The Marine Stewardship Council’s Developing World Working Group has appointed Professor Eyiwunmi Augustine Falaye as its new chairperson.
Professor Falaye will oversee a group of stakeholders representing 11 countries from across the developing world. The Developing World Working Group provides advice and guidance to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) on the challenges and solutions to overfishing in the developing world. It was established by the MSC in 2007 in order to help increase accessibility of the MSC program for sustainable fishing. Fisheries in developing world countries face a unique set of funding, environmental, social and political challenges. The MSC is developing tools and mechanisms to support these fisheries to achieve the high standards required for MSC certification. This could open up new markets for MSC certified seafood from the developing world.
Delegates on the Developing World Working Group also include representatives from international organisations including WWF, Blue Ventures, Bay of Bengal Programme, GIZ and IATTC.
Professor Falaye’s career in fisheries management
Professor Falaye has a long academic and professional career researching and advising in fisheries management, aquaculture and sustainable environmental development. Former Head of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management at University of Ibadan in Nigeria, Falaye has published over 100 academic and professional papers on fisheries development. His qualifications include a Ph.D. in fisheries management from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria and a post-doctoral fellowship in Fisheries from Bangor in Wales. He has a B.Sc. in fisheries science from Plymouth University and a M.Sc. in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management from the University of Stirling in Scotland.
Throughout his career Professor Falaye has made significant contributions to community development at national, regional and global levels. His work has taken him around the world, consulting with government, non–governmental and private sector organisations including the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), the World Bank, FAO, and Marine Resources Assessment Group (MRAG). Since 2010 he has been a member of the Board of Africa – Fishnet of NEPAD.
Professor Falaye has worked with the MSC since 2000 and is an active member of the MSC’s Stakeholder Council, Developing World Fisheries Group and Steering Committee.
A vision to improve interest in the MSC worldwide
Speaking at the Developing World Working Group meeting being held in Cape Town today, Professor Falaye said: “I am a strong supporter of the MSC for its use of positive ideas and philosophy to achieve rational management strategies which deliver long term sustainability in fisheries. My vision is to sustain and improve the growing interest and incentives to join the MSC program in a greater geographical diversity worldwide.
“I hope to make valuable contributions towards positive change in world’s fisheries, as promoted by MSC through market incentives that encourage environmental improvements and a reward for sustainable fishing practices across the globe.”
Dr David Agnew, Standards Director at the MSC said: “We’re delighted that Professor Falaye has agreed to chair our Developing World Working Group. He has already made an outstanding contribution to securing the MSC’s vision of healthy marine ecosystems and seafood markets. I’m sure that he will continue to bring together representatives from across the developing world to share this vision and help to secure fishing livelihoods for generations to come.”
Professor Falaye takes over from outgoing Chairman Luis Bourillón who leaves the post after 2 years.
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