The fishing sector plays a vital role in Guinea's economy and social life, according to Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy, Fatima Camara. Speaking at the opening of a workshop to validate and adopt the statutes and internal regulations of Local Fisheries Co-Management Associations (ALCP), Camara highlighted the sector's contribution to the country's GDP and employment. The sector accounts for approximately 4.5% of Guinea's GDP and generates around 300,000 direct jobs.
In 2023, Guinea's fishing sector produced over 435,000 tons of fish, which Camara described as a reflection of the sector's human and social reality. The minister emphasized that behind the statistics are thousands of fishermen, women processors and traders, young people, and families whose livelihoods depend directly or indirectly on fishing activities. Camara stressed the need to prioritize the communities in public policies related to the sector.
Camara also highlighted the fragility of Guinea's fisheries resources and the need for a participatory approach to protect them. She argued that the preservation of these resources can no longer be the sole responsibility of the administration and that the involvement of fishing professionals in decision-making processes is crucial. According to Camara, these professionals have direct knowledge of their environment, fishing areas, and the realities faced by communities.
The establishment of Local Fisheries Co-Management Associations (ALCP) aims to strengthen the participation of local actors in resource management and promote a better consideration of ground realities in public decisions. Camara explained that the goal is to ensure that fisheries resources can continue to support communities in the future. The ALCPs are expected to facilitate a more inclusive and sustainable management of Guinea's fisheries resources.
The creation of ALCPs is part of the reforms initiated under the leadership of President Mamadi Doumbouya. The objective is to strengthen the sustainability of artisanal fishing while protecting the livelihoods of populations that depend on it. The validation of the ALCPs' statutes and internal regulations is a step towards establishing a more participatory governance model, where local communities become key actors in the management and preservation of national fisheries resources.
The fishing sector's preservation is closely linked to food security, employment, and the income of many Guinean families. Camara emphasized that the sector's importance extends beyond economic considerations, with significant social and territorial dimensions. The reforms aim to promote a shared responsibility between the administration and sector actors in managing and preserving Guinea's fisheries resources.
The Guinean government is committed to promoting a more inclusive and sustainable management of the country's fisheries resources. The establishment of ALCPs and the validation of their statutes and internal regulations mark a significant step towards achieving this goal. The sector's future and the livelihoods of those who depend on it will depend on the effectiveness of these reforms.
Key points
- The fishing sector accounts for approximately 4.5% of Guinea's GDP and generates around 300,000 direct jobs.
- The establishment of Local Fisheries Co-Management Associations (ALCP) aims to strengthen the participation of local actors in resource management.
- The preservation of Guinea's fisheries resources is crucial for food security, employment, and the income of many Guinean families.
