The Mauritanian government has launched a specialized marine training program on board the Spanish training and cooperation ship, "Intermares", at the Nouakchott port. The program aims to enhance the skills and professional competencies of national cadres in the fishing sector. Mauritanian Minister of Fishing and Maritime Infrastructure, Moukhtar Ahmed Bousif, attended the launch ceremony and welcomed the Spanish ship, describing it as a "floating university" that embodies the depth of friendship and cooperation between Mauritania and Spain.
The training program reflects the level of partnership between Mauritania and Spain, particularly in the fields of fishing and human capacity development. The program's axes coincide with the sector's priorities and needs in qualifying professional and technical competencies. Participants will benefit from specialized field training, including monitoring and inspection in fishing, fishing technology and equipment, and handling, preservation, and transformation of fish products.
The program also aims to promote the exchange of experiences and transfer of knowledge between Mauritanian and Spanish experts. Spanish General Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, Isabel Artem, expressed her gratitude to the Mauritanian government for the warm reception and level of cooperation between the two countries. She emphasized that Spain considers training as an essential tool for achieving sustainable fishing and ensuring the transfer of experiences and knowledge between generations.
The "Intermares" ship, which has accumulated extensive experience since 2010, will provide two training courses in Nouakchott on "Fishing Inspection and Monitoring" and "Maritime Safety and Rescue". The ship will then head to Nouadhibou, the country's economic capital, to provide two intensive training units for experienced professionals. The training program is a joint cooperation between Mauritania, Spain, and the European Union, with funding and technical support from the European Union.
The European Union has allocated approximately 190,000 euros in sectoral support for the program, as part of the Sustainable Fishing Partnership Agreement between Mauritania and the European Union. The program's launch was attended by senior officials, including the Commander of the Mauritanian Navy, Ahmed Sid Benauf, and representatives from the Ministry of Fishing and Maritime Infrastructure.
The training program has attracted a notable presence of Mauritanian women, particularly in areas such as monitoring, inspection, and transformation of marine products. The program also includes participation from recent graduates of the Higher Institute of Marine Sciences. The Spanish ambassador to Mauritania, Pablo Barbara Gomez, highlighted the strategic and economic importance of the fishing sector in relations between the two countries.
The program will continue until October 16, and its success is attributed to the support of the Spanish Navy, the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECID), and the European Commission. The program is expected to enhance the skills and competencies of national cadres in the fishing sector, contributing to the development of Mauritania's fishing industry.
Key points
- The program aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance the skills of national cadres in the fishing sector.
- The program is a joint cooperation between Mauritania, Spain, and the European Union, with funding and technical support from the European Union.
- The program includes participation from recent graduates and women, reflecting the importance of involving young national competencies in building the sector's future.
