Topic outline

This course aims to contribute towards creating an enabling environment for implementing the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Securing sustainable Small-scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines) in the Context of Food Security and Poverty Eradication, by strengthening the capacity of government officials and fisheries practitioners at local, national and regional levels, and promoting the development of good governance frameworks.

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This course is aimed at mid-level managers responsible for developing and implementing policy on small-scale fisheries; for example:

  • FAO staff
  • Fisheries practitioners at local government levels and in non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
  • Staff members in national ministries of fisheries or equivalent

  • The contributions of small-scale fisheries to livelihoods, food security and nutrition.
  • Legal instruments that support the management of marine and inland capture fisheries.
  • How aspects of governance relate to the management of fisheries and socio-economic development.
  • The links between the achievement of basic human rights, sustainable and equitable livelihoods and protection of ecosystems in small-scale fisheries.
  • The creation of an enabling environment for the implementation of the SSF Guidelines.

The course consists of 5 lessons, ranging from approximately 30 minutes to 45 duration each:

  • Lesson 1 – An introduction to small-scale fisheries
  • Lesson 2 – International and legal policy frameworks and the SSF Guidelines
  • Lesson 3 – Principles, concepts and approaches to small-scale fisheries governance
  • Lesson 4 – Promoting human rights in the small-scale fisheries sector
  • Lesson 5 – Creating an enabling environment for inclusive and collaborative governance

The online version of this course runs on the latest versions of the major browsers, such as Chrome, Safari, Edge and Firefox.

The downloadable version only runs on Windows PC’s and no additional software is needed.

Digital certification

This course offers certification. You will get your digital badge upon passing a final exam after completing the course and achieving a grade of at least 75%. Please click on the button below to complete the exam, or refer to our Certification section to learn more.

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    • Partners

      International Ocean Institute Southern Africa