The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and other stakeholders officially launched “The SWIOFC Nairobi Convention Partnership for Resilient Marine and Coastal Ecosystems and Livelihoods” in Kwale County.
Implemented in Kenya, Mozambique and Tanzania, the five-year project will promote regional capacity development, coordination and collaboration for sustainable coastal and marine environment and fisheries governance both at national level and for the wider Western Indian Ocean region. In Kenya the project sites are in Lamu and Kwale Counties.
Funded by Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), the project will strengthen implementation of the ecosystem approach to the management of coastal environment and fisheries. Developed together with coastal communities, interventions include Africa, protection and restoration of coastal and marine habitats and resources, and selected livelihood activities.
The multistakeholder project aims to improve collaboration in fisheries management and ocean governance by building resilience of coastal ecosystems, food security and livelihoods, protect biodiversity and reinforce participation in the management of natural resources, for youth, women and men in coastal fishing communities.
“FAO focuses on providing technical assistance to member states in fisheries, aquaculture, and related value chains to improve food and nutrition security, create decent employment, alleviate hunger and poverty, encourage sustainable use of our natural resources, while leaving no one behind,” said Hamisi Williams, Assistant FAO Representative in charge of Programs in his remarks at the launch.
