Expert workshop on Guidelines for micro-finance, credit and insurance for small-scale fisheries in Asia, Bangkok, Thailand, 7-9 May 2019.
Abstract
The Expert workshop on Guidelines for micro-finance, credit and insurance for small-scale fisheries in Asia was held in Bangkok, Thailand in the period 7-9 May 2019. Rural finance, insurance and fisheries experts from Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States of America met to discuss ways to improve the access to financial services for small-scale fishers in Asia. The workshop aimed to discuss successful finance programmes in Asia for small-scale fishers, finalize practical guidelines in support of better access to financial services, and design a capacity-building programme for increasing the provision of financial services to small-scale fisheries. The workshop was attended by 32 experts and was organized by the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA) in close collaboration with FAO. The insurance and credit guidelines prepared will facilitate the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries in the Context of Poverty Eradication and Food Security (SSF Guidelines), as well as contribute towards achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 14. Access to financial services will enable the small-scale fishers to invest in more responsible fishing operations and technologies, reduce overfishing, contribute to fisheries management and implement climate change adaptation measures.