Indonesia was acknowledged as a prominent example of effective fisheries management, specifically in relation to small-scale fisheries, at a forum hosted by a United Nations food agency in Reykjavik, Iceland, as stated by an international certification organization.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), an international non-governmental organization responsible for establishing guidelines for sustainable fishing practices and seafood traceability, presented the accolade during a supplementary session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations agency spearheading worldwide endeavors to combat food insecurity and advocate for sustainable fishing practices.
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The acknowledgment was bestowed at a session of the FAO's Committee on Fisheries, an international platform for policy deliberation among member countries on issues pertaining to fisheries management, preservation, and responsible utilization of oceanic assets.
Amanda Lejbowicz, who is the Head of Fisheries Standard Accessibility at MSC, emphasized in a statement released in Bogor, West Java, Indonesia, the significant impact that collaboration between the government and various stakeholders can have on enhancing fisheries management at a systemic level.
The conference convened FAO member nations to engage in discussions regarding their policy perspectives and exemplary methods, with MSC emphasizing the significance of inter-sector partnerships in establishing robust and enduring fisheries management frameworks.
Indonesia was commended for its cooperative strategy, which involves coordinating various stakeholders such as government bodies, fishing industry representatives, fisheries associations, research institutions, and civil society organizations to enhance fisheries governance in a systematic manner.
Representatives from the Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries in Indonesia have presented a comprehensive national strategy during the National Fisheries Improvement Meeting. This strategy aims to ensure that Fisheries Improvement Projects are in line with national policies and are supported with technical assistance in the field.
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Currently in Indonesia, there are seven MSC Improvement Programs taking place that involve fisheries units, industry associations, and various stakeholders. These programs aim to enhance management practices in a transparent, measurable, and science-based manner to adhere to global sustainability standards.
Indonesia has developed one certified fishery and is currently managing seven ongoing improvement initiatives, which are collectively contributing to the creation of a conducive environment for sustainable fisheries.
In tandem, these efforts are also enhancing Indonesia's presence in the global seafood markets, according to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). Fery Sutyawan, who leads the Fish Stock Assessment Working Group at the Ministry's Directorate General of Capture Fisheries, emphasized the importance of governance reform as a crucial national priority that complements blue economy objectives and quota management in fisheries.
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MSC stated that the successful transformation of fisheries towards sustainability relies on the presence of conducive regulatory frameworks, management practices based on scientific principles, and financial incentives in the market.
Furthermore, MSC also highlighted the crucial role played by Indonesia's effective national coordination in expediting advancements in this area. The forum served to highlight Indonesia's contribution to the dissemination of effective strategies for sustainable management of fisheries, bolstering the reputation of its seafood offerings in global markets and promoting the sustainability of coastal communities in the long term.