A Guyanese delegation recently participated in the Blue Food Forum, held from September 12-13 in Tanzania, and unveiled an innovative data management system, CALIPSEO. The team which included an artisanal fisher, a processor, an industrial fisher, and a representative from the Department of Fisheries, highlighted how this tool could revolutionize fisheries management.
The Blue Food Forum, organized under the FISH4ACP programme, brought together representatives from African, Pacific, and Caribbean countries to address global challenges like malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation. The event built on the goals set during the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, emphasizing the need for sustainable food systems that support the UN’s Sustainable Development Agenda.
Guyana’s CALIPSEO platform, developed in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), captures real-time data to guide sustainable fishing practices. This online tool provides stakeholders with up-to-date information on fish stocks, seasonal changes, and market trends, empowering them to make informed decisions. The system also features a mobile data collection app, streamlining the process for fishers and reducing data errors.
Renita Joseph, a Guyanese fish processor, praised the learning opportunities at the forum, noting the valuable insights she gained from the Marshall Islands’ training on refrigerated container repair. “This exposure was a very good learning experience for me. Building this capacity would help me to improve my operation,” she said.
Guyana’s presentation of CALIPSEO drew interest from other nations considering similar technological advancements in their fisheries sectors. The country’s proactive approach demonstrated its commitment to sustainable fisheries management, inspiring others to integrate innovative tools into their practices.
FISH4ACP, led by the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) and funded by the European Union, aims to promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability in fisheries. Through initiatives like CALIPSEO, Guyana is positioning itself as a leader in balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship in the global fisheries arena.
