Almost half a billion people live from small-scale artisanal fishing, 95% of whom operate in the southern hemisphere.
They have a "vital role within the food chain", but "most of them are part of communities more vulnerable to environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, climatic and economic impacts".
So the director general of Fao Qu Dongyu at the closing ceremony of the United Nations International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture.
There are 495 million small-scale fishermen, including 45 million women, and they produce at least 40% of the global catch.
"These workers - Qu Dongyu points out - are custodians of precious ecosystems and ancient traditions" and "contribute to the management of aquatic resources in the world's oceans, rivers and lakes".
Over 260 events were organized in 68 countries during the year dedicated to them, resulting in recommendations to support the sub-sector, including commitment to environmental, social and economic protection, gender equality and equity, food security and youth participation.
All these recommendations are in line with FAO's Sustainable Development Goals, the so-called "4 Betters": Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment and Better Life, leaving no one behind.
Although Iyafa 2022 is coming to an end, concluded the FAO director-general, "it shouldn't be the end, but the beginning of a new path in which we continue to support the development of inclusive national plans and strategies for small-scale artisanal fisheries" .
