There is need to recognize the specific role of fisherfolk in poverty reduction, decent livelihoods and eradication of hunger, according to a Statement from the Farmers Major Group on initial discussions on the
Zero Draft of the Outcome Document of “Rio+20”, the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, made on 25 January 2012 at New York.

Artisanal and small-scale fishing communities make significant contributions to sustainable development and poverty alleviation, particularly by sustaining livelihoods, food security, quality of life and culture of coastal and inland fishing communities, and indigenous peoples in many developing and developed countries, the Statement says.

Artisanal and small-scale fishing communities rely on low-input systems that respect ecological limits, use traditional knowledge, ensure equitable distribution of benefits, and promote access to resources of women and marginalized groups, the Statement adds.

Artisanal and small-scale fishing communities can thus strengthen the three pillars of sustainable development, and can help world fisheries move toward low-carbon development, the Statement says.

It points out that sustainable livestock, forest and fishery systems that conserve water and soil, recycle waste, contribute to carbon mitigation and provide valuable food sources for sustainable diets for an urbanizing world must be implemented to protect natural resources, health and welfare of animals, and support livelihoods of millions of people and enterprises as key components for national food security.

The Statement proposes that member States add the following to Clause 21 of the Outcome Document: “We recognize that farmers and fisherfolk must be empowered through farmer organizations and that farmers must participate in decision-making processes in all aspects of agriculture policies.