The National consultation workshop on “Sustainable Development of Small Scale Fisheries in Vietnam and the FAO Guidelines” was organized by the Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development (MCD) in collaboration with DECAFIREP and VINAFIS with the support of ICFS on 01-02 November 2012 in Hanoi.

The purpose of the workshop was to bring stakeholders together to provide inputs and information for the newly drafted Sustainable Small Scale Fisheries (SSF) Guidelines, in order to understand the status of fisheries in Vietnam and offer recommendations for improvements.

60 men and women, representing inland and marine small scale fisheries, national and local authorities, fishery organizations and associations, NGOs, and fishermen, attended at the workshop. This was a great opportunity for all delegates to discuss existing challenges in the small scale fisheries sector in Vietnam.

The discussion focused on the role of small scale fisheries in the context of food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable usage of fisheries resources. Other important non-fisheries issues such as the links in value chains, disasters, and climate change also received attention.

The workshop found the most relevant guidelines of the FAO that match the context of Vietnam. The biggest challenge was the possibility of enacting or amending policies that link to the small scale fisheries. The most important recommendations were for the completion of works that are needed to enhance environmental protection, resource management, and rehabilitation of fisheries. These initiatives will improve access to credit and extension resources for small scale fisheries; develop value chain linkages with benefits for the small scale fishers; integrate actions on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction into fisheries’ management; recognize the role of women and gender mainstreaming in fisheries’ activities; co-manage coastal zone management; and educate all stakeholders.

The small scale fisheries sector was becoming more transparent with both participants and the public through mass media campaigns taking place before, during, and after the workshop. MCD will aggregate major recommendations and information from the workshop process in an official letter to be sent to the General Department of Fisheries, the highest agency in charge of fisheries of Vietnam, for their consideration. The synthesized summary of recommendations are to be presented and submitted to the DECAFIREP and General Directorate of Fisheries (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development) as well, for further consultation and consideration. This will be useful for local government representatives to present and negotiate at the inter-governmental meeting organized in Rome in May 2013.