Somalia’s vast coastline and abundant marine resources, particularly tuna, present a significant opportunity for economic growth and sustainable development.
Abdallah Al Dardari, the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations, who also serves as the Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighted this during his recent visit to Somalia.
He further highlighted several strategies that could help Somalia harness these resources, which include a 3,000km coastline, and propel the country into a more prosperous future.
Sustainable Fisheries Management
Regulation and Monitoring
Implement strict regulations to prevent overfishing and ensure sustainable practices. This includes setting quotas, monitoring catches, and enforcing laws against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
Marine Protected Areas
Establish marine protected areas to preserve biodiversity and allow fish stocks to replenish, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Investment in Infrastructure
Fishing Ports and Processing Facilities
Develop modern fishing ports and processing facilities to handle the catch efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses, and add value to the products.
Cold Chain Infrastructure
Invest in cold storage and transportation infrastructure to maintain the quality of fish products from catch to market.
Capacity Building and Education
Training Programs
Provide training for local fishermen on sustainable fishing practices, safety at sea, and the use of modern fishing equipment.
Education and Awareness
Educate communities about the importance of sustainable fisheries and the economic benefits of preserving marine resources.
Economic Diversification
Value Addition
Encourage the development of value-added products such as canned tuna, smoked fish, and fishmeal, which can fetch higher prices in international markets.
Aquaculture
Promote aquaculture as a complementary industry to wild fisheries, providing an additional source of income and reducing pressure on natural fish stocks.
International Partnerships and Trade
Trade Agreements
Negotiate favorable trade agreements with international markets to ensure access and fair prices for Somali fish products.
Foreign Investment
Attract foreign investment in the fisheries sector through incentives and partnerships, bringing in capital, technology, and expertise.
Technology and Innovation
Fishing Technology
Adopt modern fishing technologies and practices to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Data and Research
Invest in marine research and data collection to better understand fish stocks, migration patterns, and the health of marine ecosystems.
Governance and Institutional Strengthening
Policy Framework
Develop a comprehensive policy framework for the fisheries sector, including clear roles and responsibilities for government agencies, private sector, and local communities.
Anti-Corruption Measures
Implement measures to combat corruption and ensure that revenues from the fisheries sector are used for public benefit.
Community Involvement and Empowerment
Local Cooperatives
Support the formation of fishing cooperatives to empower local communities, improve bargaining power, and ensure fair distribution of benefits.
Inclusive Development
Ensure that development initiatives are inclusive, benefiting all segments of society, including women and marginalized groups.
Environmental Conservation
Ecosystem-Based Management
Adopt an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, considering the interdependencies between species and habitats.
Climate Resilience
Develop strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
Tourism Development
Eco-Tourism
Promote eco-tourism centered around marine biodiversity, offering activities such as diving, snorkeling, and marine wildlife watching.
Cultural Tourism
Develop cultural tourism initiatives that highlight the rich maritime heritage and traditions of Somali coastal communities.
By strategically leveraging its marine resources, Somalia can generate significant income, create jobs, and improve food security. Sustainable management and inclusive development will be key to ensuring that these benefits are realized for current and future generations.