Key stakeholders from the fishing sectors of Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana gathered in French Guiana from October 28 to 30 for a regional technical exchange on sustainable fisheries and biodiversity management in the Guianas. The exchange, which is a key component of the BIODEV2030 Phase II project, focused on enhancing biodiversity integration within the fisheries sector.
The exchange was attended by policymakers, fishing cooperatives, fisherfolk, academics, technical experts, and NGOs, who shared insights and explored innovative strategies for sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity integration.
High on the agenda at the exchange were key topics related to ecosystem-focused fishing practices that support the overall health of our ocean, monitoring, control, and surveillance, and the examination of different methods and tools used for fishing to promote better practices. Furthermore, discussions focused on safeguarding marine biodiversity to reduce IUU fishing and bycatch, on actions needed to improve policy frameworks, on climate change adaptation strategies, and on regional collaboration to enhance data collection.
Key Outcomes
Key Outcomes from the exchange included an improved understanding of biodiversity mainstreaming in fisheries sustainability across the Guianas, sharing of best practices that could be applied within respective countries, strengthened networks and partnerships, identified. Identified opportunities for collaboration and innovations in biodiversity management, and capacity building and in-depth discussions on policy and governance mechanisms to support biodiversity integration.
Participants engaged in breakout group discussions and benefited from field visits to the fish action hall and the fishing landing site at Port du Larivot. The focus on practical outcomes led to the development of a regional report summarizing key lessons and recommendations, further strengthening networks and professional capacity among participants.
This initiative marked another important step forward in understanding the intertwined challenges of biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management. Following this technical exchange, participating countries will outline their five-year vision for the fisheries sector in the context of biodiversity mainstreaming and identify three priorities to achieve the vision.
Stakeholders and Contributors
The exchange was facilitated by WWF-Guianas and WWF-France in conjunction with the French Guiana Regional Fisheries Committee (CRPMEM Guyane). Invited participants actively contributed to presentations and case studies, and engaged in discussions and the exchange of ideas to tackle challenges faced in the region’s fishing sectors.
The BIODEV2030 project aligns with global efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030. In its second phase, which ends in February 2026, it specifically targets policy reform in the fishing sector, focusing on enhancing sustainable practices that benefit the environment and local communities.
