Joining the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (CV0007)

What is the issue addressed by the commitment? The Government, aware that the country's policy on sustainable exploitation, rational management, participatory governance and transparency in the exploitation of fishery resources is fully aligned with the objectives and principles of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), is convinced that the fishing sector is of high economic, social, cultural, recreational and leisure importance for the country. Considering also the country's potentials and limitations have always been a concern in promot ing sustainable management and use of sea product, operated by national and foreign fleets, the Government established a system of access to fisheries resources. The Government recognizes that fisheries resources have been partially operated beyond sustainable levels, in a non-transparent and non-inclusive manner. Mechanisms were created to reverse this trend and help amend the use of these resources, such as the development of a fisheries management system based on research and inspection. Against this background, joining FiTI will allow solving issues affect ing the fishing sector, contributing to food security, nutrition and social stability, supporting the sustainability of marine ecosystems, also encouraging the fight against corruption and illegal, unrepo rted and unregulated fisheries.

What is the commitment? Joining the FiTI

How will the commitment help solve the issue identified? ● A significant improvement in the browsing experience and access to information; ● Establishment of Integrated Front Desks for better access to sector services; ● Computerization and digitalization of the sector's administrative processes and procedures, ensuring improved speed and transparency; ● Up-to-date data and information for decision-making in the sector; ● Sustainable practices and policies.

Why is the commitment relevant to OGP values? The commitment will help promote transparency, participation and more responsibility in the fisheries sector, with the implementation of data repositories and the dematerialization of the sector's business processes (licensing, harvesting and health certificates, among others). This will help improve the management of sector services while promoting the establishment of more responsible and inclusive public policies

Additional information Cabo Verde has already expressed its official intention to join since 2020 and is currently developing the last activities necessary to meet the requirements to be recognized as a candidate country to FiTI. Process steps so far : • Step 1 – Public statement of the intention to implement the Initiative in the country–2020 • Step 2 – Appointment of the Minister of Sea to be in charge of implementing FITTI - Resolution nº33/2022, of April 6, 2022 • Step a 3 -Appointment of the National Focal Point related to FITTI implementation – Order nº 21 /2022 of the Minister of Sea, of April 29, 2022 • Step 4 – Appointment of the Secretariat – Order nº 1/2022, of June 10 of the Focal Point appointing the Secretariat members • Step 5 – Establishment of the National Multisector Group– Order of the Minister of Sea, of November 30, 2022 (https://expressodasilhas.cv/pais/2022/10/12/cabo-verde-prepara-adesao-a- iniciativa-transparencia-das-pescas/82480 São Vicente recebe primeiro atelier FiTI - Iniciativa de Transparência nas Pescas - YouTube)

Description of expected outcomes ● Improve governance, in particular transparency and quality and access to data for decision-making in the sector; ● Strengthen leadership in fisheries governance; ● Contribute to the sustainable management of fisheries, in particular by reducing the State's economic losses linked to lack of transparency; ● Strengthen the sector's attractiveness to donors and investors; ● Support the State's efforts in the fight against illegality, unreported and unregulated fishing, preserving jobs in the sector.

Macro activities (Starting date - Completion date)

Preparation of the 2023 working plan (November, 2022 - January, 2023)

Completion of application process to join FiTi (December, 2022 - January, 2024)

Issuance of first FiTi report (December, 2022 - December, 2024)

Action Plan Review

Commitment 4. Transparency in fisheries