Source-This post is based on the article “India elected vice-chair of UN fisheries body amid countries calling out China’s illegal fishing” published in “The Print” on 19th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, India has been appointed as the first vice-chair of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Committee on Fisheries (COFI) Sub-Committee on Fisheries Management, marking the first time in 59 years.
What is its Significance?
1) This appointment coincides with growing global apprehensions regarding China’s illicit fishing activities in international waters. China has received condemnation for engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, encroaching upon the exclusive economic zones of more than 80 countries.
2) The inclusion of India in this committee is seen as bringing balance and perspective to the global conversation on fisheries governance and management.
What is Committee on Fisheries (COFI)?
| Aspect | Details |
| About | 1. It stands as the sole global inter-governmental platform dedicated to the examination of significant international fisheries and aquaculture problems and issues. 2. It is a subsidiary body of the FAO Council. |
| Established in | 1965 |
| Membership & Voting | 1. COFI membership is open to FAO Members and non-Members are eligible to be an observer of the Organization. 2. Representatives from the UN, its bodies, specialized agencies, regional fishery bodies, and international non-governmental organizations participate in debates without voting rights. |
| Functions | 1. COFI assesses the FAO work program related to fisheries, conducts regular reviews of global fishery issues, and puts forth potential solutions. 2. COFI has also been used as a forum in which global agreements and non-binding instruments regarding global fisheries have been negotiated. 3. It has two subsidiary bodies: the Sub-Committee on Aquaculture and the Sub-Committee on Fish Trade. |
| Significance | COFI played a key role in negotiating the Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries and the Agreement on Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures by Fishing Vessels on the High Seas. |
What is Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)?
1) It is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
2) Objective– To lead global efforts to end hunger and guarantee food security for everyone.
2) Established on -16 October, 1945
3) Headquarter– Rome, Italy
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