The World Forum of Fisher Peoples (WFFP) convened in Brasília, Brazil, from November 15-21, 2024, for its 8th General Assembly. Despite delays that had been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, WFFP reaffirmed its commitment to small-scale fishers and their collective rights.

WFFP stated in the declaration, “We, as representatives of regional and national organizations of fishers from 50 countries counting more than 10 million fisher peoples—peoples of the waters and oceans—are the custodians of our planet’s waters and are right-holders working and mobilizing for food sovereignty, biodiversity protection, and lifeways that are in harmony with nature.”

The assembly served as a crucial platform for advancing real solutions, and WFFP called on global leaders and allies to listen to fisher voices and take meaningful action.

Read the full declaration below.

Image: Delegates at the World Forum of Fisher People’s 8th General Assembly held in Brasília, Brazil. Credit: feini yin / NAMA