G20 Ministerial Declaration Includes Ocean Governance Commitments, but More Needed for Small-Scale Fisheries

RISE UP is pleased to share insights from the G20 Environment and Climate Ministers’ meeting in Brazil on October 3rd. While the Declaration on Climate and Environmental Sustainability presents significant strides in ocean governance, particularly in advancing the High Seas Treaty (BBNJ Agreement), it falls short of fully addressing the needs of small-scale fisheries (SSF). A key milestone is the Declaration’s support for the early entry into force and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement (also known as the High Seas Treaty), marking an important step for global ocean governance. This is a positive indication of global commitment to protect marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, which RISE UP, along with the High Seas Alliance (HSA), has been actively advocating for.

RISE Up is proud to have contributed to the development of this Declaration by co-facilitating a crucial dialogue on the High Seas Treaty as part of the G20’s engagement process. We worked closely with ocean stakeholders, civil society, and government representatives to ensure their voices were included in the discussions shaping the Declaration.

Additionally, RISE UP co-organized a second dialogue on “Building Resilient Small-Scale Fisheries: Moving Towards Equity and Justice”. This dialogue focused on developing policy recommendations to support SSF, urging the creation of national strategic plans by 2030 that are well-funded and guided by the FAO Voluntary Guidelines for Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries.

However, despite the dialogue’s recommendations, the final Declaration includes only vague commitments toward small-scale fisheries and lacks the specific, actionable recommendations we pushed for. While there are “warm words” about supporting Indigenous Peoples, coastal communities, women, and youth in ocean conservation, more concrete actions are needed to ensure equitable support for SSF communities.

The Declaration addresses key topics, including:

1. Oceans and the Use of Marine Resources: This includes commitments to advancing the BBNJ Agreement, vital for preserving marine ecosystems and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. The Declaration details its commitment to raising awareness and building capacity to encourage meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples and local communities, including women and youth, in ocean and coastal conservation and restoration, and in decision-making and management efforts.
2. Payments for Ecosystem Services: By promoting payments for ecosystem services (PES), the Declaration raises concerns for small-scale fishing communities over tenure rights. Although it acknowledges the need for transparency and the effective participation of stakeholders, including local communities, in the design and implementation of such services, it only addresses existing tenure rights—a significant limitation. This approach excludes informal or customary tenure systems, which many local communities have practiced for centuries. Failure to recognize these informal rights, means that communities that have long stewarded their marine resources risk being overlooked in PES programs, reinforcing existing inequalities and marginalizing those most dependent on the ocean.
3. Circular Economy and Waste Management: The Declaration calls for prioritizing environmentally sound efforts to reduce waste and tackle pollution, as well as cooperation to deal with marine plastic litter. These directly align with the protection of marine habitats. The Declaration shows the G20 countries’ commitment to work together to conclude the negotiations of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. 
4. Adaptation to Climate Change: The Declaration acknowledges the disproportional impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. It recognizes the need to implement measures to reduce climate vulnerabilities and enhance adaptive capacity and resilience with special focus on the most vulnerable communities, which may also include small-scale fishing communities. 

For more details on the G20 Declaration and its implications for ocean governance and small-scale fisheries, you can read the G20 Official Ministerial Declaration full document here.

While this represents a step forward in promoting equitable and sustainable ocean governance, it is essential to recognize the limitations inherent in the Declaration. RISE UP is committed to pushing for the early ratification and implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, while ensuring that the voices of SSF and local communities are at the forefront of global decision-making processes.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to advocate for the inclusion of small-scale fishers and Indigenous Peoples in these critical international frameworks.