Saudi Arabia Leads FAO Fisheries Committee, Advances Sustainability

Saudi Arabia has highlighted its efforts to develop the fisheries sector during its two-year presidency of the 36th session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI36) of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which concluded in Rome, Italy, on July 11, 2024. The session, chaired by the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the FAO, Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, brought together over 19 ministers from various countries and more than 300 officials and delegates from FAO member states to address critical issues related to fisheries and aquaculture.

Context and Background

The Committee on Fisheries (COFI) is the only global intergovernmental forum where major international fisheries and aquaculture problems and issues are examined and recommendations addressed to governments, regional fishery bodies, NGOs, and the international community. Established by the FAO in 1965, COFI has played a pivotal role in shaping global policies for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Saudi Arabia assumed the presidency of COFI36 for a two-year term, demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation and sustainable development.

During its presidency, the Kingdom focused on enhancing the sustainability of the fisheries sector, aligning with global efforts to combat food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty. The FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, commended Saudi Arabia’s significant role in advancing these objectives, highlighting the Kingdom’s leadership in unifying international efforts to develop the fisheries sector.

Key Details

Dr. Al-Ghamdi outlined the committee’s work, which spanned two phases: the first focused on implementing the outcomes and recommendations of the previous committee (COFI35), while the second aimed at developing the performance of member states and achieving its goals. The committee held ten main meetings and six sub-meetings, including two sub-committees—one for fisheries and one for aquaculture.

The session concluded with an emphasis on applying the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and promoting the growth of aquaculture, along with supporting cooperation with the World Trade Organization and other international organizations related to the fishing and fisheries sector.

The Kingdom was represented in the COFI36 meetings by Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Fisheries and Livestock Wealth. After the session’s conclusion, Saudi Arabia will transfer the Committee on Fisheries file to New Zealand until a new president for COFI37 is elected.

Throughout the meetings, the vital role of fisheries and aquaculture in addressing food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty was underscored, emphasizing their ability to alleviate hunger, promote sustainable growth, and reverse environmental degradation.

Implications and Impact

Saudi Arabia’s leadership of COFI36 demonstrates its growing influence in international fora and its commitment to sustainable development. By chairing the committee, the Kingdom has helped shape global policies that promote responsible fisheries and aquaculture practices, contributing to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

The outcomes of COFI36 will have far-reaching effects on global fisheries management, as member states adopt recommendations to enhance sustainability, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and promote aquaculture as a means to meet the growing demand for protein. Saudi Arabia’s active role underscores its dedication to multilateralism and its Vision 2030 goal of diversifying the economy and ensuring food security.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s efforts in developing the fisheries sector are closely tied to Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s comprehensive plan to diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil, and enhance quality of life. The fisheries sector is a key component of the National Transformation Program and the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture’s strategy to achieve food security and sustainable development.

By promoting aquaculture and sustainable fishing practices, Saudi Arabia aims to increase domestic production, create jobs, and contribute to the national economy. The Kingdom’s leadership at COFI36 reflects its commitment to international cooperation and its role as a responsible global citizen, working towards a future where fisheries and aquaculture contribute to food security, nutrition, and environmental sustainability for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the Committee on Fisheries (COFI)?

A1. COFI is the only global intergovernmental forum where major international fisheries and aquaculture issues are examined. Established by the FAO in 1965, it recommends policies to governments, regional fishery bodies, NGOs, and the international community for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Q2. What was Saudi Arabia’s role at COFI36?

A2. Saudi Arabia held the presidency of COFI36 for two years, chaired by Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi. The Kingdom led efforts to enhance fisheries sustainability, implement previous recommendations, and develop member state performance, culminating in the session’s conclusion in July 2024.

Q3. Who chaired the COFI36 session?

A3. Dr. Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the FAO, chaired the COFI36 session. His leadership was pivotal in guiding discussions and ensuring the successful outcome of the committee’s work.

Q4. How many ministers and delegates attended COFI36?

A4. The session included over 19 ministers from various countries and more than 300 officials and delegates from FAO member states, demonstrating broad international participation and commitment to addressing fisheries and aquaculture challenges.

Q5. What did the FAO Director-General say about Saudi Arabia’s role?

A5. FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu commended Saudi Arabia’s significant role during its presidency of COFI36, praising its support for efforts to enhance the sustainability of the fisheries sector and its leadership in unifying international efforts.

Q6. What were the two phases of the committee’s work?

A6. The first phase focused on implementing the outcomes and recommendations of the previous committee (COFI35). The second phase aimed at developing the performance of member states and achieving the committee’s goals for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Q7. How many meetings and sub-meetings were held during COFI36?

A7. The committee held ten main meetings and six sub-meetings, including two sub-committees: one for fisheries and the other for aquaculture. These meetings facilitated in-depth discussions on key issues.

Q8. What was emphasized at the conclusion of COFI36?

A8. The committee emphasized the importance of applying the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, promoting aquaculture growth, and supporting cooperation with the WTO and other international organizations related to fishing and fisheries.

Q9. Who represented Saudi Arabia in the COFI36 meetings?

A9. Dr. Ali Al-Shaikhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture for Fisheries and Livestock Wealth, represented Saudi Arabia in the COFI36 meetings, showcasing the Kingdom’s expertise and commitment.

Q10. What will happen to the Committee on Fisheries file after COFI36?

A10. After the session’s conclusion on July 11, 2024, Saudi Arabia will transfer the Committee on Fisheries file to New Zealand until a new president for the next session (COFI37) is elected.

Q11. What key issues were addressed during COFI36?

A11. The meetings focused on the vital role of fisheries and aquaculture in addressing food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty. Discussions emphasized their ability to alleviate hunger, promote sustainable growth, and reverse environmental degradation.

Q12. How does Saudi Arabia’s leadership at COFI36 align with its Vision 2030?

A12. Saudi Arabia’s leadership aligns with Vision 2030 by promoting economic diversification, food security, and sustainable development. The fisheries sector is a key component of the National Transformation Program, aiming to increase domestic production and create jobs.

Q13. What is the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries?

A13. The Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries is a voluntary international instrument adopted by the FAO in 1995. It provides principles and standards for the sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture, covering conservation, management, and development.

Q14. Why is aquaculture important for global food security?

A14. Aquaculture is crucial for global food security as it provides a sustainable source of protein, reduces pressure on wild fish stocks, and creates livelihoods. It helps meet the growing demand for seafood while supporting economic growth and nutrition.

Q15. How does Saudi Arabia support sustainable fisheries at home?

A15. Saudi Arabia supports sustainable fisheries through policies and initiatives under the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. These include promoting aquaculture, enforcing regulations against illegal fishing, and investing in research and development for sector growth.

Q16. What is the significance of Saudi Arabia transferring the COFI file to New Zealand?

A16. Transferring the COFI file to New Zealand signifies the rotation of leadership and continuity in the committee’s work. It ensures that the momentum gained under Saudi Arabia’s presidency continues until COFI37 elects a new president.

Q17. How does COFI36 contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals?

A17. COFI36 contributes to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Its recommendations help combat overfishing, reduce malnutrition, and enhance food security globally.

Q18. What role do international organizations play in fisheries management?

A18. International organizations like the FAO and WTO facilitate cooperation, set standards, and provide a platform for dialogue. They help countries coordinate efforts to manage fisheries sustainably, combat illegal fishing, and ensure fair trade practices.

Q19. What are the expected outcomes of COFI36 for member states?

A19. Member states are expected to adopt and implement COFI36 recommendations, leading to improved fisheries management, enhanced aquaculture development, and greater contributions to food security and poverty alleviation.

Q20. How can other countries learn from Saudi Arabia’s fisheries development efforts?

A20. Other countries can learn from Saudi Arabia’s integrated approach, which combines policy support, investment in aquaculture, and international cooperation. The Kingdom’s experience showcases how sustainable fisheries can drive economic diversification and food security.

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