Joint Press statement: EU and FAO engage in supporting Somali coastal communities in the framework of IGAD regional initiative for Maritime Security.
Joint Press Release Wednesday, 9 November 2016 EU and FAO engage in suThe European Union, the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal States of Puntland and Galmudug and, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations today jointly launched a new project promoting economic opportunities for young people living in coastal communities in north-eastern and central areas of Somalia. Creating long-term jobs for youth in fishing community is a key strategy for preventing piracy and reducing temptations to engage in maritime crime. pporting Somali coastal communities in the framework of IGAD regional initiative for Maritime Security. "The prevention and fight against piracy cannot be achieved just by strengthening regional
coordination and capacity for maritime security, it must be supported by creating alternative
livelihoods and economic opportunities for those groups more at risk of engaging in illegal
activities. This is especially true for disillusioned youth," said Mrs. Veronique Lorenzo, EU's
Head of Delegation for Somalia. "The challenges can only be addressed through a
comprehensive approach to Somalia's development and stability" she highlighted.
The "Coastal Communities against Piracy" (CCAP) project, is being implemented under the
framework of the ongoing broader EU-IGAD initiative" Programme to Support Regional
Maritimes Security" (MASE) in the Eastern and Southern Africa – Indian Ocean Region and will
be implemented in coastal areas of Puntland, Galmudug and Mogadishu by FAO, in close
partnerships with Somali Federal and regional Ministries of Fisheries and Livestock.
The project is receiving 5.3 million Euros from the European Union, almost USD6 million. The
project will provide training, equipment, better productive infrastructure and cash transfers to
youth, women, fishermen and pastoralists in selected coastal communities, creating new longterm
jobs and raising incomes. .
"This is a really exciting step forward for Somalia. It will bring jobs, income and opportunities
to communities that have been economically marginalized for so many years. It provides a
platform for Government and cooperatives to provide the support and assistance that these
communities so desperately need if they are to make piracy history and build long-term
sustainable futures” said Richard Trenchard, FAO's Representative for Somalia.
The project builds on successes of other FAO activities in the fisheries and livestock sectors,
such as the deployment of FADs (Fishing Aggregating Devices) along Somalia’s coastline in
2015 and a boat building programme that is making low-cost, high quality, efficient and safe
fishing boats available to fishing communities for the first time for many years.
Almost 200 young people from coastal communities in Puntland, Galmudug and Mogadishu will
benefit from the use of new fishing vessels and receive technical training to increase the catches,
reduce costs and better manage vital marine resources. More than 200 young men and women
will receive training and mentoring support in handling and processing of fish and fish products
and management and operation of fish handling facilities. Over 75 youths will benefit from
support in fodder production and another 440 youth will be involved in related cash-for-work
activities. At the institutional level, 18 individual fishing co-operatives and the Hibo Cooperative
umbrella organization will benefit from a structured training and mentoring
programme to improve their services to the fishing community.
END
For further inquiries please contact:
EU Somalia DELEGATION
DELEGATION-SOMALIA@eeas.europa.eu
+254(0)20 280 20 00
Joint Press statement: EU and FAO engage in supporting Somali coastal communities in the framework of IGAD regional initiative for Maritime Security.
Joint Press Release Wednesday, 9 November 2016 EU and FAO engage in suThe European Union, the Federal Government of Somalia, the Federal States of Puntland and Galmudug and, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations today join