Governance and Policy

21129 views

Governance must support the needs of small-holders, economically disadvantaged and marginalised people.
Governance must support the needs of small-holders, economically disadvantaged and marginalised people.

The Governance and Policy Programme supports the institutional and regulatory frameworks that underpin aquaculture development among NACA members. The programme focuses on enhancing governance structures, policy formulation on emerging and strategic issues, and implementation practices to ensure sustainable and effective aquaculture management.

The aim of the programme is to ensure that governance and policy frameworks are responsive to the needs of the aquaculture sector, promote sustainable development, meet the needs of rural communities, and are inclusive of women, youth, the elderly, and economically disadvantaged and marginalised groups.

Key activities

  • Assessing governance needs: Identifying gaps and opportunities in governance and policy frameworks.
  • Policy development support: Providing technical assistance and expertise to support the creation and implementation of inclusive and effective policies and regulations.
  • Capacity building: Organising workshops, seminars, and policy dialogues to build the capacity of policymakers and stakeholders in governance and regulatory practices.
  • Sharing best practices: Facilitating the exchange of best practices and experiences among members to improve governance and policy approaches.
  • Regional collaboration: Coordinating with member governments, regional and international organisations to align policies and strategies with global standards and trends.

Creative Commons Attribution.

Related

Subject tags

A collection of subject tags relating to technical matters.

In this collection

Aquaculture Asia Magazine, April-June 2025

In this issue:

  • From risk to resilience: Innovative crop insurance solutions for securing shrimp aquaculture in India
  • Efforts to rejuvenate primary fisher cooperative societies in South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal
  • Captive production of Gangetic mystus (Mystus cavasius): A guide for farmers
  • Shrimp farm biosecurity in Saudi Arabia: A journey from past practices to future vision
  • Wolffia globosa (duckweed) in aquafeeds for profitability and eco-friendly sustainable aquaculture
  • NACA Newsletter

Efforts to rejuvenate primary fisher cooperative societies in South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal

This article examines recent initiatives to rejuvenate primary Fisher Cooperative Societies (FCSs) in South 24 Parganas District, West Bengal, highlighting their critical role in advancing sustainable fisheries, rural livelihoods, and social protection. It outlines the structural, administrative, and policy frameworks that support FCS operations, particularly the government’s lease-based allocation of large freshwater bodies to cooperatives. The article also reviews the election procedures conducted under the West Bengal Cooperative Societies Act to reconstitute governance in 43 active societies, ensuring compliance and eligibility for state support.

Through detailed case data and programme reports, the article documents the outcomes of targeted schemes such as input distribution for sewage-fed and large-scale fish culture, equipment provisioning, pension benefits, and capacity-building training. It emphasises the cooperative model's effectiveness in managing natural resources, strengthening community self-governance, and enhancing productivity. With a focus on practical reforms and institutional accountability, the South 24 Parganas experience offers insights into scaling cooperative-led fisheries development in similar socio-ecological contexts.

14th Asian fisheries and Aquaculture Forum: Early bird closes 10 November

The 14th Asian Fisheries and Aquaculture Forum (14AFAF) will be held from 12-15 February 2025 in New Delhi, India. Submission of abstracts has been extended until 5 November, and early bird registration closes on 10 November, so get in quick!

The forum is a scientific meeting organised by the Asian Fisheries Society (AFS) once every three years to understand the global trends and address issues and challenges faced by the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The main purpose of this Forum is to provide an international platform for eminent scientists, young researchers, and other stakeholders across the globe to share their research experiences and innovative ideas. By facilitating the exchange of diverse range of knowledge and expertise, the Forum with the Theme ‘Greening the Blue Growth in Asia-Pacific’ aims to address key issues towards developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture.

Knowledge brokering for nature-based solutions in aquaculture and transformation in Asia-Pacific: Support to the Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub

This project contributes to NACA's recent work with the FAO on aquaculture transformation. The aim is to create more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable food systems through innovation, investment, and partnerships. NACA is developing an Aquaculture Innovation and Investment Hub (AIIH) to help realise this vision in the region, providing a facility that will bring together innovators, startups, and investors to accelerate transformation. The project will contribute to developing National Innovation and Investment Plans for Thailand, The Philippines, and Fiji, which will address issues including climate change, disease prevention and management, environmental sustainability, gender equality and social inclusion, and resource utilisation and management. The project is part of a wider AQUADAPT initiative, a four-year partnership running from 2023-2027, funded by Canada's International Development Research Centre.

FAO Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture adopted by COFI

FAO's Committee on Fisheries has adopted the Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSA), which have been prepared to support efforts at all levels for enhancing the important role of aquaculture towards the eradication of hunger and poverty and to support socioeconomic development, in full respect of the environment, biodiversity and ecosystem functions. The GSA are a major milestone and a collective achievement by FAO and its Members, underscoring the global recognition of the vital role of aquaculture and the need for its continued sustainable development for the sake of current and future generations.