On World Fisheries Day 2023, the Permanent Observer of the Holy See intervenes with FAO, IFAD and WFP to present “The role of ports in ensuring the social sustainability of fisheries” and ensure the need for an ecological transition that morally requires the implementation of all measures , so that the protection of people and the environment is at the heart of fishing activities.
Mireia Bonilla – Vatican City
This morning, on the occasion of World Fisheries Day, celebrated every year since 1998, the Holy See’s Permanent Observer to FAO, IFAD and WFP, Bishop Fernando Chica Arellano, stressed the importance of the maritime sector for human life. The first image he wanted to highlight is that of the “harbour” as “a place of refuge to go ashore in the event of a storm”, as a place “from which to set sail to discover new things” and as a place “of meetings, waiting, advice and information”.
Indeed, he has pointed out that ports are increasingly multicultural centers of exchange and dialogue “where human and commercial relationships contribute to a country’s economic and social growth as well as national food security.” In this sense, he asserts that the Holy See has always stood on the side of fishermen, “especially those less fortunate, and has worked to ensure that everyone can enjoy the fundamental right to decent and dignified work and a healthy, clean and sustainable environment .”
Arellano recalls the agreements against “illegal fishing”
The Permanent Observer of the Holy See praises the legal instruments concluded under the auspices of the FAO, such as the Convention on Port State Measures (PSMA), “which represent an important contribution in the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU)”. explains and recalls that these regulations “also contribute to creating new fishing models that guarantee the quality of catches, respect for the environment and the fair development of this important sector.”
The Pope’s call for an “ecological transition”
Faced with these numerous challenges, Bishop Arellano recalls that Pope Francis has bluntly emphasized “the need for an “ecological transition,” which morally, before legally, “requires the implementation of all the measures negotiated by the international community.” Time and adaptation so that the protection of people and the environment is at the heart of fishing activities.”
According to Arellano, this shift requires “the implementation of a corporate social responsibility strategy” that prioritizes solidarity over profit, because – he emphasizes – “ethics that respect people will also enable the well-being of those who work in the ports ..” be strengthened by attending to their real needs, which can be more easily addressed if humanity is viewed as a single family in which we are all brothers and responsible for each other.”
The great work of the Apostolate of the Sea “Stella Maris”.
Finally, Bishop Arellano wanted to highlight the work of Stella Maris, Apostolate of the Sea, an international organization of the Catholic Church whose aim is to provide seafarers with the human-spiritual support they need for their well-being during their stay in port. These are “chaplains, men and women religious, pastors and volunteers who strive to provide human and spiritual care to those who are in the ports for work or transit reasons and to raise their voices for their well-being “is increased,” says Bishop Fernando Chica Arellano.
He highlights his final prayer to God, a safe haven in the midst of storms, to “protect those who work in the fishing sector and to allow political, social and economic leaders to cast a motherly, welcoming and protective gaze on those who sail the seas.” about their families who are waiting for them.”