Progress report for
Technical assistance on issues related to market access and trade-related aspects
Achievement at a glance
In 2018, UNCTAD, FAO and UN Environment organized and hold the Second Oceans Forum on Trade- related aspects of SDG 14. The Forum identified challenges and opportunities that sustainability and further integration of the seafood value chain and related services within the framework of the oceans economy. The Forum was Chaired by Mr. Peter Thomson, UN Oceans Envoy Peter, who indicated that it is a unique global platform to take stock, exchange experiences and present options for the implementation of trade-related targets of SDG 14, in particular targets 4, 6, 7 and b, through the involvement of leading United Nations Agencies, the Commonwealth, the ACP Group, regional bodies, government institutions and civil society organizations. Two of these targets have got 2020 deadlines (target 4 and 6) Mr. Thomson said. Dr. Kituyi, UNCTAD Secretary-General, indicated that we need to introduce a fish-to-dish sustainability approach. From a trade perspective, fish-to-dish should focus on reducing tariffs, ending subsidies, and addressing non-tariff measures. Fisheries subsidies distort trade and fuel unfair competition between large fleets and artisanal fishermen and women, fostering inequality. Estimated at about $20 million, harmful subsidies should be converted into investment into fisheries management in order to reduce pressure on fish stocks. Lisa Svensson, Director Oceans at UN Environment highlighted that trade has a great potential to play as a mechanism to strengthen sustainable Blue Economy activities. Sustainable Blue Economy relies on multiple trade-related sectors. Thus, trade and trade-related policies span all relevant areas of the blue economy. Reforming fisheries subsidies is one essential area of work, but many other policy areas should be looked at. The Trade-related Joint Plan of Action which is being proposed by UNCTAD, FAO, and UN Environment, can provide a means towards assisting Member States to implement effective, inclusive and sustainable policies in support of SDG 14.Challenges faced in implementation
The second Forum identified challenges and opportunities that sustainability and further integration of the seafood value chain and related services may present within the framework of the oceans/blue economy. The Chair conclusions based on Member States debate can be found at: https://unctad.org/meetings/en/SessionalDocuments/ditc-ted-16072018-Oceans-Forum-2-Chair-Conclusions.pdf<br>
<br>Forum also provided a state-of-the-art analysis, shared country experiences and identified public and private best practices towards generating policy recommendations and proposing specific actions to meet the trade-related targets of SDG 14, building upon existing United Nations Conference outcomes, FAO, UNEP and UNECE agreements and instruments, soft law and other trade-related instruments. A background note with all relevant information prepared by UNCTAD, FAO and UN Environment on challenges and opportunities for further sustainability and further integration of the seafood value chain and related services can be found at: https://unctad.org/meetings/en/SessionalDocuments/Background-Note-Second-Oceans-Forum-July2018-v4.pdf
Beneficiaries
Multilateral. All United Nations Member States, Academia and civil society.