FAO Representative in Somalia, Mr. Etienne Peterschmitt, and Mr. Hiroshi Matsuura, Ambassador of Japan to Somalia, signed the agreement to boost Somalia’s fisheries sector.
FAO
The Government of Japan, the Federal Government of Somalia, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have joined forces to modernize the fisheries sector and empower vulnerable coastal communities in the African country.
The Ambassador of Japan to Somalia, Hiroshi Matsuura, and the FAO Representative in Somalia, Mr. Etienne Peterschmitt, signed an agreement in September to implement a joint two-year project valued at 2 million US dollars.
"By bringing our knowledge, technology, and innovative practices to the table, we hope to accelerate Somalia's progress in fully harnessing its blue economy and create real job opportunities for the coastal communities that depend on these resources," said Matsuura.
Specifically, this initiative aims to promote responsible fishing practices by combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, create jobs for coastal communities, protect marine resources, and strengthen food security and economic resilience.
Additionally, the project will include an integrated hub between the government and the fishing community in Mogadishu, a solar-powered fish market with cold storage facilities, and a new service workshop for boats and engines provided by Yamaha Motor Co., LTD.
Finally, knowledge exchange programs will be conducted between the governments of Japan and Somalia, through which young fishers will develop their practical skills to improve fishing methods, fish handling practices, and business management capabilities.
"FAO is proud to support this collaborative effort, which aligns with our commitment to inclusive, sustainable growth and long-term prosperity for Somalia's most vulnerable populations," emphasized FAO Somalia Country Representative Mr. Etienne Peterschmitt.
