Oceans occupy a major portion of the earth. Since the growth of civilizations, the ocean and coastal landscapes were established and sustained by the traditional Fisher peoples. Historically, the fisher peoples are the Capture Fishers are indigenous in nature, fishing and fishing related activities are their Way of Life, their primary source of food and socio-cultural economic wellbeing. Historically, fisher peoples consider Land, Waters and Forests, the Ocean Ecology (from Rivers to Sea), as a Sacred Ecology and they are the guardians /custodians. Traditionally fisher peoples collectively govern, conserve and assert their ecology customarily as Fisher Peoples Commons. However, the expanding ocean economy – spanning from ‘conservation for profits’ under the 30by30 agenda, and the steadily expanding aquaculture industry to massive capitalist development projects such as mining, oil drilling and tourism – remains a major threat to all fisher peoples. These so-called development projects under the ocean (Blue) economy banner not only led to expropriation of our fisher peoples, they also exaggerate the climate crisis.

It is time to build Food Sovereignty for our future as fisher peoples! Food Sovereignty is our solutions to the multiple crisis we are confronted with today. This is the moment for us all to build united alliance to secure the Fisher Peoples Sovereignty over their resources. 

This event is co-organised with the World Forum of Fisher Peoples.