SEAFDEC Highlights Commitments and Achievements at FAO COFI36

SEAFDEC participated in the 36^th Session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI36) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) organized on 8–12 July 2024 at the FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy. The COFI36 was participated by representatives from COFI Members, COFI country observers, and relevant organizations. The attendees from SEAFDEC were the SEAFDEC Secretary-General, Dr. Suttinee Limthammahisorn, and the Policy and Program Coordinator from the SEAFDEC Secretariat, Dr. Worawit Wanchana.

During the COFI36, SEAFDEC commended the new edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture (SOFIA) for its vital insights and applauded the FAO for its efforts in promoting sustainable practices. Moreover, SEAFDEC reaffirmed its commitment to align its initiatives with SOFIA and the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, highlighting the significance of sustainable fisheries management in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and ensuring global food security. SEAFDEC also reiterated its dedication to securing sustainable small-scale fisheries through capacity building, policy advocacy, and community empowerment.

At the high-level event of COFI36 marking the 10^th Anniversary of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines), the importance of addressing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and promoting gender equality in fisheries management were underscored. SEAFDEC shared its achievements in enhancing resource management and market access for small-scale fishers in Southeast Asia which are crucial for sustaining food security and improving livelihoods.

Furthermore, SEAFDEC expressed its support for the outcomes of the 12^th Session of the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture advocating for the sustainable use of aquatic genetic resources and the Blue Transformation roadmap and emphasizing the need for guidelines on eco-friendly practices, climate-resilient aquaculture, and social equity. Discussions highlighted the role of sustainable aquaculture in enhancing food security and addressing the challenges of climate change, underscoring the importance of cohesive international efforts. The ongoing collaboration of SEAFDEC with FAO in organizing workshops and promoting advanced technologies reflects its commitment to sustainable aquaculture and fisheries management in the region.