By Hauwa Ali
The Director Geneal of World Trade Organization (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has introduced the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism which is meant to support developing and least developed countries in implementing a perspective agreement to curb harmful fisheries subsidies.
Okonjo-Iweala introduced the concept on Tuesday at the organisation’s 12th Ministerial conference in Geneva.
According to Okonjo- Iweala, the initiative aims at ensuring the availability of fishing subsidy for the sustenance of the sector globally.
“ We all know that a healthy sustainable blue economy is one where oceans are replenished, where our livestocks are also healthy, and where fishermen and fisherwomen who depend on such resources continue to earn a decent living.
“ Many members have told us that they need capacity building and technical assistance to better manage their fisheries and implement the disciplines that would e I the agreement on Fisheries subsidies. This funding is something that will be incredibly important to help us help those who need it.” The DG said.
Okonjo-Iweala disclosed that the mechanism had received a pledge of 5 million dollars from donors against the projected 10 million dollars.
“We have already received in the form of pledges for the fund, $5 million which is half of the initial amount of $10 million that we are seeking. A few delegations are favourable towards pledging.
“This fund is linked to any prospective new agreement on fisheries subsidies that is being negotiated as we speak. There is considerable advance in the discussions and we hope we can land this.” Okonjo-Iweala said.
She emphasised that Article 7 of the funding draft text explicitly conveys the rudiments criteria and actions for the fisheries funding.
The European commissioner for environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius said that WTO’s effort at establishing a fishing funding structure “is a shared obligation from the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, 14.6” .
The commissioner who stated that the agreement on fishing subsidy is the WTO opportunity to contribute to the sustainability of the oceans for the generations to come, added that fishing is fundamental for coastal communities and many governments.
He however added that poor Fishing management structures have adversely affected the sector, diminishing fisheries especially for those who rely on fishing for their livelihood and nutrition.
Calling on African nations to comply with the standards introduced by the initiative, he maintained that the region stands to gain as the fishery sector is a main source of protein, employment, income in coastal communities and foreign exchange earnings.
“The WTO agreement on prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies will create opportunities but of course, obligations. It is important that developing countries are able to get the benefits of this agreement and also comply to their new obligations” said Virginijus Sinkevicius.
Among donor partners who have expressed strong support for the fund include:
The Director General of Fisheries Affairs at Germany’s Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Swantje Nilsson said, Germany stands ready to support the fund with a substantial contribution, subject to the conclusion of necessary rules on fisheries subsidies.
Parliamentary vice minister for foreign affairs of Japan said the introduction of the fund was an important milestone for realizing the successful conclusion of fisheries subsidies negotiations.
Among Prospective beneficiaries include the Philippines as it believes that the fund will increase its capacity and technical knowledge of fisheries management.
“The Philippines has undertaken initiatives and research on science-based approaches to sustainable fisheries management and will benefit from funding Grants that will enhance its capacity and technical knowledge towards ensuring up-to-date resource management mechanisms.” Said Cheryl Natividad-Caballero, undersecretary of Agri-Industrialization of Fisheries of the Philippines.
From among beneficiary countries, Ambassador Usha Chandnee Dwarka- Canabady of Mauritius said small islands developing state have a lot of responsibilities over their large maritime domains and therefore need help overcoming challenges to implement the agreement including through notifications and information gathering.
The Mauritanian Ambassador stressed the need for the funds to be accessible to eligible nations in the simplest manner possible.
She said that the funding would only be measured by its effectiveness and efficiency in the near future and so, she called for the sustainability of the project.
She disclosed that although “Mauritius’ terrestrial scope is like a small dot, it has a sea as wide as the size of Germany and France combined” and is challenged by how to control the vast terrain because of capacity constraints.
She therefore urged beneficiaries of the fund to prioritise data collection, monitoring and transparency to grow the sector.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FOA), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and World Bank Group (WBG) would serve as key principal partners to the fisheries subsidy.
Many European and Asian countries were present at the WTO 12th conference. From Africa, Mauritius, Kenya, Egypt, Nigeria, Seychelles and others were in attendance.
