From 25th to 28th March 2025, representative from the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) attended the workshop “Regional Small-scale Fisheries (SSF) Workshop in Asia: Building on a Decade of the SSF Guidelines for a Sustainable Future” co-organized by Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Bangkok, Thailand.

The workshop aimed to enhance capacity, foster international cooperation, and share experiences in the sustainable management of small-scale fisheries in Asia in line with FAO’s Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF) Guidelines. It reviewed achievements and outcomes over the past decade (2014-2024), identified opportunities and challenges in implementation, thus provided a platform for learning and experience sharing among countries in the region. During the workshop, delegates discussed and proposed actionable recommendation and initiatives on key  issues including: enhancing governance and regulatory enforcement; capacity-building for fisheries organizations; promoting sustainable fisheries value chain; integrating gender equity and climate change responses; promoting co-management approach and protecting marine resources and biodiversity through Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs).

Photo 1: Delegates attending the workshop in Bangkok co-organized by FAO and SEAFDEC

The workshop brought together 66 delegates from 13 countries across Asia and Pacific Region, including representatives from various governmental agencies, academic institutions, fisheries organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Vietnamese delegation included Mr. Nguyen Dang Kien – Deputy Head of Science, Technology, and International Cooperation Division, Department of Fisheries and Surveillance, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and Ms. Than Thi Hien, Vice Director of MCD. Representatives from Vietnam  actively contributed insights, participated in group discussions with international delegates, presented reports, and shared practical experiences in the management of small-scale fisheries in Vietnam.

Photo 2: MCD’s Vice Director – Ms. Than Thi Hien presented at the workshop.

The workshop provided MCD and its partners with an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with regional and international organizations. It also served as a platform to share progress of implementing the SSF Guidelines in Vietnam, including the development and enforcement of related policies and regulations, such as the 2017 Law on Fisheries, aimed at ensuring safety in small-scale fisheries. Additionally, various initiatives were highlighted including: co-management in aquatic resource protection; gender mainstreaming in aquaculture and climate change adaptation; ocean plastic waste reduction; and application of digital technologies for traceability of seafood products. Vietnam’s efforts and contributions were recognised and highly appreciated at the workshop. Looking ahead, Vietnamese partners plan to develop a national action plan to implement the SSF Guidelines, with support of FAO.

Workshop information and documents can be found at: https://www.seafdec.or.th/regional-ssf-workshop-in-asia-2025/ https://www.fao.org/asiapacific/news/news-detail/a-decade-of-progress–advancing-small-scale-fisheries-in-asia-and-the-pacific/en