Mr. Alongkorn Ponlabut, advisor to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives along with the representatives of Thailand consist of (1) Mr. Pholphisin Suvanachai, Director of Fisheries Foreign Affairs Division (2) Mr. Thanawat Tiensin, Ambassadeur (Agricultural Affaires) Permanent Representative of Thailand to the United Nations Rome-based (3) Miss Ratchanok Sangpenchan, Assistant Agriculture Attache (Agricultural Affairs) and (4) Mrs. Supajit Sriariyawat, First Secretary (Agricultural Affairs). They attended the opening ceremony of "FAO International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability – Strengthening the Science-Policy Nexus" On 18 November 2019 at 2.00 p.m. (local time), The meeting will be held during 18-21 November 2019 at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

          Mr. Alongkorn Ponlabut said that this meeting was a major turning point for the fisheries sector. FAO had invited academicians and policymakers at various levels from international organizations, including representatives from regional, national, and civil society or third sector, attended a meeting to reform and build the foundation of the fishery sector for sustainability and new concepts on Blue Economy.

"The problems that the world faces right now, whether environmental, socio-economic, and climate change reflect the vulnerability of the fishery sector resulting in the problem of poverty and the hunger of the world. That all sectors must change their mindset or create a new perspective on marine resource management with Blue Economy. In which they must work together, using digital technology information systems to support work, giving the next generation opportunities who creative to share an idea and work together. So be able to create a turning point and lead to concrete solutions," Mr. Alongkorn Ponlabut said.

He also said that, at that time, Dr. Chalermchai Srion, the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Department of Fisheries, had redesigned their work process. By establishing a committee to revitalize and develop Thailand's fishing potential to drive integrated service with technology and modern innovation, as Thailand is the world's leading exporter of food and fishery.

          During the opening ceremony, Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Mr. Peter Thomson, UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Ocean, demanded the Member States to participate in solving the degradation of fishery resources. Mr. Qu Dongyu called on them to set a big goal and take action seriously, "We need to aim big and do concrete things!". 

Also, propose a sustainable fishery approach based on FAO's Blue Growth Initiative. By focusing on reforming the fishery sector for sustainable investment. Concentrate on balancing marine ecosystems and society and economy, and most importantly, responsible fishing. With preventive measures, marine resource management, including Fish waste management and Fish industry waste management, to be able to be recycled efficiently.

          In parts of Mr. Peter Thomson demanded the Member States to participate in the Agreement on Port State Measures (PSMA) of FAO. Its objective is to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing and leading to the implementation of Sustainable Development goals of the United Nations according to Goal 14: Life below water of the United Nations. 

He also informed that in 2020 would promote the creation of a new dimension of nature. It would begin with the Ocean Conference, to drive the Ocean Action Plan. Second, the meeting of the UN Biodiversity Conference to push the framework of biodiversity in the post-2020 era. Furthermore, IUCN World Conservation Congress, also UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), so that all parties would protect and preserve the ocean to bring back the sea to normal and produce food for the earth's organism as it once had been.

          Mr. Alongkorn Ponlabut also said Thailand had continuously participated in the meeting and communicated to the World community in the international arena on the determination and success of Thailand to prevent, deter, and eliminate IUU fishing, also promoting sustainable and responsible fisheries. The systematically had implemented fisheries reform in Thailand according to international rules and regulations until ้had been accepted internationally. For example, in November 2019, Thailand had chaired the meeting The 35th ASEAN Summit, Thailand had proposed "the ASEAN Cooperation on Sustainable Fisheries Project" and pushed "the ASEAN General Fishery Policy." and drove the establishment of "the ASEAN Network for Combating IUU Fishing: AN – IUU." 

"From past operations, Thailand has examples of achievements and experiences that can be shared its expertise. And Thailand stands ready to provide policy advice and technical assistance to member countries. FAO also foresees the potential of Thailand at this point. Moreover, Thailand will continue to push the development of projects to expand cooperation with countries," Mr. Alongkorn Ponlabut said.

          During the meeting, Mr. Alongkorn Ponlabut met with Norway's Minister of Fisheries and Director-General of the Department of Fisheries from ASEAN Countries, including participating fishery academicians as well.

Source : https://www4.fisheries.go.th/index.php/dof/activity_item/3785/all_activity/40