Marta Pascual , WestMED National Hub spain) at the 2nd ENSSMAL conference on the Blue Economy 2023

WestMED experts join ENSSMAL’s 2nd International Conference in Algiers on Blue Economy and Climate Change

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The Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Sciences de la Mer et de l’Aménagement du Littoral (ENSSMAL) recently hosted a noteworthy event exploring the crucial intersection of the blue economy and climate change.

This event brought together more than 80 participants, including high level experts, from various corners, with a major input by the WestMED Initiative, all united by a common purpose: safeguarding the well-being of our seas in the face of a changing climate.

The blue economy encompasses the sustainable utilization of sea resources for economic growth and development. It includes a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from fisheries and tourism to shipping and renewable energy generation. As a vital force in the regional economy, the blue economy sustains millions of livelihoods worldwide.

However, the blue economy’s prosperity is jeopardized by numerous challenges, including the ever-present threats of climate change, pollution, and overfishing.

Climate change’s influence on rising ocean temperatures has triggered concerning consequences, from coral bleaching and diminishing sea ice to altered fish stocks.

Pollution, particularly the alarming prevalence of plastic waste, poses a significant threat to sea health. Furthermore, unsustainable fishing practices exert immense pressure on numerous fish populations, threatening their long-term viability.

Main topics
The ENSSMAL conference served as a crucial platform to brainstorm solutions for these pressing challenges. The engaged participants, including prominent specialists from the WestMED Initiative, made a collaborative effort to foster sustainable development across the Western Mediterranean region and delved into various pertinent topics:

  • Understanding the Blue Economy: The panel of experts delved into the blue economy’s fundamental concepts, focusing on sustainable use of sea resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of sea ecosystems.
  • Climate Change impacts on marine Ecosystems: Discussions  revolved around the latest research on how climate change is affecting marine biodiversity, sea levels, and oceanic weather patterns.
  • Innovative solutions and policies: Explore cutting-edge approaches and policy frameworks that can support the growth of a sustainable blue economy while mitigating the impacts of climate change.
  • Networking opportunities: Connect with professionals, academics, and policymakers from various sectors to exchange ideas and forge partnerships for future collaborations.
  • Harnessing the blue economy’s potential for job creation and economic growth

The event’s success can be attributed to the insightful discussions, collaborative spirit, and valuable contributions from the diverse range of participants. It provided a much-needed platform to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and forge partnerships for future endeavors.

Emphasising crucial aspects
Beyond the aforementioned key points, the ENSSMAL event further emphasized the following crucial aspects:

  • The critical role of international collaboration in effectively addressing the challenges facing the blue economy.
  • The urgent need for increased investment in research and development to discover innovative solutions for sea conservation.
  • The importance of raising public awareness and fostering education initiatives to cultivate a collective understanding of the significance of protecting our seas.

The ENSSMAL event’s success lies in its emphasis on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and action-oriented solutions. It provided a valuable platform for experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to connect, forge partnerships, and develop concrete strategies for tackling the impact of climate change.

 

Download the event report : Here

For more information contact the National Hub Algeria

The Launch of Smart Specialisation (S3) Observatory

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Launched as part of the Smart Specialisation Platform, the S3 CoP Observatory is a collaborative initiative involving DG REGIO G1, DG REGIO country desks, and the S3CoP Secretariat. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as Generative AI and entity extraction, the project team extracted and classified Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) priorities from regions’ and member states’ documents. The AI tools facilitated exercises like categorising strategies and priorities across different taxonomies, identifying keywords, and classifying priorities.

The Observatory invites regional/national institutions or bodies responsible for managing smart specialisation strategies to engage with them for rectifying or integrating information by contacting contact@s3-cop.eu.

Find out everything about the S3 CoP Observatory HERE!

Mohamed Lemine presenting the outcomes of the roundtables during the WestMED 2023 National event in Mauritania

4th national WestMED event for the Promotion of the Blue Economy in Mauritania

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As part of the WestMED Initiative, Mauritania’s national hub, in close coordination with the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, organized the 4th national WestMED event at the Nouakchott Hotel on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. This important meeting was chaired by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy and in the presence of the Secretary General of the Ministry of the Environment.

The event was co-organized this year with the REBOOT MED project, whose national partner is the Diawling National Park (PND).

In addition to Mauritania’s national hub and the national coordinator of the WestMed Initiative in Mauritania, the event was attended by the representative of the WestMed Initiative’s Assistance Mechanism, Mr. Matteo Bocci, representatives of the main national institutions concerned, representatives of the private sector, socio-professional organizations and civil society, representatives of the main scientific research institutions at national level, and representatives of the main technical and financial partners. A total of 55 people participated.

The event attracted extensive media coverage, with the presence of all the official national press (Agence Mauritanienne d’Information, Télévision Nationale Al Mauritaniya, Radio de Mauritanie), private television channels and Internet press platforms. The event was featured as one of the main news items on official and private channels in French, Arabic and national languages broadcast on the evening of 31/10/2023.

In his opening address to the workshop, Mr. Sidi Ali Sidi Boubacar, Secretary General of the Ministry of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, began by thanking the participants and recalling the context and objectives of the WestMED initiative for the promotion of the blue economy. He pointed out that the efforts undertaken by the national coordination, with the support of the national hub, have enabled Mauritania to participate actively in all regional projects aimed at promoting the blue economy in the Mediterranean area, particularly in the fields of fishing, aquaculture, sustainable tourism and renewable energies. These sectors are considered priorities for Mauritania’s co-presidency of the WestMED initiative for 2023.

Mr. Sidi Ali Sidi Boubacar also mentioned that the organization of this event takes place in a particular context, marked by the growing challenges currently facing our marine and coastal zone (exploitation of hydrocarbons: gas and oil, intensification of fishing activities and maritime transport, urbanization, etc.), which requires new, more integrated management approaches to guarantee the sustainability of our resources and the effective preservation of our environment. Consequently, the promotion of a blue economy has become one of the priorities of the national strategy for the fisheries and maritime economy sector.

Following the official opening session, Mr. Mohamed Lemine Abdel Hamid (national hub) presented the program for the event.

The floor was then given to Mr. Matteo Bocci (Ecorys expert), who presented an overview of the WestMED initiative and the main projects underway. He placed particular emphasis on the CallMeBlue project, which aims to promote maritime clusters in the Mediterranean area, and which is due to start up next month, and in which Mauritania is involved through the Mauritanian Maritime Cluster (CMM).

After this presentation, the floor was given to Mr. Hamadi Baba Hamadi, President of the Mauritanian Maritime Cluster (CMM), who presented the progress made in setting up the Mauritanian maritime cluster and the roadmap for its operationalization.

Mr. Tommaso Scavone, Coordinator of the REBOOT MED project, then gave a detailed presentation of the project.

Following these presentations, participants were divided into three thematic groups for round-table group discussions to share their views and to identify ideas related to the following topics:

Group 1: Fisheries and aquaculture, moderated by Dr. Mohamed Lemine Abdel Hamid

Group 2: Hydrocarbons and renewable energies, moderator: Mr Matteo Bocci

Group 3: Sustainable tourism and maritime spatial planning (MSP), moderator: Mr. Tommaso Scavone.

Each group spent two hours discussing opportunities and challenges, and identifying possible solutions in the form of regional/national project ideas to be submitted to the 5th Arab Summit for Economic and Social Development that is planned for 2024

 

The event was featured on the news the same night by Télévision Nationale Al Mauritaniya with the opening statement by Mr Sidi Ali Sidi Boubaccar General Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and National coordinator for Mauritania of the WESTMED Initiative

 

 

front cover of financing opportunities guide for the green transition of fisheries and aquaculture 2023

Energy Transition Partnership & Financing Report

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The new guide on financing opportunities for the Green Energy Transition of Fisheries and Aquaculture is out!

The guide is set to support the sectors through EU funding under the 2021-2027 financial framework and NextGenerationEU. The comprehensive guide aims to elucidate diverse funding options for the energy transition by targeting a broad audience, including enterprises, public administrations, research institutions, and civil society organisations. It distinguishes itself by offering a tailored approach, swiftly aiding stakeholders in identifying and assessing applicable EU funding sources. Covering areas like vessel innovation, energy-efficient gear, and aquaculture management, the guide complements existing European Commission tools and undergoes regular updates to incorporate newly identified funds.

All information can be found in the Energy Transition Partnership

sun.blue.23.award.winners with marta.pascual.westmed.spain

WestMED Initiative receives internationalization award at the Sun and Blue Congress 2023

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This year marked the first edition of the Sun&Blue Congress; an international conference and exhibition focused on Blue Tourism Innovation. It took place in Almería, Spain from 15-17 November 2023.

Marta Pascual (WestMED National Hub Spain) has been very much involved in both the preparation of this event, as part of the Technical Committee, as well well as its execution. She organised and participated in multiple workshops to promote and facilitate the sustainable Blue Economy within the tourism sector.

The WestMED Iniatiative was given a special Award Mention for having helped on the Internationalization of the entire SUN&BLUE Congress. Also the ‘Maritime Tourism’project, supported by the WestMED Initiative was awarded with a special mention award for Sustainability

This conference provided an excellent platform to promote the WestMED Intiative within the tourism sector resulting in numerous requests for support. It also resulted in  a major step forward regarding the creation of a National Marine Tourism Network and led to a  first encounter with the city of CEUTA authorities as a basis for possible follow-up.

Here is an overview of the different WestMED  Sun&Blue events:

Turismo Marinero (16 November 2023)
Within the framework of WestMED, and more specifically from its Spanish National Hub, work is done to establish a National Maritime Tourism Network. Its main objective is to promote sustainable maritime tourism and the diversification of fishing activity towards other activities that promote the economic development of coastal and marine areas when, for various reasons, they cannot carry out their fishing activity.

This network seeks to diversify fishing activities to promote authentic and environmentally friendly experiences. By doing so, it is intended to contribute to local economic development, the conservation of marine ecosystems and the promotion of fishing culture and tradition in the Western Mediterranean region. Hand in hand with this important initiative of the European Commission, we will learn about the importance of maritime tourism and all the development it is having at the European and national level.

This session served to present 3 examples of Spanish companies and/or initiatives around Maritime Tourism with Pablo Mariño (Bluscus); Shonia Cruz (La Mar Consultoras-LMC) and Inmaculada Torres (GALPEMUR). This to understand what they offer and what opportunities and barriers they have encountered when developing their activities.

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WestMED Initiative presentation
This presentation kicked off with explaining to a large audience what the WestMED Initiative is, what the work areas are and the activities carried out so far. Also opportunities for collaboration and financing for blue economy were elaborated on.

After the presentation a number of participants approached Mrs. Pascual to inquire about support for their project ideas. The most concrete ones are currently being followed through to assess needs and possibilities.

Blue Breakfast session (17 November 2023)
This was an invitation only event attended by public and private organisations. After explaining the Initiative and  funding opportunities, Mrs Pascual provided direct guidance on where to find funding for their work and future interests. It also led to some project ideas that are currently being reviewed for further support by the National Hub.

Reunión / Workshop: Presentación Proyecto de “Red Nacional de Turismo Marinero” (17 November 2023)
This private meeting/workshop brought together the main fishing political agents (MAPA), national fishing agents, local Fishing Action Groups (FLAGs), fishermen’s federations, fishermen’s guilds, fresh fish producer organizations, companies of marine tourism and foundations related to marine tourism. At the meeting, the idea/project of creating a National Marine Tourism Network, its vision, objectives, values, lines of action, activities, and governance proposals for said network were presented.

The meeting served as a starting point for the creation of this network and its subsequent presentation within the framework of the European WestMED Initiative as a good example and practice to potentially be replicated in other countries of the Western Mediterranean.

There will be a follow-up to create and launch of the Red Nacional Turismo Marinero in Spain, through bi-lateral discussions on each of the axes proposed for the network.

The meeting was exclusive for those in the field of marine tourism and required registration.

Exhibition stand
For the duration of the event, the WestMED exhibition stand drew many visitors to pick up a leaflet, watch the project video and inquire about possibilities.

Sun&Blue 2024
Next year’s event is already planned: 20-22 November 2024. Visit the Sun&Blue event website

Press coverage
This event has received a lot of press coverage like these articles in the national newspaper El Mundo and  La Voz de Almería.
Or this video on the opening from Ayuntamiento de Almería:

WestMED stand at Sun and Blue Congress 2023 with Marta Pascual talking to a visitor

Marta Pascual at the Sun and Blue Conference 2023 on stage

Turismo Marinero workshop by Marta Pascual with panbel on stage during SunandBlue 2023
Group picture of participants at Libya's first WestMED national stakeholder event 2023

Major Blue Economy Milestone in Libya with its First WestMED National Stakeholder Event

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For the first time in the five years of Technical Assistance, the WestMED Assistance Mechanism experienced a national Blue Economy event in Libya on Nov 30th 2023. This was done upon the initiative of the National Coordinators, Mr Ali Shagruni and Ms Masauda Abuarosha, with  the organization and support by the National Project of Aquaculture and  the assistance from WestMED’s Italian National Hub.

With the aim of gathering the main stakeholders of the Blue Economy, the organizers could also rely on the participation of more than 60 operators in presence and of high level institutional representatives: the Deputy Minister of Marine Wealth, Saber Al Azzabi, the Deputy Head of EU Delegation to Libya, Horia Nagacevschi and the Deputy Ambassador of Italy to Libya, Riccardo Villa.

Qualified speakers for the main sectors of the Blue Economy could represent the current situation of the country in each field, also disclosing their potential role of participants to the WestMED Technical and Working Groups like Maritime Clusters Alliance, Green Shipping, Aquawest. Also participants from Italy and Tunisia, intensified the international meaning of this WestMED event, as a confirmation of the centrality of Libyan role in the Mediterranean basin.

Indeed, beside a remarkable and frank interaction on topics related to the fishery sector, the description of the opportunities represented by the Technical Assistance provided by WestMED Assistance Mechanism and those EU funded programmes accessible for Libyan stakeholders, was an important point to encourage stakeholders to join partnerships and project proposals.

This becomes a fundamental way to increase the inclusion of Libyan organizations in the Mediterranean ecosystem: the successful examples of projects like REBUILD, TAMSALL, POWER4MED, MAWEGO were mentioned.

In this perspective, the participation of HORIZON EUROPE’s National Contact Point for Libya was also an added value for liaising with raising opportunities of partnership in the coming months.

It was commonly perceived the impression that, in this phase, a more intense stakeholders’ engagement from the WestMED Assistance Mechanism could easily produce fruitful results, given the very strong expectations of Libyan stakeholders towards all forms of EU support.

Download the agenda

 

Presenting at the Libyan westmed national event 2023

Horia Nagacevschi, Head of EU Delegation to Libya presenting at Libya's first national westmed stakeholder event 2023

Masauda Abuarosha and Ezzedine Kacem at the Libyan national westmed event 2023

participants in conference room at the WestMED National event in Libya 2023

banner of Libya WestMED national event 2023

 

 

Salem Miladi, WestMED National Hub Tunisia presenting at the BlueMissionMED national Hub launch 2023

WestMED Tunisia highlights complementarities at launch of Tunisian BlueMissionMed National Hub

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Today, 5 December, the WestMED National Hub Tunisia (Salem Miladi)  attended the launch of the BlueMissionMed Tunisian National Hub, whose mission is to restore our ocean and aquatic environment with a focus on marine pollution.

Although it is a universal problem, marine pollution affects the Mediterranean, a semi-enclosed sea, more severely, as it is a concentrated basin and representing barely 1% of the surface area of the World Ocean. And, like all Mediterranean coasts, the Tunisian coastline is subject to great urban, tourist and industrial pressure,  which increases the risk of pollution.

Taking the floor at the first session, Mr. Salem Miladi presented the Westmed project, its objectives and priorities regarding environmental protection and sustainable growth. The WestMED Thematic/ Technical groups and think tanks were also highlighted and the need for synergies between these two European projects was stressed, with the joint organisation of meetings and possible national events.

The second session dealt with the involvement of managers, SMEs and civil society in the fight against marine pollution.

During the 3rd and last session the establishment of the Tunisian BlueMissionMed National Hub was discussed, including the working methodology, the timetable of key dates and the organisation of working groups by pillar.

For more information, contact Salem Miladi (WestMED National Hub Tunisia) or visit the WestMED’s Tunisia country page

 

 

Group of people at the Blue Mediterranean partnership agreement signing at COP28

Blue Mediterranean Partnership steps up support for sustainable blue economy

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EIB, EBRD, UfM, EC, AFD, CDP, KfW, donors and beneficiary countries sign cooperation agreement at COP28

  • Blue Mediterranean Partnership to support transition to a sustainable blue economy in the Mediterranean region
  • Partnership to start operating in early 2024
  • Partners aim to mobilise at least €1 billion in investments

At COP28, partners and donors involved in the Blue Mediterranean Partnership reinforced their support for developing the sustainable blue economy in the southern Mediterranean region. The parties involved signed a letter of intent to make their participation in the Partnership official and to make the Partnership operational in early 2024.

The Blue Mediterranean Partnership aims to tackle the threats the Mediterranean Sea faces by coordinating the financing of blue economy projects in the Mediterranean and Red Sea regions, focusing initially on Egypt, Jordan and Morocco.

Through a new multi-donor fund managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Blue Mediterranean Partnership seeks to secure additional funding from sovereign donors for project preparation and blended finance. Today in Dubai, the European Commission announced a contribution of €1 million, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) contributed SEK 75 million (€6.5 million), and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) announced a  €2 million contribution. In the coming months, Germany and Spain are also expected to announce donations, with additional donors to follow.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), AFD, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and the EBRD – will act as implementing financial institutions and cooperate to co-finance blue economy projects, which will benefit from the grants provided by the Partnership, mobilising also existing financial resources provided by the European Commission through the Neighbourhood Investment Platform and the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+).

Lastly, the beneficiary countries (Egypt, Jordan and Morocco) will lead on identifying strategic blue economy projects in their territories, while the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) will act as facilitator of the political and regulatory dialogue.

Read the full article on the website of the EIB

EU and Neighbourhood countries commit to enhanced fisheries management control in the Mediterranean and Black Sea

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Among the main measures, the EU and neighbouring countries agreed within the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) to launch new tools to keep track of the activities of all fleets fishing in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas and sharing the various multiannual management plans (MAPs). The new mechanism will follow up on cases of non-compliance through appropriate and proportionate measures. To consolidate joint efforts in the Mediterranean and make sure the measures deliver on the ground, a European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA) patrol vessel will be deployed permanently still this year.

At the 46th annual meeting of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM), which took place between 6-10 November in Split, the EU and neighbouring countries agreed to reinforce the level playing field in control and management of fisheries in the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. This is a key step in ensuring that all operators involved in fisheries follow the same standards, based on the principles of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Thanks to the efforts of the EU and more than 12 other coastal states, the GFCM unanimously adopted a total of 34 shared measures. The EU will support the implementation of the measures and the GFCM 2030 Strategy with an annual grant of €8 million.

Measures for increased sustainability and biodiversity protection

The measures agreed at the GFCM meeting will bring about the following positive impacts in the Mediterranean and Black Sea: 

  • More sustainability through traceability: The traceability of fisheries products is essential to fighting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) practices. New catch documentation schemes for red coral in the Mediterranean and for turbot in the Black Sea will help to identify the origin of fish products, ensuring better conservation of these iconic species.
  • Decarbonisation as an answer to energy crises and pollution: the GFCM will be the first regional fisheries management organisation to establish a permanent working group and to adopt a roadmap for the decarbonisation of fishing activities. This working group will identify actions to promote a more resilient sector against energy crises, a reduction of the carbon footprint and studies to assess the impact of the fishing gear on the seabed.
  • Sustainable management of common dolphinfish through a new multiannual plan: The GFCM approved a new multiannual management plan (MAP) for common dolphinfish in the Mediterranean Sea. The MAP is based on a joint EU-Tunisia proposal, the main players in this fishery. The goal of the MAP and the associated inspection scheme is to maintain this iconic species with high commercial value at sustainably managed levels.
  • Protection of sensitive species and marine habitats: Following the EU’s lead, the GFCM adopted a strategy to protect vulnerable species and launched an Observatory for non-indigenous species. The fisheries organisation started pilot studies to assess the potential extension of the bottom trawling ban to waters closer to the surface, down to 800 metres.

The GFCM also consolidated the existing measures under the multiannual management plan for European eel. Long-term measures will be determined next year, based on the results of a regional research program.

Keeping the measures of previous years, the GFCM decided to reinforce the fisheries restricted area (FRA) in the Gulf of Lion. EU, Morocco and Algeria also agreed to implement a FRA in the Cabliers Mound.

Next steps

The Council of the European Union will discuss and establish the GFCM’s fishing opportunities-related measures for the Mediterranean and the Black Sea in a meeting taking place on 11 and 12 December.

Background

The General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) is a regional fisheries management organisation established under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. It plays a critical role in fisheries governance and has the authority to make binding recommendations for fisheries conservation and management and for aquaculture development. Its membership comprises the EU, 19 Mediterranean states and three Black Sea states.

With the political commitment and close cooperation of all parties and stakeholders, and with the EU taking a lead role, the organisation is actively working to strengthen the new fisheries governance established with the MedFish4Ever and Sofia Ministerial Declarations, to reverse overfishing, ensure the protection of marine ecosystems and the resilience and profitability of the fishing and aquaculture sector. All decisions and achievements are based on the renewed commitments of the MedFish4Ever Ministerial Declaration.

For More Information

GFCM 2030 Strategy | General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean – GFCM | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org)

Management plans | General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean – GFCM | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org)

Une nouvelle feuille de route du secteur des pêches et de l’économie maritime en Mauritanie

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Le Ministre des Pêches et de l’Economie Maritime Monsieur Moktar Al Housseynou LAM a ouvert vendredi 01 décembre 2023 à Hôtel MauriCenter à Nouakchott un atelier de concertation de deux jours, portant sur la feuille de route relative à la relance du secteur des pêches et de l’économie maritime.

Lors de son mot d’ouverture, le Ministre des Pêches a souligné que son département cherche, à travers cette activité, à examiner les meilleurs moyens d’assurer la durabilité des ressources et d’étudier d’autres sujets liés à l’environnement d’incubation de ces ressources, à leurs systèmes d’exploitation, à leurs rendements économiques et sociaux ainsi qu’aux solutions les plus efficaces pour leur gestion.
Il a mis en exergue l’importance du secteur et sa contribution aux revenus du Trésor et aux réserves de devises fortes du pays, en plus de la création d’opportunités d’emploi, à la lutte contre la pauvreté et à l’amélioration de la sécurité alimentaire.

Le Ministre des pêches a rappelé que la ressource halieutique est une ressource renouvelable et propriété des générations actuelles et futures et demeure du devoir de l’État de la préserver en renforçant les modes d’exploitation qui garantissent le renouvellement du stock et maintiennent l’équilibre de ses écosystèmes.

La cérémonie a connu la participation des Ministres de Finances, de l’Emploi et de la Formation professionnelle, de quelques conseillers de la Présidence de la République, de du Premier ministère, plusieurs experts nationaux et étrangers, des représentants des organisations socioprofessionnelles et de la société civile et la presse publique et privée.

Article du Ministere des pêches et de l’Economie Maritime