[cid:image001.png@01CEEC49.F5100A80]<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/> Digest No. 1079 28 November 2013 Discussion 94 [cid:image002.png@01CEEC49.F5100A80] Implementing the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries Until 3 December 2013 [cid:image002.png@01CEEC49.F5100A80] [cid:image003.png@01CEEC49.F5100A80]How to participate Send your contribution to [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>or post it on www.fao.org/fsnforum<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum> · Discussion en français<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/fr/forum/discussions/SSF_Guidelines> · Discusión en español<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/es/forum/discussions/SSF_Guidelines> [cid:image004.png@01CEEC49.F5100A80] Dear Colleagues, please find below feedback on contributions received so far by Lena Westlund, facilitator of the discussion on Implementing the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-scale Fisheries<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/forum/discussions/SSF_Guidelines> We will share new posts over the next days and we would like to encourage you to join and comment on challenges, opportunities, roles of different actors and stakeholders in the implementation of the SSF Guidelines. The topic is on the website <http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/forum/discussions/SSF_Guidelines> and comments received can also be found in the proceedings document<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/sites/default/files/files/94_SFF_Guidelines/PROCEEDINGS_94_SSF_Guidelines_EN.docx>. As always, contributions in French<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/fr/forum/discussions/SSF_Guidelines> and Spanish<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/es/forum/discussions/SSF_Guidelines> are welcome. Looking forward to hearing from you! Your FSN Forum Team Dear SSF forum contributors – and contributors-to-be, Just over two weeks have now elapsed of our e-consultation and we have a bit less than one week to go. I’d like to thank those of you who have already posted your comments and inputs – and encourage those who have not done so yet to start writing and post at your earliest convenience so that we have time to share and consider your experiences! Reading through your contributions so far, I note that there is broad agreement on that we all have to engage and promote partnerships for the implementation of the SSF Guidelines. The special responsibility of governments is being pointed out, in particular with regard to giving priority to the small-scale fisheries sector, but there is often a need to clarify the different roles of different government departments. It is also important that small-scale actors take ownership of the implementation process and, at the local and community level, empowerment, leadership training and organisational development (building on existing structures) are needed. With regard to information and communication, aspects highlighted include the need for awareness raising and increased use of various forms of media - respecting cultures and languages - and dissemination of facts and figures to improve the knowledge on and visibility of small-scale fisheries. Some of the challenges cited include absence of policy frameworks that reflect the reality of the small-scale fisheries sector, a lack of funding and also the incidence of corruption. Looking at the brighter side, there are of course also important opportunities, for example by seeking increased engagement by youth and support from consumers, including through fair trade initiatives. This was of course just a very brief overview of some of the inputs – I hope you will read the different contributions to learn more. Please feel free to reply to propositions already made when posting your contributions. I look forward to hearing from you! With best wishes, Lena Westlund<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/lena-westlund> The FAO SSF Guidelines Secretariat [cid:image002.png@01CEEC49.F5100A80] www.fao.org/fsnforum<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/> CONTACT US<mailto:[log in to unmask]> • DISCLAIMER<http://www.fao.org/fsnforum/disclaimer-copyright> ######################################################################## To unsubscribe from the SSFGuidelines-L list, click the following link: https://listserv.fao.org/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=SSFGuidelines-L&A=1