FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific

PRESS RELEASE FOR INFORMATION MEDIA For Immediate Release

NOT AN OFFICIAL Del Norte, 16 February 2011

RECORD Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for South and Southeast Asia (RFLP) partners signal commitment to improving fisher livelihoods in Members of the Asia and the Pacific region: Fishers in Zamboanga Del Norte will benefit following the signing of agreements formalizing collaboration between partners in the Spanish-funded Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme for Australia South and Southeast Asia (RFLP) which is implemented by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization Bangladesh (FAO). Bhutan Cambodia The agreements define the major initiatives to be undertaken by RFLP and the roles and responsibilities China of local government units, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the provincial government of Zamboanga Del Norte necessary to ensure their success. Cook Islands Democratic People's An agreement between the FAO, BFAR, provincial government and the city government of was Republic of Korea signed 13 February 2011. Agreements with the Municipalities of and Rizal were signed 14 Fiji February and with , Leon Postigo, , and Manukan municipalities 15 February. An France agreement will also be signed with the city government of in the near future. India Indonesia Mr Kazuyuki Tsurumi, FAO Representative for the said, “These agreements will go a long Islamic Republic of Iran way towards facilitating the implementation of the Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Programme in Zamboanga Del Norte. By making clear the roles and responsibilities of all parties we can help ensure Japan assistance and support are delivered in a timely and effective manner.” Kazakhstan Republic of Korea The agreements see RFLP commit to provide technical assistance and training to help develop coastal Laos resources and fisheries management plans and to improve fisheries law enforcement. Patrol boats and Malaysia surveillance equipment will be provided while RFLP will also help improve fishing boat licensing and Maldives registration systems. In addition, RFLP will support income diversification activities and the Mongolia formulation and implementation of Sardine and Reef Fisheries improvement plans. Myanmar Nepal BFAR responsibilities detailed in the agreements include the provision of technical assistance and logistical support for co-management measures as well as the establishment of demonstration farms and New Zealand livelihoods training. BFAR will also help facilitate inter local government unit bay alliances to ensure Niue greater cooperation. Pakistan Papua New Guinea Amongst their commitments, the city governments and municipalities agree to mobilize staff, coastal Philippines community leaders and fisheries sector representatives. They also agree to fund the operation and Samoa maintenance of patrol boats. Solomon Islands Sri Lanka Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Zamboanga Del Norte will organize and strengthen Tajikistan livelihood/enterprise groups while ensuring adequate policy support for fisheries co-management and livelihood development activities. Timor Leste

Thailand Jose Parajua, Regional Programme Manger of the RFLP said, “The Regional Fisheries Livelihoods Tonga Programme can deliver real benefits to the people of Zamboanga Del Norte and it is therefore excellent Tuvalu to see such a high level of commitment to its success from the partners involved.” United States of America Vanuatu RFLP activities in the Philippines are being undertaken in two coastal cities (Dipolog and Dapitan) and Viet Nam 10 municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte Province, on the north western coastline of Island.

Regional Office for Asia and the RFLP seeks to improve the livelihoods of fishers and their families while fostering more sustainable Pacific fisheries resources management practices in Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Timor- Maliwan Mansion Leste and Viet Nam. The four-year (2009 – 2013), USD 19.55 million RFLP is funded by the Kingdom 39 Phra Atit Road of Spain and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Bangkok 10200, Thailand collaboration with national authorities in participating countries.

Tel: (66 2) 697 4000 For more information please contact Cable: FOODAGRI BANGKOK Philippines: Benjamin Francisco, RFLP National Project Coordinator +63 65 213 0232 Telex: 82815 FOODAG TH [email protected] Facsimile: (66 2) 697 4445 In Bangkok: Steve Needham, RFLP Information Officer Email: [email protected] Tel +66 85 480 3988 E-Mail: [email protected]