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Fair deal wanted in sub-Saharan Africa tourism

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 07:32:04 GMT

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

During the just concluded World Travel Market in London last week, November 10-13, the United Nations is being urged to introduce an international registration system to power Fair-trade Tourism to new levels in sub-Saharan Africa.

This needs the seriousness of a body such as the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to reassure travellers that fair-trade claims are genuine, says the WTM Global Trends Report, in association with Euromonitor International.

According to Fiona Jeffrey, chairman of WTM, "this would encourage major tour operators and travel agencies to broaden appeal, development, and distribution of fair-trade trips beyond the niche market." He added that combined influence can inspire and replicate the boom that came after supermarkets put fair-trade, branded items on their shelves.

Jeffrey further said "there is evidence to suggest a much wider audience is tourism. Certification would hasten an upsurge in ethical travel that benefits local communities and cultures, environment, and wildlife."

This can transform the labour force’s economic lifestyle, and tourists are increasingly seeking real-life experiences. They are conscious of conservation issues and want to spread financial spin-offs from leisure stays in locally-owned lodges and game reserve, guided tours and adventures.

"The current trends resonating with travellers across all regions include the desire for environmental responsibility, social interaction, authentic travel experiences and fair trade practices," Caroline Bremner, head of Travel and Tourism Research at Euromonitor International commented.

There is enormous scope for Africa to build on the potential. The fair-trade movement first began in Europe during the 60s. It was launched by South Africa in 2001 when they saw its significance for tourism and fair play.

The Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa trademark has been awarded to thirty companies adhering to criteria, decent wages. However, twenty-five international tour operators carry the logo in their catalogues. The FTTSA example may expand into Mozambique and Botswana.

Author: by Yunus Salieu

VP Njie-Saidy proposes the formation of National Women’s Federation

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 06:50:35 GMT

Friday, November 14, 2008

Aja Dr Isatou Njie-Saidy, vice-president and secretary of state for Women’s Affairs, has strongly encouraged the formation of the National Women’s Federation, purposely to augment the capacity of women organisations and groups, as well as to enable government to provide more meaningful support to women’s groups through an umbrella body.

The Vice-President made this statement during the launching ceremony of the Spanish-African Women’s Empowerment Project held at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.

The project, placed under the banner of President Jammeh’s Women Empowerment Initiative, jointly funded by The Gambia Government and Spanish Government "The magnificent project that we are here to launch today is another meaningful step towards providing the necessary environment, infrastructure and facilities for our women to learn and acquire skills, access resources and finance, network at the local and international level and harness their collective potential to create and develop a vibrant platform for business and production.

The project was born about two years ago, out of the genuine aspirations and needs of Gambia Women and out of an extensive consultative process, which I was privileged, to join during the National Women’s Council and Women’s Bureau silver jubilee," VP Njie-Saidy said.

"At that historic meeting with all major stakeholders in my office in 2006, I strongly encouraged the formation of the National Women’s Federation purposely to augment the capacity of women organisations and groups, as well as to enable government provide more meaningful support to women groups through the Federation," she recalled.

"Those of us who would recall discussions at that five-hour meeting, would also remember my pledge to have more women serving in our diplomatic missions and promotion of female officers of the security force.

We have since been eager to fulfil that pledge, and today, The Gambia has an increased number of women in our diplomatic service, with even more heading their missions. Several female security personnel have also been promoted to the ranks of Commander since the Silver Jubilee.

At the local level for the first time we have started seeing women fill key positions as Vice Chairperson of Area Councils, Deputy Governor and in fact more interestingly women are more than ever contesting elections and are winning, evident in last Local Government Elections.

I am particularly encouraged by the fact that the all-inclusive project has a specific component targeting rural women and girls who form the majority, vis-à-vis how they can overcome some of the domestic factors constraining their socio-economic development and ensure food security all Gambians," the vice president told the women gathering.

Commenting on the world commemoration of the International Day of Rural Women, coupled with the current world food crisis and global financial turmoil, VP Njie-Saidy highlighted that governments have a duty to protect and assist rural women with educational opportunities, political access and market environment that favours a return on their investment of equipment, seeds, and labour.
On that very special day, she went on to say that the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, in his message said: "when we empower rural women, we enhance the well-being of their children, their families, their communities and ultimately, their countries."

"The Spanish African Women Empowerment Project will indeed do just that. It will support amongst others the building of a processing and storage plant as well as the National Women’s Multi-Purpose Complex.

It is also worth mentioning that recently a feasibility study was conducted and twenty-five women’s gardens were rehabilitated with the objective of ensuring an increased and improved quality and quantity of horticultural produce to avoid loss.

Additional resources have also been mobilised to build the market complex which will house two hundred outlets, a supermarket, restaurant, a cinema hall as well as other out-door facilities as highlighted in the presentation," Vice President Njie-Saidy assured the gathering.

"I am indeed proud to inform you that the Government has provided the land which is an investment on its own for the women and as well as financial contribution towards supporting the gardens and provision of labour saving devices and this is just the beginning," she indicated.

Regarding the operational modalities, VP Njie-Saidy encouraged the leadership to continue to solicit technical advice from the relevant departments of state, particularly the departments of state for Finance and Economic Affairs, Justice, Local Government and Lands, Trade Industry and Employment as well as Tourism, adding that the project is a multi-sectoral project and that, it will not only advance the cause of women but it will also uplift the status and image of the country.

The Complex, she said, will no doubt bring about the much-needed increase, and improve investment particularly for women. Other related benefits include timely repayment and management of micro-loans, for if you provide credit to women who are challenged with marketing of their products, it is obvious that they will have problems of timely repayments. Therefore the active participation of the financial service providers is a step in the right direction.

However, I would like to mention that once the facility is built, it should be properly managed and not allowed to fall in the wrong hands and be derailed from achieving the expected outcomes.

Indeed, we have witnessed a few unfortunate cases where Gambians were provided with such facilities and they failed to deliver the goods. That must not happen. Let me single out the invaluable contributions of the outgoing members of the National Women’s Council, who must be commended for their rewarding and productive service to the women of this country.

I have no doubt in my mind that they will continue to offer their support and advice to the council, and share their vast experience with new members. I congratulate the new members of the council and I have no doubt on my mind that they will continue the good work.

As we launch the Spanish African Women Empowerment Project under the banner of my Government’s Women Empowerment initiative, it is important to recount the invaluable role and position of Gambian women in fostering national development, and identify some of the challenges that continue to impact negatively on our efforts to advance the cause of women in ensuring that the objectives of the project effectively addresses their problems.

As previous speakers have attested, the story of our country’s women is one deeply embedded in the unique virtues of labour, perseverance, and excellence in the various sectors.

From agriculture and education to business, politics, decision-making and the arts. In government, the record number of qualified and competent women in positions of responsibility is glaring.

Women own a substantial percentage of business especially in the tourism industry. Constituting about 50% of our Labour force, Gambia women continue to lead in the production of the country’s major staple rice.

Furthermore, women dominate the horticultural sector and are actively involved in livestock farming and petty trading in the informal sector.

To crown these and many other laurels, she said, women have the fundamental duty to serve not only as mothers and household keepers, but also as bona fide breadwinners for many families. Indeed, we are particularly encouraged by this proud and solid track record that is dotted with daunting challenges.

In all these sectors, women are confronted by an acute lack of access to the basic agents of production and productivity such as land, credit, capital, information and the necessary market infrastructure to reap the fruits of their labour as indicated by the out-going chairperson of the National Women’s Council.

The use of low level technologies in production and the absence of adequate business knowledge and skills continue to hamper the efforts of women to excel in their noble undertakings, which the Spanish African Empowerment project therefore seeks to address.

As a government, she noted, we will continue to take the necessary steps, even take an extra mile, to lend our support to the women of The Gambia. ‘‘Personally, I am on record recognising at any giving opportunity, the life inspiration I have drawn from the hard work and exceptional enterprise of our women folk.

I shall not relent in committing my attention and the special attention of government, to championing the cause of women and working towards increasing our success in the following key areas;

the inclusion of women in the functional structures of government especially in decision making level; girls education, with particular focus on parity at all levels, the drastic reduction of maternal and child mortality and morbidity;

the protection and promotion of women’s rights with legislative instruments that do not only guarantee protection, but stipulate stringent penalties for those who perpetrate violence against women. And, let me use this opportunity to state once again, that my government will not, and shall never tolerate Rape and other forms of abuse directed against women.

Perpetrators will be tracked down to face the full and uncompromising force of the law. This is one way we can eradicate centuries-old afflictions marring the psychological, spiritual, physical and socio-economic advancement of more than half of our productive population,’’ she reiterated.

She concluded by thanking the Government of the Kingdom of Spain for providing the funding for this ambitious project.

‘‘I also wish to thank the office of the Vice President and Department of State for Women’s Affairs, the out-going Women’s Council, the Women’s Bureau, the Silver Jubilee Organising committee, and indeed all Gambian women for their immeasurable contributions to the initiation and launching of this project.

Let me also pledge once more, that my government will continue to render the needed support to make the project succeed in all its objectives. I urge the project beneficiaries coming along with the project, and to work together collectively towards meaningfully transforming the lives of the women folk.

This way, we are all assured of the brightest future for Gambian women.’’

Author: by Mariatou Ngum-Saidy

Double Celebration

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:01:31 GMT

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Thisis a joyous moment for us for two reasons. First, we are glad that our projection many months ago that Barack Obama would be the first black president of

America

has been fulfilled. Then we argued that Obama’s charisma and innate ability to connect easily with people would earn him the presidency. Second, we are also pleased that the Westfield-Sukuta Road is about to be rehabilitated. We have written on the state of that road many times so much so that it even became monotonous. Just when we were about to despair, the good news came that the Islamic Development Bank and the Government of The Gambia are bankrolling the reconstruction of the road.

We are not about to reiterate the economic importance of that road; we are not about to repeat why it should be reconstructed. Those points are clear enough to everybody.

What we are concerned with now is how soon the road will be done. We are also concerned with how well it will be done. We have seen roads rehabilitated only to go bad in less than a year. This is not good for us as a people. If we have anything to do, we should do it so well for it to last. GAMWORKS should make sure that the Westfield-Sukuta road is built to the highest standard possible.

Evidently, money is not the problem. So much money has been earmarked for the project. There is no reason therefore why an excellent job cannot be done. We will hold GAMWORKS to account if the contractors, COPRI a Kuwati construction firm, fail to give us a first-class road.

Doing things shoddily only to have them done again is a waste of scare resources. We have to imbibe the habit of getting it right once and for all.

Economic Growth Revised to 6.1%

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 05:10:47 GMT

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

It is evident that the global economy is experiencing a major slowdown owing primarily to the worst financial crisis since the great depression. Stock markets have become increasingly volatile, some major financial institutions in advanced economies have collapsed, capital flows to emerging markets have weakened and some currencies have depreciated sharply.

Governments have taken unprecedented measures to address these problems. Despite this, international financial markets are still marked by a high degree of uncertainty and risks of a global recession are high. The International Monetary Fund in October 2008 marked down its growth projections of the global economy for 2009 to 3.0 percent and the outlook is subject to considerable downside risks.

Well, in The Gambia, the Governor of the Central Bank of the Gambia Mr. Bamba Saho on Friday said, during a press conference held at the bank, that provisional data from the Gambia Bureau of Statistics indicates that output growth of the Gambian economy has been revised to 6.1 percent in 2008.

The projected output growth, according to Governor Saho, is premised on the 30.2 percent and 7.2 percent increase in the value added of agriculture and industry, higher than 4.0 percent and 6.1 percent growth in 2007.

“The value added of the services sector on the other hand, is forecast to contract by 0.6 percent in 2008 compared to the growth rate of 10.4 percent in 2007.

“Reflecting the rise in global food and energy prices, end-period inflation measured by the National Consumer Price Index accelerated from 1.6 percent and 2.2 percent in May and June to 3.7 percent and 5.0 percent in July and August 2008 respectively. As at end-September 2008, the rate of inflation had climbed to 6.4 percent, the highest since July 2007,” he said.

Governor Saho revealed that food inflation in The Gambia picked up in May 2008 to 1.9 percent and accelerated to 2.6 percent, 5.1 percent and 6.9 percent in June, July and August respectively.

He added that owing to the strengthening of the US dollar, reflecting investor flight to the US dollar, assets viewed as safe haven, reduced foreign currency inflows and rising costs of imports, the Dalasi depreciated against the major currencies traded in the inter-bank market.

“Given the acceleration in inflationary pressures reflecting in the main, high food and energy prices, high inflationary expectations and the weakening of the Dalasi, inflation is forecast to exceed the end-December 2008 target of 6.0 percent,” he added.

Author: Baboucarr Senghore

Source: Picture: Bambo Saho

SoS Njie meets Gambia College students

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:27:24 GMT

Friday, October 31, 2008

Dr Malick Njie, secretary of state for Health and Social Welfare, on Monday, received in audience executive members of the Gambia College student’s union. The students were representatives from the schools of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery.

This development came following the approval and subsequent increment of the monthly stipend of students in the schools of Education and Agriculture by the department of state for Basic and Secondary Education, early this year.

Speaking at the meeting, the Vice Principal of the College, Rex Kwei, told SoS Njie that the purpose of their visit was to make an appeal on behalf of the general student body, for consideration of possible increment of stipends of those in the schools of Nursing and Mid-wifery as well as Public Health.

This, he said, would mean that the said groups of students would receive the same level of stipend like their colleagues in the Schools of Education and Agriculture. He appealed to the Health secretary of state to consider the Health Schools, arguing that they were also faced with a lot of economic problems.

Musa H Camara, the President of the Gambia College Students’ Union, delibrated on the plight of the students in the schools of Public Health, Nursing and Midwifery, who according to him, were struggling to cope with the meagre stipend despite the escalating economic problems. He appealed to SoS Njie to help put their concerns into consideration as they were finding it difficult to cope with the economic situation, saying "since others have it, we should have it."

In response, the Health Secretary of State Malick Njie, clearly told the student leaders that the money given to his department by government was spent based on strict financial regulations, making it categorically clear that he had no space for increasing the stipend of students anywhere in the country. SoS Njie went on to say that even though his department benefits from the student expertise, the Health School does not belong to DoSH, but to the department of state for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. "It is therefore the responsibility of the Higher Education department to address such an issue", he observed. SoS Njie however promised to write to the Department of Higher Education to see how best the situation could be resolved.

The delegation, which was led by Mr Rex Kwei, the vice principal of the College, included Madame Beatrice Haffner, head of the school of Nursing and Mid-wifery, Musa H Camara, the President of the Students’ Union, among others.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary at the department of state for Health and Social Welfare, a representative from the Information Bureau of the College.

Author: by Amadou Sonko-Bah

Who Will Win U.S Election?

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 06:39:30 GMT

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Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The race for the much-talked about presidential election in the United States has picked momentum as the question as to who will emerge the winner predominates with each passing day.

Both the Democratic and Republican camps under Senator Barrack Obama and Senator John McCain respectively seem to be optimistic about their chances despite opinion polls giving Senator Barrack Obama a favourable and clear lead.

The election, seen by many as the most momentous and historic presidential poll in America’s political annals, came at a time when the world’s economy is in crises and environmental considerations are also uppermost in the minds of people who are being threatened by climate change.

However, given the reality of American political and social history, any prediction as to the possible winner will have to take into consideration the tendency of sudden changes in political fortunes.

In an opinion poll carried out by this paper yesterday, many people, Gambians and non-Gambians alike expressed the view that for America to restore its world leadership image, a change from a Republican to Democratic Administration should take effect on November 4th.

“As things are going, I am in for Obama because everything is on his side. Looking at the opinion polls, Senator Barrack Obama has definitely convinced the people of America. Politically, the American economy is in disarray due to its foreign policy especially towards the Far East. This state of affairs has impacted considerably on its economy and it has made a lot of people suffer. I think Americans should come November 4th change from a Republican government to a Democratic one”, said Hon. Lamin Jammeh, National Assembly for Illiasa constituency.

For one Mr. Babou Gai, a banker, Senator Barrack Obama is in a better position to lead America. “My honest opinion is that after listening to both candidates in their televised speeches, I definitely believe that Obama will win in the sense that he has a better economic plan not only for America but also for the rest of the wider world.

Despite being a black, Senator Obama has a better view of the challenges facing America and the wider world. He seems to be having a new plan for America and the globe because he has distanced himself from the Bush administration, which is a nightmare for the whole world.

For Senator John McCain, he has no new plan for Americans. Having critically listened to his televised speeches, he just wants to continue with the policies of President George W. Bush, which have led to the imminent global recession”.

Hon. Kebba Gaye, National Assembly Member for Jokadu constituency has this to say, “Basically in my own honest view, America should come up with a President that will help solve the current economic, political and leadership crisis. America needs a leader who would definitely come to the aid of Africa and Africans and I believe Senator Barrack Obama is the right man.”

“We also expect that the elections would be done in a peaceful and transparent manner and allow democracy to prevail,” he said.

According to one Ebrima Camara, a student at the University of The Gambia, the latest opinion poll, which gives Barack Obama an early lead is an indication that Americans now think of themselves as the same Americans. This, he says, is a history that should be followed even in Africa that, I belong to this tribe or that is irrelevant. We should look at ourselves as people belonging to one nation and be proud to pronounce our nationality. Definitely, from my own point of view, Obama will make a historic departure from the cold war if he moves from the policy of being lopsided in international relations and adopt a policy of multilateralism if he is given the opportunity to manage the affairs of the United States.

“Despite being about to take over at a time when the world’s economy is in crisis, Barack Obama is the man that can build a strong economy for America through prudent fiscal and economic policies.”

“Obama’s election as the next president of America will be a dream come true in the sense that he will be the first African American to be elected president of America. This will be unprecedented in the history of the United States of America and I think all Americans should rally behind Senator Barack Obama for the betterment of not only America but the world in general,” said one Ya Mai Camara, a businesswoman.

“Barack Obama will win and all signs are pointing towards it, opinion polls and even Republicans are endorsing him as president. America is the land of liberty and the dream of the late Martin Luther King will soon become a reality. Why then Americans are trying to kill Obama and forty other black Americans at a time when the wind of change is blowing? Change we need, and change we will get,” said one Ahmed Carayol of Bakoteh.

Author: Baboucarr Senghore

Source: Pictures: Senator Barrack Obama(1) and Senator John McCain(2)

Make the Tourist Experience a Pleasant One

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:04:28 GMT

Thursday, October 23, 2008

The tourist season is beginning and we pray that it will be a good one. The economic downturn in Europe may affect our business this year but hopefully not too much. As the tourists arrive we ask the authorities to ensure that the bumsters and other swindlers are kept away from the tourists. Many surveys have shown that tourists quote the harassment they receive at the hands of these individuals as a reason why they would not return to The Gambia for a holiday.

Our tourism is vital to our economy so we must ensure that we maintain it at all costs. We all have a role to play in making the season a success. People come to The Gambia not only for the sunshine and pristine beaches but also for the friendly vibrant people that live here. We must all be aware of tourists and their needs and ensure that we shield them from unwanted attention at all costs.

To all those in the tourist trade we say treat tourists with respect and don’t overcharge. If we nurture our tourist trade it will serve our nation very well but if we mistreat it, it will shrivel.

Our goose is laying a golden egg we must all work to ensure that we do not slay it.

Stories from America

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:14:36 GMT

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Very seldom do we get first hand reports from America; from someone we could call our own correspondent. But John P Joof, a Gambian living in the US, with a keen interest in the progress of the presidential elections in that country, seem poised to change that trend. Having been following the last two debates of the presidential candidates, he sent us this report.

The US presidential election took a dramatic turn recently, as the candidates concluded their debate - having held their 2nd and 3rd debates, which saw a range of issues dominated by the financial crisis facing the USA. Each candidate took aim at each other accusing each other of not doing enough to tackle the financial crisis.

In the end it was Sen. Obama whom many analysis and media surveys hailed as the winner and most appealing to voter’s concerns and needs. With only a few weeks left, Sen. McCain is now left with a desperate campaign and "smear tactic" accusing the Illinois senator of associating with terrorist, failed lobbyist and above all being a Muslim.

This dirty campaign has now raised fear among voters who sees him as a terrorist and a Muslim, among many other things. It is therefore up to the voters to connect the duct and vote for someone who they believe can bring them real change, solve the economic crisis and give them something to HOPE for again.

I can assure you that it will be interesting to see, come November 4, what if any of those accusations stick with the voters or they choose CHANGE over fear.

My feeling is that Sen. Obama will be the president, come Nov 4. Stay tuned.

John Prospere Joof
USA

Title: Africa Must Unite

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:05:18 GMT

Friday, October 17, 2008

Author: Kwame Nkrumah

Publisher and Date of Publication: Panaf, London (Special Edition); 1997 (First published 1963) Paperback; 253

In this book, Kwame Nkrumah spells out the tactics and strategy for the African Union.

His argument is that until and unless African countries unite at the political, economic, defence and economic fronts, the continent and its people will have no true freedom and prosperity.

Divided up into twenty-one chapters, Nkrumah gives an overview of the African society in the opening chapter. He follows it up with an incisive analysis of the colonial experience and its impact on the continent. He then examines the role of the intellectual vanguard in the struggle for political independence. After that, he delves into the specific experience of Ghana’s struggle for sovereignty, looks at the problems of sovereignty and then builds up his case for African unity. He contends that neocolonialism is a threat to the viability of the newly independent African states. He also cites examples of the United States of America and the former Soviet Union as examples of major unions of states in the world. In the final chapter, he marshals out arguments for what he describes as “Continental Government for Africa.” There are two appendices. The first one is the full text of the address Kwame Nkrumah gave on the eve of the foundation of the Organization of African Unity on 25th May 1963. The second one is a text of address made by Julius Nyerere in Accra on 6th March 1997 on the occasion of Ghana’s 40th independence anniversary.

Throughout the book, Nkrumah keeps harping on his passion – an African Union. To achieve this, he opines that African leaders must come together to diverse an overall economic planning on a continental basis, establish a unified military and defence strategy; a united foreign policy and diplomacy to give political direction to their joint effort for the protection and economic development of the continent.

“What is at stake is not the destiny of a single country but the freedom and destiny of the African continent, the unalterable prelude to the African Union and the fullest development of the many countries comprising the continent. Just as we are alive to the dangers of a world, which is half-slave, half-free, so we are alert to the perils of an African continent split between states that are wholly sovereign and states that are only half-independent. Such a pattern can only impede the real independence of Africa and its transformation into an industrialized continent exercising its rightful influence upon world affairs.” (p.187)

He argues that the balkanization of the African continent serves the interest of the imperialists and not those of the African people. “The creation of several weak and unstable states of this kind in Africa, it is hoped, will ensure the continued dependence on the former colonial owners for economic aid, and impede African unity. This policy of balkanization is the new imperialism, the new danger to Africa.” (a.179).

And the way out of this bog, he suggest, is unity of the diverse states on the continent.

“A point in our history has been reached where Africa’s interests must be the prime concern of Africa’s leaders. The safety and progress of every one of our states can be safeguarded only by the acceptance of this precept, which can best be promoted by our unalloyed unity. This means that where associations linking African countries with European powers cut across basic African interests at any level and offer impediments to the goal of union, they must be discarded, and rejected where are offered. In all relations with the world overseas, the key consideration must be not merely the superficial or even intrinsic advantage of such relationships for the given African country but the obligation to the African continent as a whole. However much we may protest our loyalty to the course of African freedom and our united destiny, our affirmations will be without value unless we accept this approach as the cardinal guide to our action,”(185)

Written in an engaging prose style, Africa Must Unite ought to be a companion for every African who believes in the emancipation of the continent.

The book is available at Timbooktoo Bookshop. Tel.4494345

Author: Kwame Nkrumah

Source: Picture: Africa must Unite Book

World Bank, FAO Harp on Marine Fisheries

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 04:26:48 GMT

Friday, October 10, 2008

Economic losses in marine fisheries resulting from poor management, inefficiencies, and overfishing add up to US$50 billion per year, according to a new World Bank-FAO report released today. Taken over the last three decades, these losses total over $US2 trillion, a figure roughly equivalent to the GDP of Italy.

But, The Sunken Billions: The Economic Justification for Fisheries Reform also argues that well-managed marine fisheries could turn most of these losses into sustainable economic benefits for millions of fishers and coastal communities.

“Sustainable fisheries require political will to replace incentives for overfishing with incentives for responsible stewardship,” said Kieran Kelleher, Fisheries Team Leader, World Bank. “It is not just about boats and fish. This Report provides decision makers with the economic arguments for the reforms needed.”

Strengthened fishing rights can provide fishers and fishing communities with incentives to operate in an economically efficient and socially responsible manner. Phasing out subsidies that enhance redundant fishing capacity and harvesting effort will improve efficiency. Greater transparency in allocation of fish resources and greater public accountability for fisheries management and health of fish stocks will help eco-labeling initiatives to certify sustainable fisheries.

According to the Report, the bulk of losses occur in two main ways.

First, depleted fish stocks mean that there are fewer fish to catch, and therefore the cost of finding and catching them is greater than it might be. Second, fleet overcapacity means that the economic benefits of fishing are dissipated due to redundant investment and operating costs.

The Report stresses that figure of US$50 billion represents a conservative estimate – it excludes losses to recreational fisheries and marine tourism as well as losses due to illegal fishing.

Excess fishing capacity

Long before the fuel price increases of 2008, the economic health of the world’s marine fisheries was in decline.

The build up of fishing fleets, deployment of increasingly powerful fishing technologies and increasing pollution and habitat loss has depleted fish stocks worldwide. Global marine catches have been stagnant for over a decade, hovering at around 85 million tons per year. Meanwhile, fisheries productivity -measured in terms of catch per fisher, or per fishing vessel-has declined, even though fishing technology has advanced and fishing effort increased.

If world fish stocks were rebuilt, the current marine fisheries catch could be achieved with approximately half of the current global fishing effort, the Report says.

Underperformance and hidden costs

According to FAO, over 75 percent of the world’s fish stocks are either fully exploited or overexploited.

But, the focus on the state of stocks has tended to obscure the even more critical economic health of the fisheries. When fish stocks are fully exploited, the associated fisheries are almost invariably performing below their economic optimum, the Sunken Billions reports. In some cases, fisheries may be biologically sustainable but still operate at an economic loss.

And while many fisheries are profitable, the global picture is that fish catching operations are buoyed up by subsidies, the Report finds. “At the global level, each ton of fish caught uses almost half a ton of fuel – much of it wasted in redundant harvesting effort,” it notes.

“Right now, no one is winning,” said Rolf Willmann, Senior Fishery Planning Officer of FAO, one of the Report’s authors. “The real income levels of fishers are depressed, much of the industry is unprofitable, fish stocks are depleted and other sectors of the economy foot the bill for an ailing fishing industry.”

According to the Report, the recovery of ‘the sunken billions’ can take place through two main approaches.

First, a reduction in fishing effort would increase productivity, profitability, and net economic benefits. Second, rebuilding fish stocks would lead to increased sustainable yields and lower fishing costs.

Benefits for developing countries

Economically healthy fisheries are fundamental not only to the restoration of fish stocks but also to improved livelihoods, exports, fish food security, and economic growth. Marine fishing operations are only part of the $400 billion global seafood industry, but economically healthy catch operations underpin the sustainability of supply and profitability of processing and distribution activities, a major source of employment, particularly in developing countries.

“For each person employed at sea another three people are employed on shore,” noted Willmann. “Fish is the main animal protein for over 1 billion people.It provides livelihoods for over 200 million people and 90% of these people are in developing countries.”

Signs of progress

The good news is that governance reforms have turned the tide in some fisheries, The Sunken Billions notes.

“Strengthening fishing rights systems is fundamental to addressing the problems facing the sector,” said Ragnar Arnason, a Fisheries Economist at the University of Iceland and a co-author of the Report, pointing to successful experiences in Iceland , New Zealand , and Namibia

Strengthening the use, access, or ownership rights of fishers is supported by a growing number of organizations that see the need to create incentives for responsible stewardship. Promotion of ‘rights-based fisheries’ features in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)’s Resolution on Sustainable Fisheries for Food Security for the ASEAN Region. The Abuja Declaration on Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa, adopted by the Heads of State Meeting of The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) “Fish for All Summit” Abuja, Nigeria, 25 August 2005 also endorsed ‘rights-based fisheries’. The world’s largest fishery, Peru’s anchoveta fishery, is also moving towards a rights-based approach, where it is proposed to make the fishery pay for a social safety net for fishers.

“Governance reforms are often politically difficult, particularly if some reduction in fishing fleets or in the numbers of fishers may occur,” says Kelleher. “And the rights and livelihoods of fishers should be secured in any reform process,” he added.

The production of The Sunken Billions: the Economic Justification for Fisheries Reform was supported by PROFISH, a World Bank partnership focused on policy initiatives for sustainable fisheries.

Author: Pap Saine in USA

Source: Picture: Robert B. Zoellick (President of World Bank)