SIDS CRFM SIDE MEETING by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

SIDS CRFM SIDE MEETING by Carol-Faye Bynoe-George

 

The Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) held a CRFM Seminar 1 and 2 on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th May at the Trade Winds Hotel.  These meetings attracted approximately sixty persons most of which attended via virtual platforms.

The topic for these meetings was ACCELERATING THE DECARBONIZATION OF FISHERIES IN THE CARIBBEAN: from science-based targets to climate mitigation finance.

According to Mr. Ian Horsford, Chief Fisheries Officer and host of Wednesday’s seminar, although fisheries and aquaculture produce lower CO2 emissions per unit output compared to other protein sources, they do contribute to global CO2 emissions, as fossil fuel is its main energy source for fishing vessels.

However, access to finance and risk insurance are key to ensuring that the sector can retool itself while implementing critical mitigation and adaptation measures that will strengthen its resilience. In response to the need to reduce CO2 and other GHG emissions in the fisheries sector, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) is keen to better understand the impact of small-scale fisheries on emissions.

This seminar is intended to strengthen the dialogue on how the fisheries and aquaculture sector can contribute to positive change in this regard.  The panelists spearheading the process consisted of Hon. Samal Duggins/Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources, Cooperatives, Entrepreneurship and Creative Economy, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Milton Haughton/Executive Director, Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism Secretariat Mr. Keith E. Nichols/Head, Special Projects, Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre Mr. Frédéric Perron Welch/Head of Climate and Nature Policy, Green Initiative Ms. Cristelle Pratt/Assistant Secretary General, Environment & Climate Action, OACPS.

Presentations and discussions were on the following topics

  • Charting a Prosperous Course Towards a Climate Resilient Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector in CRFM Member States;
  • Leveraging Regional and International Partnerships for Attaining Science-based Climate Targets in the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Caribbean SIDS;
  • Internalizing International Best Practices on Decarbonization in Fisheries: The Case of Belize;
  • Financing and Aid for Internalizing Climate Resilience Best Practices in Fisheries and Aquaculture in SID

       

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

“In general, I am happy with the seminar. Stakeholders that attended had the opportunity to start the social dialogue on the decarbonization of the fisheries sector. For me it is important that key stakeholders such as fisherfolks have a seat at the table to ensure that the energy transition is “just” (i.e., pro-poor) and people-centred. Since ultimately, they are ones that will have to bear the additional costs. This initial dialogue is a lead up to a Canadian-funded project geared at exploring the various options for decarbonizing the sector, Mr. Horsford said.