Belize and Cuba meet for a Fisheries Exchange to Share Challenges, Innovations and Success Stories for Good Governance of Fisheries and Sustainable Management of the Caribbean Ecosystem
Sustainability and good governance of marine resources are critical for the national interests of both Belize and Cuba. This week, from April 24-28th, 2018, delegations from Belize and Cuba comprised of government representatives, managers, scientists, leaders of the fishing industry and representatives of fishing communities are meeting in Belize to share lessons learned and success stories in sustainable fisheries management and good governance of the seas.
Belize and Cuba have shared a long and fruitful history of collaboration in fisheries resources management as Caribbean countries which share a common interest and face many of the same threats: the impacts of climate change, ocean acidification, the vulnerability of coral reefs and intense storms. Both countries have moved to address these challenges with policies and innovations to build resilience in our marine ecosystems and sustainability for our fisheries.
During this exchange, the group will share strategies and strengthen capacity in tenure systems such as Belize’s managed access program; fishing licenses and permitting systems; co-management regimes for fisheries and marine reserves; fishing organizations and cooperatives; and value-added products and investment in fisheries. This meeting marks the continuation of a long and productive partnership between the two nations and NGO partners, and the fishing and scientific community.
This exchange is organized and led by the Belize Fisheries Department and Environmental Defense Fund with the support of the Embassy of Cuba in Belize.
