PROGRAM
'Transdisciplinarity and Transformation for the Future of Small-Scale Fisheries'
Transdisciplinarity is a perspective that is most appropriate when dealing with the complex nature and characteristics associated with small-scale fisheries and where various ways of knowing matter. The diversity of small-scale fisheries suggests that policy and governance approaches must be sensitive to context, which is why a broad range of knowledge, including those of small-scale fisheries people, needs to be integrated. The congress will emphasize the role of transdisciplinarity in policy-making, capacity development, and research that aim at promoting sustainable future of small-scale fisheries.
Small-scale fisheries are however affected by countless changes taking place around the world on land and at sea. In many instances, social, policy and governance transformation has taken place as a response, although not all transformation is favourable to small-scale fisheries. Careful considerations are required to promote beneficial transformation and to avoid harmful ones. The congress will focus on efforts that help enhance understanding about transformation, reveal nuances and contribute to promoting transformation towards sustainable future of small-scale fisheries.
By the end of the 3WSFC, we hope to arrive at some visions for the future of small-scale fisheries - one that embodies intentionality and deliberation about what may be feasible for small-scale fisheries and that encourages innovation in all aspects. Discussions about how to support the implementation of SSF Guidelines and what will it take to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to ‘making fisheries sustainable,’ is specifically encouraged.
In order to facilitate interaction, information sharing, cross-fertilization of ideas and networking opportunities for congress participants, the congress will follow a dynamic format with activities organized around five theme days: science, community, policy, field, and action.