milton haughton executive director
DESCRIPTION
CRFM-CNFO-CTA Fisheries Policy Workshop, 7-8 Oct 2013 FAO Voluntary Guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of land, fisheries and forests in the context of national food security. Milton Haughton Executive Director. Tenure Guidelines. Voluntary Instrument – like Code of Conduct - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
CRFM-CNFO-CTA Fisheries Policy Workshop, 7-8 Oct 2013
FAO Voluntary Guidelines on the responsible governance of tenure of
land, fisheries and forests in the context of national food security
Milton HaughtonExecutive Director
Tenure Guidelines
Voluntary Instrument – like Code of Conduct Committee on World Food Security – Adopted May
2012 Objective – improve governance of tenure Sets out principles and internationally accepted
standards for best practice Strongly based on human-rights approach,
including realizing the right to food Framework for countries to use in developing
policies, laws, programmes and activities
What are Tenure Systems?
Systems by which access to and use of land, fisheries and forest is defined and regulated
Determine who can use, manage and control resource For how long Conditions
System may be:formal written policies and lawsUnwritten customs, tradition & practice
Tenure Rights in Fisheries?
• Long history of customary tenure rights of community– often based on access right to fish in certain areas
and combined with land tenure• Informal tenure rights lack legal recognition but can
still be legitimate• Formal tenure rights relatively new concept
– Evolving– combining the concept of rights-based fisheries
management (RBFM) + human rights-based approach to development
Why is governance of tenure in Fisheries Important?
Growing population, over-fishing, environmental degradation, increased competition, climate change, = declining resource, conflict.
Inadequate and insecure tenure rights increases- Vulnerability- Displacement of weak and marginalized- Poverty and hunger- Conflict and social problems
Why is governance of tenure in Fisheries Important?
Fishing communities need secure tenure rights to: fishery resources land where they live and other resources they depend on for their livelihoods
Secure tenure rights provide fishers : more secure livelihoods greater control over their future enhance contribution to poverty alleviation, food security,
and equitable economic growth – for the benefit of coastal and rural communities and for society at large
Objectives and Principles Objective:For benefit of all, emphasis on vulnerable & marginalized Goals of food security & progressive realization of the right to adequate food, poverty eradication, sustainable livelihoods, social stability, housing security, rural development, environmental protection and sustainable social & economic development.
Principles•Based on human rights and good governance •Take a livelihoods approach and recognise the need for dual rights (fishery resources and land)
Allocation, Transfer, Administration Recognition and allocation of rights and duties
-What type of rights should be given to whom?–Permanent rights? Transferable rights?–Criteria for allocation of rights
Transfer and changes to tenure rights and duties- Sets out duties of state and others
Administration of tenure-Responsibilities of States include provision of competent, timely, fair, accessible and non-discriminatory services to settle disputes
Process of Preparation of TG
Process of consultation / negotiation– LAC level consultation usually not adequate– Limited involvement of fisheries interest– Low level of awareness
Contrast with process re SSF Guidelines
Tenure Issues
Fishers / communities face enormous challenges Increasing competition for coastal land & waterTrend of displacement – from traditional land and sea space - tourism, oil & gasIn the name of ‘development’ or ‘greater public good’MPA and promises of Alternative livelihoods
Tenure Issues
Tenure rights in fisheries – largely informal
– Legitimate but not legally recognized
– Beach Land and forest used by fisher often owned by government or private owners – with legally secure tenure
Benefits of TG
Good tool to achieve improved security of tenure for SSF and realize right to foodMore secure access and controlPositive impact on livelihood of stakeholdersIncreased sense of security & responsibilityIncreased revenue via taxationUse as an advocacy tool
Implementation
• Provisions not equally relevant/applicable • Significant effort needed to allocate, recognize
& secure tenure rights of fishers/ communities• Reforms needed:
– Policies, legislation, institutional frameworks re land use, fisheries, coastal & marine resources
• Integrated/EBM approach to Governance – Land, mangrove forest, marine space– Tourism, agri, shipping, fisheries
Implementation
• Voluntary - but still influential, - concept of “voluntary” can be deceptive
• Awareness building at regional national levels – - Very important- facilitate informed dialogue and discussion among
stakeholders• Build consensus re relevant principles and
actions for region• Political will to implement
Way Forward • Proper assessment of the existing tenure
systems (both at a regional and national level)• To know what rights (customary & informal) exist• Clearly identify stakeholders
• Sensitization (stakeholders, politicians, technical personnel)
• Capacity building: trainer of trainers• Mobilization of resources • Any approach to tenure systems in the Region
should be integrated and holistic.
Conclusion
• THE GUIDELINES CAN WORK TO THE REGION’S ADVANTAGE AS IT RELATES TO ACHIEVING REASONABLE TENURE ARRANGEMENTS AND ADEQUATE TENURE SYSTEMS
• Can revolutionize the thinking of tenure systems in the Region.
• Financial support CRITICAL for implementation
Thank you !!
Sources:•Regional workshop – Guyana (June 2013)•FAO Power point presentation (Executive Committee meeting (Sept 2013)•Text of the VG