The 8th General Assembly of the World Forum of Fisher People (WFFP GA8), held from 13-21 November 2024, brought together fisher movements and organisations from around the world to Brasilia, Brazil, to strengthen solidarity and address pressing issues impacting oceans, waters, and livelihoods of fisher people. As the South African member to WFFP, Masifundise together with Coastal Links South African participated, advocating for the inland and coastal fishing communities, on an international stage.
The Assembly featured sessions on youth, women, inland fishing and Indigenous Peoples, followed by thematic discussions on ocean grabbing, the climate crisis and food sovereignty. The event concluded with a World Fisheries Day rally alongside Brazil’s fisher movement, Movimento dos Pescadores e Pescadoras Artesanais do Brasil (MPP). Fishers and activists marched through at the centre of Brasilia calling for solidarity with coastal and fishing communities, in their call for sustainable fisheries, climate justice, gender equity and the protection of marine ecosystems.
Masifundise and Coastal Links highlighted the challenges faced by the fishing communities, including the impacts of extractive activities on coastal communities. Andre Cloete, Coastal Links chairperson, highlighted fishers’ efforts against oil and gas companies, stating, “These activities disrupt fish patterns, threaten food security, and divide communities.”
Jordan Volmink from Masifundise underscored the need for locally managed conservation areas rooted in indigenous knowledge, resisting externally imposed Marine Protected Areas. Carmen Mannarino from Masifundise emphasised that food sovereignty requires communities to gain control over their territories and food systems.
The Assembly concluded with a declaration and final resolutions to guide the global fisher movement over the next three years, emphasizing the central role of small-scale fisheries in achieving food sovereignty, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. It called for systemic changes to the global food system, rejecting exploitative capitalist models and urging governments to recognize collective rights. Delegates expressed solidarity with fishers and communities affected by conflicts in Palestine, Lebanon, Sudan, and beyond, advocating for adherence to international human rights law.
Key resolutions rejected corporate-driven climate solutions like Blue Carbon and large-scale wind farms while opposing the expansion of industrial aquaculture, which marginalises communities, particularly women. The Assembly committed to prioritising the demands of women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples. It was also agreed to mobilise globally through the Nyéléni Process to advance a just agenda addressing food sovereignty, climate and social equity.
This year’s Assembly was a powerful call to action, uniting fisherfolk worldwide in their fight for justice ocean, water and fisher people.