The Small-Scale Fisheries Guidelines: A First Account of Developments Since Their Endorsement in 2014

Abstract

The process for the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication (SSF Guidelines) has unfolded since the very early stages if their development, even before their endorsement by the FAO Committee on Fisheries in June 2014. Their implementation, however, cannot be described as a linear-unidirectional process. On the contrary, there is abundant evidence for multi-directional, multi-scalar, and multi-temporal processes where individual and collective actions have been taken in order to achieve aims that are aligned with the SSF Guidelines. Globally, the process of implementing the SSF Guidelines has been discussed at various events which have detailed actions that should be taken towards their execution. Regionally and nationally, there have been various concrete illustrations about where and how the implementation process has started. The chapter is informed by an overview of key events and developments in relation to the implementation of the SSF Guidelines worldwide since 2014. It also draws on published and gray literature that has been made available, and that document events taking place globally, regionally or nationally, which are directly linked to the implementation of the SSF Guidelines. Examples are provided to illustrate concrete actions being taken to raise awareness about the existence and opportunities that the SSF Guidelines have to offer. Examples are also provided to demonstrate the importance of the institutionalization of their implementation as the active pull-and-push agent that can support this process in the long-term. Some key observations that emerged at the national, regional, and global scale are summarized as critical aspects to be taken into account, and to be further explored when addressing implementation in the future.