The RECs delivered presentations that touched on the background
information of their establishment, statistics, and role of fisheries
and aquaculture in the regions, guiding sectoral, regional policy and
regulations, fisheries and aquaculture projects and activities in their
regions.
The RECs play a pivotal role as an interface between continental
initiatives and the AU member states. Speaking during the opening
session of the meeting on behalf of the AU-IBAR Director, Mrs. Patricia
Lumba echoed the need for regular dialogue with the RECs to ensure that
all parties are on the same level of information as the activities of
the project are being rolled out. It also provides opportunities for the
RECs to give feedback and recommendations and for AU-IBAR to convey
them to the donor, i.e., the European Union.
In addition, Mr. Clement Adjorlolo, who spoke on behalf of Dr Ibrahim Mayaki, the CEO of the AUDA-NEPAD reminded delegates that RECs are forefront in the implementation of AU Decisions, including CAADP and PFRS agenda, as well as acting as entry point for AUDA-NEPAD and our key partners to their Member States.
In addition to the workshop exploring mechanisms for establishing
regular dialogue on emerging issues of the FishGov2 and sensitization of
Regional Economic Communities (RECs) on their potential role for the
project, other sessions of the workshop included:
i. Developing and agreeing on a mechanism for regular dialogue on issues of the project
ii. Presenting the FishGov 2 project activities and work plan
iii. Sharing activities and identifying areas for collaboration
iv. Developing modalities for implementing some activities in the Action
The meeting, among others came up with the following outcomes:
1. Information was shared on the FishGov2 Project Activities in the following areas;
a. Project Activities and implementation Mechanisms
b. The Roles of RECs in supporting the implementation
c. Communication and visibility as well as Monitoring and Evaluation of the Project
2. The RECs also shared information on their respective Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Blue Economic activities.
3. Expert’s information and perspectives on enhancing linkages and
cooperation in Fisheries, Aquaculture and Blue Economy in Africa was
also shared.
4. Issues in regional cooperation, collaboration with regards to
AU-IBAR/AUDA-NEPAD in projects, programmes related to Fisheries
Aquaculture and Blue Economy were identified, their challenges
enumerated, and solutions proffered as recommendations for each of the
identified issues.
5. The meeting provided an excellent forum for the RECs to interact
amongst themselves, share ideas, enhance communication between them for
knowledge and awareness of each other’s activities, and brainstorm
effective ways to move the sector forward individually and
collectively.
The implementing agencies will prepare a comprehensive Work plan for
2022 and share it before the next dialogue meeting in the First Quarter
of 2022. Additionally, there was a proposal to consider and brainstorm a
mechanism for establishing a platform of RECs on Fisheries,
Aquaculture, and Blue Economy for more effective and productive
dialogues in the sector. The meeting in pictures: RECs present on role
of fisheries and aquaculture in their region.
