Launching the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture- 2022
International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA 2022) in 2017.
National Fisheries Solidarity Movement with the collaboration of academics,
professionals, international delegates, local representatives, fishers and
other stakeholders initiated to socialize this declaration in the Sri Lankan
context in advance with the purpose of educating the relevant stakeholders
creating a space for a wider conversation in the country. A virtual launching ceremony was organized
with the participation of around 85 national and international representatives
focusing on the International Ocean Day accordance of the pandemic situation on
7 June, 2021. This is an important initiative because this is the first attempt
to socialize the concept of International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture
(IYAFA 2022) in Sri Lanka.
Prof.Ascar Amarasinghe, the Chancellor of Sri Lanka Ocean
University, Mrs.Editrudith Lukanga, Vice President of International Steering
Committee on IYAFA, Mrs. Nadine Nembard, the Secretary General of World Forum
of Fisher People (WFFP) and Mr.Herman Kumara, National Convener of National
Fisheries Solidarity Movement participated as main speakers in the event.
Opening the launching ceremony, Mr.Nalaka Rosairo, representing
National Fisheries Solidarity Movement made the welcome and objective setting. Mrs.Nadine
Nembard addressed the ceremony emphasizing the important of International Year
of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture-2022. Mr. N. V. Subramaniam, Chairperson
of Northern Province Fisheries People Unity explained the situation of small-scale
fishers in the country. Mrs. D. K. Indrani and Mrs. Neluka Verakkody
representing Southern Fisheries Organization- Galle spoke the theme of women
and fisheries industry. Mr. Sadun Proboda from Miridiya Organization in
Polonnaruwa shared the situation of inland fisheries industry in the country.
Time was allocated for a small video clip in relation to the
challenges of small-scale fishers in the country. Prof. Ascar Amarasinghe
highlighted the vision of the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and
Aquaculture and the strategy of implementing the tool with a wider
participation. Mrs. Editrudith Lukanga shared the role and responsibility of
International Steering Committee on IYAFA. The International Year of Artisanal
Fisheries and Aqualture-2022 was launched by using a digital screen
symbolically. Mr. Herman Kumara, National Convener of National Fisheries
Solidarity Movement addressed the ceremony highlighting the role of CSOs of small-scale
fisheries organizations, important of educational process and empowerment of
the fishers based on the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and
Aquaculture. Finally, Mr.Nuwan Pradeep made the vote of thanks as the final
item of the agenda of the ceremony.
