Experts at a national dialogue Sunday observed that the small-scale fishers make an invaluable contribution to the country’s food and nutrition security as well as rural economy.

They acknowledged the contribution that small-scale fisheries and aquaculture make towards sustainable development in Bangladesh, highlighted the importance of women, and stressed the impact of climate change.

The dialogue was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka where representatives from government departments, development organisations, local communities, and the private sector were present.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in collaboration with other bodies of the United Nations arranged the event marking the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture 2022, a FAO press release said.

The dialogue was chaired by Kh Mahbubul Haque, director-general, Department of Fisheries while Nahid Rashid, secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, was present as chief guest.

Robert D Simpson, FAO representative in Bangladesh, said: ‘Small-scale fishers in Bangladesh make an invaluable contribution to the country’s food and nutrition security, as well as the rural economy. FAO is committed to working with the government of Bangladesh to strengthen the fisheries sector, with a focus on helping fishing communities adapt to the effects of climate change.’

Norman, FAO’s senior technical adviser for fisheries and climate change, said: ‘Climate change is having profound impacts on fishery and aquaculture-reliant communities and the ecosystems they depend on, especially in tropical regions. Through capacity development and policy reform, FAO in Bangladesh is helping to build resilience in these communities so that they are better able to cope.’

More than one million people in Bangladesh depend on small-scale fisheries and aquaculture for their livelihoods. Nearly 90 per cent of all marine capture in Bangladesh is from small-scale or artisanal fishers.

The small-scale fisheries sector, which women play an important role in, tends to be firmly rooted in local communities, traditions and values. Many small-scale fishers are self-employed and usually provide fish for direct consumption within their households or communities.