Strengthening FIP Initiatives: Asia Pacific Community of Practice Workshop in Bali
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Bali, Indonesia, 10-12 September 2024 – Dr. Nimnual Piewthongngam and Ms. Kanokporn Teebua from Eurasia Silk Road, alongside Ms. Mod Talawat from Sea Purpose Co., Ltd., represented their respective organizations at the Asia-Pacific Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) Community of Practice Workshop, held at the scenic Hyatt Regency in Sanur, Bali. The three-day event brought together regional fishery experts, fishers, NGOs, and committed stakeholders to advance sustainable fisheries practices. The workshop created an interactive platform for participants to share insights, address region-specific challenges, and explore innovative solutions for FIP implementation across the Asia-Pacific region, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Workshop Highlights: Addressing Environmental Challenges and Advancing Sustainable Solutions
Environmental issues took center stage on Day 2 of the workshop, with a focus on developing effective strategies to mitigate these challenges. Ms. Mod Talawat led two insightful sessions: the first offering an overview of the environmental issues that FIPs face across the Asia-Pacific, and the second sharing case studies on small-scale fisheries management. Both sessions highlighted the complexities of managing multi-species fisheries in tropical regions and the importance of adaptable, community-based management practices.
An interactive “human library” session allowed participants to share practical solutions to environmental challenges, enabling a direct exchange of knowledge and experiences. This session served as a resource for participants to gather actionable ideas that could be applied to their FIP initiatives, enhancing collaborative efforts toward sustainable fisheries.
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Key Objectives: Peer Learning, Market Standards, and Social Responsibility
The workshop was structured around several core objectives, each aimed at building a stronger, more cohesive FIP community in the region:
- Peer-to-peer learning through personal stories and organizational insights, enabling participants to learn from each other’s FIP experiences.
- Understanding buyers’ criteria for sourcing from FIPs, with discussions around meeting market standards through sustainable practices.
- Addressing human rights and social responsibilities in FIPs, emphasizing the importance of fair labor practices and ethical sourcing.
- Exploring the latest systems and tools in FIP initiatives, showcasing practical solutions and technologies that drive sustainable improvements.
These objectives provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the multiple facets involved in FIP projects, from environmental considerations to market alignment and ethical responsibilities.
Building a Roadmap for Future Progress
As the workshop concluded, participants gathered for a collaborative reflection session, where they discussed lessons learned and outlined next steps for continued improvement. This final session resulted in a roadmap focused on advancing FIP projects across the Asia-Pacific region, with an emphasis on areas requiring more attention and collaborative solutions.
By promoting knowledge sharing, addressing critical challenges, and fostering partnerships, the Asia-Pacific FIP Community of Practice Workshop 2024 marked a significant step forward in sustainable fisheries management. Through continued collaboration and innovation, participants are now equipped to drive impactful, long-term changes that support responsible sourcing and environmental sustainability in the region’s fisheries.
