Report on New Zealand’s Contribution to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

New Zealand has recently made a significant contribution to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable fisheries, ocean health, and the well-being of fishers and their communities. This initiative aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.

Statements from Key Representatives

• Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand emphasized the country’s dedication to supporting sustainable fisheries and aiding developing and least-developed countries (LDCs) in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This support ensures these countries have the necessary tools and capacity to participate in global efforts to protect marine ecosystems.
• Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed gratitude for New Zealand’s contribution, highlighting its leadership in curbing harmful fisheries subsidies. She noted that the Agreement, once in force, will provide technical and financial support to developing and LDC members to enhance fisheries management and integrate sustainability into their policies, further advancing SDG 14.

Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

1. The Agreement will enter into force once two-thirds of WTO members have accepted it. Currently, 102 members have formally accepted the Agreement, with nine more acceptances required.
2. The Agreement mandates adjustments to members’ legislative and administrative frameworks, transparency and notification obligations, and fisheries management policies and practices.
3. Article 7 of the Agreement establishes a voluntary funding mechanism to finance targeted technical assistance and capacity building for developing and LDC members to support implementation efforts.

WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism (Fish Fund)

• On 6 June, the Fish Fund opened a Call for Proposals inviting developing and LDC members that have ratified the Agreement to submit project grant requests aimed at facilitating implementation.
• Applications can be submitted through the WTO Fish Fund application portal.
• The Fund is operated by the WTO with support from key partners including:
  • United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
  • International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
  • World Bank Group
• These partners provide expertise to assist members in implementing the Agreement effectively, contributing to sustainable fisheries management and ocean conservation.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The efforts described in this report contribute primarily to the following SDGs:

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – By supporting sustainable fisheries, reducing harmful subsidies, and enhancing marine ecosystem protection.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty – Through support to fishers and fishing communities, particularly in developing and least-developed countries.
3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – By promoting sustainable fisheries, the initiative supports food security and nutrition.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Through collaboration among WTO, FAO, IFAD, and the World Bank Group to provide technical and financial assistance.

Additional Information

Further details on the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism can be accessed here.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water
   • The article focuses on sustainable fisheries, ocean health, and protecting marine ecosystems, which are core aspects of SDG 14.
2. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The collaboration between WTO, New Zealand, FAO, IFAD, and the World Bank Group highlights global partnerships to support sustainable development.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. Targets under SDG 14:
   • Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices.
   • Target 14.6: Prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, and eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
   • Target 14.a: Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries.
2. Targets under SDG 17:
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to achieve all the SDGs.
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicators for SDG 14 Targets:
   • Indicator 14.4.1: Proportion of fish stocks within biologically sustainable levels.
   • Indicator 14.6.1: Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
   • Indicator 14.a.1: Proportion of total research budget allocated to research in the field of marine technology.
2. Indicators for SDG 17 Targets:
   • Indicator 17.9.1: Dollar value of financial and technical assistance (including through North-South, South-South and triangular cooperation) committed to developing countries.
   • Indicator 17.16.1: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks that support the achievement of the sustainable development goals.
3. The article implies the use of indicators related to the acceptance and implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (e.g., number of WTO members ratifying the agreement) as a measure of progress.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wto.org