The IGAD region, rich in marine and inland fisheries resources, faces significant challenges such as overfishing, lack of coordinated management, and insufficient infrastructure. These issues undermine the potential for sustainable fisheries development and the socio-economic benefits that can be derived from it. To address these challenges, the IGAD Fisheries Forum Agency (IFFA) is proposed to enhance regional cooperation and sustainable management of fisheries resources. This concept note outlines the plan to organise a high-level stakeholder validation workshop to ensure broad-based support and input for the IFFA’s establishment.

IFFA Project Description

The IGAD-FFA will be an autonomous agency that does not require binding powers as prescribed in Article XIV of the FAO Constitution. The member states will fully commit to the IFFA objectives upon signing the framework agreement. The IGAD Secretariat can facilitate the political and administrative processes for establishing and operationalising the new agency.

Objectives

The mechanism will coordinate efforts to attain the mutually beneficial objective of the IGAD Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Strategy 2021-25 and the Blue Economy Strategy 2021. Furthermore, it will aim to empower the member states to:

Objectives of the Workshop

This section outlines the primary goals of the workshop, focusing on validating the IFFA concept, engaging stakeholders, developing strategic plans, and securing high-level approval for the agency.

1. Validate the IFFA Concept: Engage stakeholders to discuss and validate the IFFA framework.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: Foster collaboration among member states, regional and international partners, and private sector stakeholders.
3. Strategic Planning: Develop a comprehensive implementation and sustainable financing roadmap for the IFFA.
4. Obtain High-Level Approval: Secure formal approval of the IFFA framework and roadmap through a Fisheries Ministers Conference.

Expected Outcomes

The workshop aims to achieve several key outcomes that will lay the foundation for establishing and operationalising the IGAD-FFA. They include the following:

1. Consensus on the IGAD-FFA’s structure, objectives, and operational modalities.
2. A validated institutional and organisational framework for the IFFA.
3. Identification of potential funding sources and a sustainable financing roadmap.
4. Strengthened regional cooperation and commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
5. Ready for the approval of the FFA by the IGAD Council of Fisheries Ministers.

Workshop Participants

The workshop will involve high-level representatives from:

• IGAD member states (Ministries of Fisheries, Environment, and Economic Planning)
• Regional and international organisations (e.g., FAO, AU-IBAR)
• Development partners and donor agencies (e.g., World Bank, EU)
• Private sector stakeholders and fishing communities
• Academic and research institutions