The Maldives and Kiribati have held joint discussions on the promotion of trade in sustainable fishery and fish products.
The discussion entitled Sustainable Sourcing in the Trade of Fish Products: Commonwealth SIDS Leading The Way, was co-hosted by the Commonwealth Blue Charter. The discussion explored sustainable sourcing practices in the trade of fish products, with a specific focus on the role of Commonwealth Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Speaking at the discussion, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Patricia Scotland emphasised the importance of the event as a platform for exchanging knowledge with a clear objective of addressing the challenges of achieving sustainable goals and advancing cooperation among key stakeholders, while promoting responsible and environmental practices in the fishery sector.
The discussion was moderated by High Commissioner of the Maldives to the United Kingdom (UK) Dr. Farah Faizal who was joined in conversation by the Kiribati Tourism Minister Bootii Nauan, Deputy Minister of Economic Development in the Maldives Riyaz Mansoor, Commonwealth’s Head of Science and Standards Marine Stewardship Council Dr. Rohan Currey, and the Commonwealth Adviser on Agriculture and Fisheries Trade Policy Dr. Benjamin Kwasi Addom.
The panel addressed various topics, including the establishment of a market for sustainable tuna, the challenges surrounding sustainable certification and recognition of fisheries in SIDS, and bridging the digital divide to promote sustainable sourcing of fisheries products.