Launching the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture- 2022

The 72 United Nations General Assembly has declared 2022 the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022) in 2017. National Fisheries Solidarity Movement with the collaboration of academics, professionals, international delegates, local representatives, fishers and other stakeholders initiated to socialize this declaration in the Sri Lankan context in advance with the purpose of educating the relevant stakeholders creating a space for a wider conversation in the country.  A virtual launching ceremony was organized with the participation of around 85 national and international representatives focusing on the International Ocean Day accordance of the pandemic situation on 7 June, 2021. This is an important initiative because this is the first attempt to socialize the concept of International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022) in Sri Lanka. 

 

Prof.Ascar Amarasinghe, the Chancellor of Sri Lanka Ocean University, Mrs.Editrudith Lukanga, Vice President of International Steering Committee on IYAFA, Mrs. Nadine Nembard, the Secretary General of World Forum of Fisher People (WFFP) and Mr.Herman Kumara, National Convener of National Fisheries Solidarity Movement participated as main speakers in the event.

Opening the launching ceremony, Mr.Nalaka Rosairo, representing National Fisheries Solidarity Movement made the welcome and objective setting. Mrs.Nadine Nembard addressed the ceremony emphasizing the important of International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture-2022. Mr. N. V. Subramaniam, Chairperson of Northern Province Fisheries People Unity explained the situation of small-scale fishers in the country. Mrs. D. K. Indrani and Mrs. Neluka Verakkody representing Southern Fisheries Organization- Galle spoke the theme of women and fisheries industry. Mr. Sadun Proboda from Miridiya Organization in Polonnaruwa shared the situation of inland fisheries industry in the country. 

Time was allocated for a small video clip in relation to the challenges of small-scale fishers in the country. Prof. Ascar Amarasinghe highlighted the vision of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture and the strategy of implementing the tool with a wider participation. Mrs. Editrudith Lukanga shared the role and responsibility of International Steering Committee on IYAFA. The International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aqualture-2022 was launched by using a digital screen symbolically. Mr. Herman Kumara, National Convener of National Fisheries Solidarity Movement addressed the ceremony highlighting the role of CSOs of small-scale fisheries organizations, important of educational process and empowerment of the fishers based on the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture. Finally, Mr.Nuwan Pradeep made the vote of thanks as the final item of the agenda of the ceremony.