region.
INAUGURATION OF THE MEETING
9. The High Level International Meeting on the Global Blue Growth Initiative for Latin America
and the Caribbean was held on 27 and 28 November in Mexico City, Mexico, by invitation of the
Mexican Government.
10. The meeting was attended by 60 delegates from 15 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean,
Spain, and five intergovernmental organizations (FAO, OSPESCA, INFOPESCA, CRFM, and Forum
of Parliamentarians of Fisheries and Aquaculture for LAC). The list of participants can be found in
Annex A.
11. The opening ceremony of the meeting was chaired by the following authorities:
a) Mr José Calzada Rovirosa, Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development,
Fisheries and Food, Mexico;
b) Mr Árni Mathiesen, Assistant Director-General, Fisheries and Aquaculture Department,
FAO;
c) Ambassador Miguel Ruiz Cabañas Izquierdo, Deputy Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and
Human Rights, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico;
d) Mr Mario Gilberto Aguilar Sánchez, National Commissioner of Aquaculture and Fisheries,
Mexico.
12. Secretary Calzada welcomed the participants and thanked FAO for its global efforts in the
framework of the Blue Growth Initiative, as well as for assistance provided to the country through its
support for fisheries and aquaculture and many other areas of competence through its Secretariat. He
noted the importance that the Government of Mexico gives to fisheries and aquaculture and offered the
capabilities of Mexico to support other countries of the region.
13. The FAO Assistant Director-General for the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department thanked the
Government of Mexico for the joint work and hosting of the meeting, marking a milestone in the region
in terms of boosting the Global Blue Growth Initiative, which he said can guide efforts to take advantage
of the natural capital of LAC's aquatic ecosystems to provide sustainable benefits to all.
3
14. The Deputy Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs expressed his satisfaction for the coordination of efforts between FAO and the countries of the
region for the better use of fisheries and aquaculture resources, highlighting the excellent coordination
between headquarters and regions.
15. The National Commissioner of Aquaculture and Fisheries thanked FAO for the co-organization
of the event, expressing that it is of particular importance for Mexico to increase international
cooperation in the face of new challenges for the sector in international markets and highlighting the
efforts of the Government of Mexico to increase the consumption of fish and shellfish, which has
resulted in important benefits for its population.
CONTEXTUAL PRESENTATIONS
16. The presentations aimed to contextualize opportunities and challenges for the development of the
fisheries and aquaculture sub-sectors in the region, offering an overview of historical trends and the
current state of global and regional production of both fisheries and aquaculture as a basis for collective
reflection that would be developed through thematic segments and plenary discussions.
17. The contextual presentations included:
a) Opportunities and challenges for fisheries and aquaculture in Latin America and the
Caribbean by the FAO Senior Fisheries and Aquaculture Officer for LAC;
b) Opportunities to increase consumption and intra-regional trade of fish and seafood by the
Executive Director of INFOPESCA; and
c) The fight against IUU fishing, given jointly by the Regional Director of OSPESCA and the
Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Peru.
PLENARY WORK AND AGREEMENTS
18. The plenary work included four thematic discussion sessions, which were moderated by delegates
from the countries. In each segment the moderators introduced the theme, encouraging participation for
the exchange of ideas and generation of proposals among the country delegates with the aim of
establishing agreements around each thematic area discussed.
19. The thematic discussion segments were as follows:
a) Mechanisms for South-South and triangular cooperation for strengthening capacities for
fisheries and aquaculture in LAC;
b) International cooperation for the regular assessment of fisheries resources: “All for one and
one for all”;
c) Regional strategy to strengthen the fight against IUU fishing;
d) Opportunities to increase consumption and intra-regional trade of fish and shellfish in LAC:
“ Blue nutrition”; and
e) Aquaculture and Fisheries in Food and Nutrition Security and Poverty Alleviation.
MECHANISMS FOR SOUTH-SOUTH AND TRIANGULAR COOPERATION TO
STRENGTHEN CAPACITIES FOR FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE IN LAC AND
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION FOR REGULAR ASSESSMENT OF FISHERIES
RESOURCES: “ALL FOR ONE AND ONE FOR ALL”
20. Both segments were moderated by the Head of the Delegation for Chile. Among the main results
were the offer of Mexico to support, with the use of one of its fishing research vessels, the countries of
Central America in a brief campaign to evaluate some of its fishing resources, taking advantage of its
route from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific Ocean, with the possibility of incorporating technicians
4
from these countries to strengthen their capacities. Likewise, the agreement to hold a regional course to
update methodologies for the evaluation of fishery resources with support from Chile, Mexico, Peru
and Argentina, and the undertaking of a short survey among the countries to identify capacities and
demand for technical assistance in the region in order to build a regional programme for South-South
Cooperation.
21. The following table summarizes the proposed actions and the agreements reached in each
thematic segment:
Proposed actions Proponent Agreements and Steps to follow Follow up/
responsible
Strengthen the institutional
capacities of the countries in
terms of evaluation of fishery
resources, particularly by
updating the methodologies
used and fisheries
management measures.
Chile
Cuba
i. Hold a workshop in March
2018, during the meeting of
the Network of Fisheries and
Aquaculture Research
Institutes of the Pacific
Alliance (Chile, Peru,
Colombia and Mexico),
opening spaces for all the
countries of the region.
ii. Organization of a regional
course through
COPESCAALC during the
2018-2019 biennium on
modern methods for stock
assessment as a basis for
fisheries management under
the new climate scenario.
Chile
FAO/
COPESCAAL
C Secretariat
Identify national capacity
building needs for a greater
contribution of fisheries and
aquaculture in FNS and
poverty alleviation in the
countries of the region.
Peru
Ecuador
iii. Design and circulation of a
survey to identify strengths
and needs by country, which
will establish a regional SSC
program in fisheries and
aquaculture aimed at
strengthening FNS and
alleviating rural poverty
(January 2017).
FAO
Encourage internships to
strengthen the capacities of
government officials and
producers (fisheries and
aquaculture) in matters of
national interest in technical,
regulatory and sectoral policy
issues.
Panama
Chile
El Salvador
Mexico
Saint Lucia
iv. Identification of needs based
on the survey that will be
circulated among member
states.
v. Chile offered spaces for
training in fisheries control in
SERNAPESCA; Mexico
offered practical training in the
evaluation of fishery resources
to Central American countries
on board the BIPO; Panama
offered to support efforts
together with FAO before the
CIAT, to have access to the
Achotines Laboratory of
aquaculture production
technologies (tuna and
FAO
Mexico, Chile,
Peru, Panama,
FAO
5
snapper); Peru offered spaces
to learn about and learn from
its satellite tracking system for
boats and the Fish
Consumption Stimulus
Program.
vi. Identify and manage funds for
the mobilization of officials,
from endogenous (countries)
and external sources.
Mexico, Chile,
Peru, Panama,
FAO
Mexico offered the possibility
of using its National Fisheries
Institute research vessel
(BIPO) on its way between
the Gulf and the Pacific, to
carry out a campaign to
evaluate fishery resources in
Central America with the
possibility of including
researchers from these
countries to strengthen their
capacities.
Mexico. vii. Mexico will communicate the
dates of its journey to
countries of Central America
through FAO (2018).
viii. Liaison points will be
established in Mexico and the
Central American countries to
establish communication and
formulate a work plan.
ix. Central American countries
must identify national
technicians who will
accompany the campaign.
Mexico and
Central
American
countries;
FAO;
OSPESCA
REGIONAL STRATEGY TO STRENGTHEN THE FIGHT AGAINST IUU FISHING
22. The session was moderated by the Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Peru. The
exchange focused on strengthening the Network of Exchange of Information and Experiences among
LAC Countries to Prevent, Discourage and Eliminate IUU Fishing, a mechanism created with the
facilitation of FAO and based on the request of several countries in the region, as an instrument to
expedite the exchange of information in support of surveillance and inspection of foreign-flagged
fishing vessels. One point to highlight was the need for actions promoted by the Network to cover the
national dimension of IUU fishing in the artisanal segment, in addition to the actions already carried
out in the fight against illegal fishing by foreign-flagged vessels.
23. The table below lists the proposed actions, proponents, agreements, next steps and related follow-
up for the agreements established during the session:
Proposed actions Proponen
t
Agreements and Steps to follow Follow up/
responsible
Strengthen the Network of
Exchange of information and
experiences among Latin
American countries to
prevent, discourage and
eliminate IUU fishing
Peru
Chile
x. Distribute the report on the
creation of the Network and the
"manifest of interest" file to the
participating countries of the
meeting, so that they can be
formally incorporated into the
Network and designate a focal
point for the country.
xi. Inclusion of the national as well
as international dimension of
IUU fishing in the functions of
the Network.
xii. Organize a forum to address the
challenges and mitigation
Peru (Technical
Secretary for
the Network);
FAO and
countries
interested in
joining.
FAO through
the
COPESCAAL
C Secretariat
6
mechanisms for IUU fishing in
the artisanal dimension.
xiii. Incorporate experiences
with commercial measures to
combat IUU fishing.
xiv. Share training courses
through the Network in terms of
the PSMA and the fight against
IUU fishing that are offered in
member countries, facilitating
access to these training
opportunities to officials from
all countries.
Network
member
countries
through the
Technical
Secretariat
(Peru)
Strengthen regulatory
frameworks and aim to
harmonize provisions on IUU
fishing in the countries
Saint
Lucía
xv. Include harmonization of legal
provisions in regional forums
on IUU fishing to establish
strategies aimed at the gradual
harmonization of sanctions and
criminalization of IUU fishing.
OSPESCA,
COPACO,
COPESCAAL
C, CPPS
CRFM
OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE CONSUMPTION AND INTRA-REGIONAL TRADE OF
FISH AND SEAFOOD IN LAC
24. The segment was moderated by the Commissioner of Aquaculture and Fisheries of Mexico. The
discussion revolved around the experiences of different countries with strategies to increase national
fish consumption, highlighting school feeding programmes as an effective platform that provides
opportunities to generate healthier consumption habits in childhood, which, consequently, prevent
obesity and other illnesses derived from malnutrition. Regarding the search for opportunities for intra-
regional trade, it was agreed to manage exchange of information to identify supply and demand, starting
with trade attachés and national fisheries authorities, employing, where appropriate, platforms such as
the initiative promoted by the Pacific Alliance.
25. The table below lists the proposed actions, proponents, agreements, next steps and related follow-
up for the agreements established during the session:
Proposed actions Proponent Agreements and Steps to follow Follow up/
responsible
Exchange experiences on the
inclusion of fish in school
feeding programs
Peru,
INFOPESCA
xvi. Organize a meeting to
exchange experiences among
countries that have
incorporated fish into school
feeding programmes, to
enrich them.
xvii. Share results and progress
with countries that do not
include fish in their school
feeding programmes.
FAO,
Guatemala,
Honduras, Peru
Produce an inventory of
availability (supply and
demand) of products in LAC
countries through the
embassies’ trade departments
to allow the promotion of
intraregional trade in
Argentina
Cuba
FAO
xviii. Define focal points by
country to establish a network
for information related to
supply and demand of
national fishery and
aquaculture products for
regional dissemination,
encouraging the inclusion of
Participating
countries. FAO
may assist in
facilitation of
the process.
7
fisheries and aquaculture
products
products from artisanal
fishers’ organizations and
small and micro scale
aquaculturists.
FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE IN FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SECURITY AND
POVERTY ALLEVIATION
26. The segment was moderated by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture of Ecuador. The
discussion focused on the importance of generating better opportunities and working conditions,
especially for small-scale fishers and limited-resource aquaculturists. Some of the agreements derived
from the discussion include holding a meeting, within the framework of the FAO regular meetings, to
plan a mechanism that advances the incorporation of social protection schemes, particularly including
the creation of revolving funds (rural savings banks) to strengthen organizations of artisanal fishers and
resource-limited aquaculturists with working capital and contingencies.
27. The table below lists the proposed actions, proponents, agreements, next steps and related follow-
up for the agreements established during the session:
Proposed actions Proponent Agreements and Steps to
follow
Follow up/
responsible
Reactivate the Aquaculture
Network of the Americas and
its five strategic axes of work.
Chile
OSPESCA
xix. A space will be opened at
the next COPESCAALC
meeting to discuss and, if
appropriate, approve, an agile
and non-burdensome
operational format for the
Network.
FAO
COPESCAAL
C Secretariat
Promote the link between the
small-scale fishers and
aquaculturists and public food
procurement systems.
FAO xx. Standardize projects
generating evidence for
public policy, which are
carried out in Guatemala,
Honduras and Paraguay,
disseminating successful
regional cases and
strategies adopted to
promote their replication
in other countries.
FAO
Promote the strengthening
and resilience of the family
economy in groups of
artisanal fishers and resource-
limited aquaculturists.
xxi. Organize a regional
workshop on micro-financing
mechanisms for small-scale
fishers and limited resource
fish farmers.
xxii. Manage funds for a
regional project that allows
the participatory design and
validation of self-financing
mechanisms for fishers and
aquaculturists in rural
territories.
FAO,
OSPESCA
CRFM
Participating
member
countries.
8
MEETING DECLARATION
28. The country delegates agreed on the need to elaborate and sign a Declaration of Political
Commitment to Promote Blue Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The declaration was
prepared and agreed upon by the participating delegates to be subsequently signed in two versions:
Spanish and English (Annex C).
9
ANNEX A: LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
ARGENTINA
Tomás Gerpe
Undersecretary of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministry of Agribusiness
Aurelia Rego
Secretary of the Economic Section of the
Embassy of Argentina in Mexico
BRAZIL
Weverton de Lima Silva
Director-General of Fisheries
Secretary of Aquaculture and Fisheries
CHILE
José Miguel Burgos
National Director
National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service
Leonardo Nuñez
Executive Director
Fisheries Development Institute
Jorge Toro
Deputy Director of Fisheries
National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service
COSTA RICA
María Eugenia Venegas Renauld
Ambassador of the Republic of Costa Rica in
Mexico
CUBA
Luis Orlando Paz López
First Deputy Minister of the Food Industry
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Milton Ginebra Morales
Executive Director
Dominican Council for Fisheries and
Aquaculture
ECUADOR
Ana Katuska Drouet Salcedo
Minister of Aquaculture and Fisheries
Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries
Jorge Costain Chang
Undersecretary of Fisheries
Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries
EL SALVADOR
Gustavo Antonio Portillo Portillo
Director-General
Fisheries and Aquaculture Development
Centre
GUATEMALA
Omar Byron Acevedo Cordón
Vice Minister of Agricultural Health and
Regulations
Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food
HONDURAS
José Luis Osorio
Vice Minister of Livestock
Secretary of Agriculture and Livestock
MEXICO
Mario Gilberto Aguilar Sánchez
National Commissioner
National Commission of Aquaculture and
Fisheries
10
Pablo Arenas
Director-General of the National Fisheries
Institute
Ernesto Ruffo Appel
President of the Fisheries and Aquaculture
Commission of the Senate of the Republic
Próspero Ibarra
President of the Fisheries and Aquaculture
Commission of the Chamber of Deputies
NICARAGUA
Edward Jackson
Minister and Executive President
Nicaraguan Institute of Fisheries and
Aquaculture
PANAMA
Esteban Girón
Vice Minister of Agricultural Development
Ministry of Agricultural Development
Zuleika Pinzón
General Manager
Panama Water Resources Authority
PERU
Hector Eugenio Soldi Soldi
Vice Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Ministry of Production
Roberto Hernán Seminario Portocarrero
Ambassador and Director-General of
Sovereignty, Limits and Antarctic Affairs
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
SAINT LUCIA
Ezechiel Joseph
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Physical
Planning, Natural Resources and Co-
operatives
SPAIN
Rafael Eloy Bolívar Ray
Commercial Counselor of the Embassy of
Spain in Mexico
CRFM
Susan Singh-Renton
Deputy Executive Director
FORUM OF PARLIAMENTARIANS OF
FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE FOR
LAC
David Herrera
President Pro Tempore
INFOPESCA
Graciela Pereira
Executive Director
OSPESCA
Reinaldo Morales Rodríguez
Director of the Organization of the Fisheries
and Aquaculture Sector of the Central
American Isthmus
FAO
Árni Mathiesen
Assistant Director-General
Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Alejandro Flores Nava
Senior Fishery and Aquaculture Officer for
Latin America and the Caribbean
Zachary Foco
Programme Specialist, Blue Growth Initiative
Fisheries and Aquaculture Department
Javier Villanueva García Benítez
Fisheries Specialist
Regional Office for LAC
11
ANNEX B: MEETING AGENDA
27 November
Time Activity Speaker / interventions
17:00-
19:00
Registration
20:00-
22:00
Opening
ceremony and
dinner reception.
- Mr Mario Gilberto Aguilar Sánchez, National
Commissioner of Aquaculture and Fisheries, Mexico
- Mr Árni Mathiesen, Assistant Director-General, Fisheries
and Aquaculture Department, FAO
- Ambassador Miguel Ruiz Cabañas Izquierdo, Deputy
Secretary for Multilateral Affairs and Human Rights,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico (TBC)
- Mr José Calzada Rovirosa, Secretary of Agriculture,
Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food,
Mexico
28 November
Time Activity Themes
9:00-
11:00
Contextual
presentations
1. Opportunities and challenges for the fisheries and
aquaculture sectors in LAC towards the year 2030
(FAO)
2. Opportunities for increasing consumption and markets
for fisheries and aquaculture products in LAC
(INFOPESCA)
3. Challenges in combatting illegal, unreported and
unregulated (IUU) fishing in national jurisdiction
waters (OSPESCA/Vice Minister of Fisheries and
Aquaculture, Peru)
11:00-
11:30
Coffee Break Thematic segment of plenary discussion
11:30-
12:30
Plenary sessions 1. South-south and triangular cooperation mechanisms
to strengthen capacities for fisheries and aquaculture
in LAC and international cooperation for the regular
assessment of fisheries resources: "All for one and
one for all" (Moderator: Deputy Secretary of Fisheries
and Aquaculture, Chile).
12:30-
13:30
2. Regional strategy to strengthen the fight against IUU
fishing (Moderator: Vice Minister of Fisheries and
Aquaculture, Peru).
13:30-
15:00
Lunch
15:00-
16:00
Plenary sessions 3. Opportunities to increase consumption and
intraregional trade of fish and shellfish in LAC
(Moderator: National Commissioner of Aquaculture
and Fisheries, Mexico).
12
16:00-
17:00
4. Fisheries and Aquaculture in Food and Nutritional
Security and Poverty Alleviation (Moderator: Minister
of Aquaculture and Fisheries of Ecuador)
17:00-
17:30
Reading of
agreements by
topic.
Thematic segment moderators
17:30-
18:00
Revision and
agreement of the
Meeting
Declaration
FAO/CONAPESCA
18:00 Closing remarks CONAPESCA/FAO
13
ANNEXO C: DECLARATION
Declaration of Political Commitment to Promote Blue Growth in Latin America
and the Caribbean
We, the Ministers, Vice Ministers, Fisheries and Aquaculture Authorities, Legislators and Directors
of Intergovernmental Organizations with a mandate to promote the sustainable development of
fisheries and aquaculture in the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, participants in the
High-Level International Meeting on the Global Blue Growth Initiative for Latin America and the
Caribbean, gathered in Mexico City, Mexico, the 28th November 2017
DECLARE:
That fishing and aquaculture are activities that have contributed to feeding humanity since its origins,
and that today with their contribution are and will increasingly be a fundamental part in the nutrition,
health and economy of the people.
That the Oceans have been and continue to be sources of wealth, health and well-being for coastal
peoples and that the Oceans not only continue to be a source of well-being, but also maximize the
economic opportunities that result from these activities in a sustainable manner.
That the seas and oceans represent the next frontier for the development of national economies, poverty
alleviation, social development, and economic growth so that fishing and aquaculture are important
areas of opportunity, both qualitatively and quantitatively, hence the importance that the realization of
this potential is carried out responsibly.
That it is time to promote, with environmental responsibility and social inclusion, the use of benefits
provided by aquatic ecosystems and their resources, through comprehensive, multisectoral strategies,
with long-term vision supported by state policies.
That we recognize that economic activities associated with fishing and aquaculture should be
encouraged and strengthened by improving their productivity in a manner compatible with the
environment and in harmony and coexistence with other activities, with special emphasis on the most
vulnerable areas.
That the growing demand for safe and nutritious food, accessible to the entire population, particularly
the most vulnerable segments, demands the inclusion of fisheries and aquaculture in the national
political agendas for food security and territorial rural development.
That we recognize the Global Blue Growth Initiative promoted by FAO as a guiding mechanism for the
sustainable use of aquatic ecosystems and as a platform to contribute to cooperation and the
development of national economies.
That coastal states commit themselves to encourage our seas and inland waters to be productive and
zones of sustainable development to ensure the well-being of coastal communities.
14
That we recognize FAO's efforts to accompany processes to comply with national commitments and
determined contributions within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, in
particular SDGs 2 and 14, regarding the eradication of hunger and the sustainable use of aquatic
resources and ecosystems, respectively.
That we see in strengthening the commercial exchange of fishery and aquaculture products; in South-
South and triangular technical cooperation for sustainable development; as well as in the combination
of efforts to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, marine pollution and the over-
exploitation of maritime resources; fundamental vehicles to take advantage of regional comparative
advantages for the benefit of national economies, recognizing the asymmetries between our countries
in trade exchanges.
That illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is an activity that is estimated at 20% of the
annual catch, and that it affects all of our countries, which is why we will support the initiative of the
“Regional Network for exchange of information and experiences on illegal fishing among the countries
of Latin America and the Caribbean” to fight in a coordinated way against this activity in our region.
That it is imperative that markets eliminate obstacles and technical barriers to trade in fishery products
and that the standards of production, health, quality and safety that are used have a solid and transparent
scientific basis under a multilateral approach.
That it is our will to specify and give timely follow-up to the agreements emanating from this meeting
and we will manage, in accordance with national capacities, institutional strengthening, public policies
aimed at responsible and sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture, improved quality of life
for those who dedicate themselves to these activities, and improved allocation of resources for their
adequate development.
WE EXPRESS our willingness to request FAO to visibly prioritize assistance and support to countries,
incorporating actions that favour the growth, conservation and sustainability of these sectors in their
regional initiatives.
That in addition to the management conducive the conservation and sustainability of these sectors to
be carried out by our Diplomatic Representatives, FAO is requested to make an early and timely
consultation with the authorities of the countries and their representatives regarding the preparation of
the COFI 2018 agenda and respective documents.
That it is important to continue with the efforts made by FAO for the constitution of the Aquaculture
Network of the Americas (RAA) for the attention of important aspects in aquaculture such as:
- Transboundary aquaculture diseases.
- Capacity building for micro and small-scale aquaculturists of limited resources.
- Promotion of greater consumption of aquaculture products.
- Increase intra-regional trade in aquaculture products.
That it is necessary to request FAO to present the results and recommendations of the “Global Blue
Growth Initiative for Latin America and the Caribbean" event to the XXXV FAO Regional Conference
to be held in Jamaica in 2018. Also, that a regional initiative on Blue Growth in favour of food security,
poverty reduction and sustainable management of aquatic resources be incorporated into the framework
of FAO in the region of Latin America and the Caribbean.
15
16
The International High Level Meeting on the Global
Blue Growth Initiative for Latin America and the
Caribbean, held in Mexico City, Mexico, on 27 and 28
November 2017, was developed with the objective of
holding an international forum to identify mechanisms
for joint action to increase the contribution of
sustainable fisheries and aquaculture to food security,
poverty alleviation and, in general, boosting the
economy associated with aquatic ecosystems in Latin
American and Caribbean countries.
The meeting allowed participants to: 1) identify and
discuss the main social, economic and food production
challenges and opportunities offered by fisheries and
aquaculture in the region of Latin America and the
Caribbean; 2) identify actions for international
cooperation for better use of the economic potential of
the fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the countries of
the region; and 3) establish political commitments to
boost Blue Growth in the region.
Related Documents
![FAO September 7 th 2009 Presentation Jean-Louis DUVAL [FAO consultant] Michael LARINDE [FAO AGPS]](https://static.cupdf.com/doc/110x72/56649f305503460f94c4a48b/fao-september-7-th-2009-presentation-jean-louis-duval-fao-consultant-michael.jpg)
