Fisheries to eco-label L. Victoria

Feb 26, 2008

FISHERIES stakeholders have mooted a plan to eco-label Lake Victoria to secure a long-term market access for the Nile Perch. The move is also aimed at promoting sustainable fishing.

By Macrines Nyapendi

FISHERIES stakeholders have mooted a plan to eco-label Lake Victoria to secure a long-term market access for the Nile Perch. The move is also aimed at promoting sustainable fishing.

Eco-labelling identifies the overall environmental preference of a product or service within a specific category based on life cycle considerations.

It is a voluntary method of environmental performance certification and labelling that is practised around the world.

It aims at promoting products with reduced environmental effects to consumers.

It also provides consumers with accurate and scientifically-based information and guidance on products.

Dick Nyeko, the commissioner for fisheries, said the European Union, which is a major market for fish and fisheries products from East Africa, needs eco-labelling in order to ensure the quality of the products.

“Eco-labelling is a significant landmark to add value to fish products and promotes sustainable fisheries utilisation and development,” Nyeko said.

Under the arrangement, the whole lake will be eco-labelled as a single eco-system.

The move will help reduce illegalities in the fisheries sector and on the lake that financially supports over two million people and feeds another 22 million in the region.

The development is supported by the German Development Agency and the Lake Victoria Fisheries Organisation.

Fish processors in the three riparian states of Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, endorsed the initiative and pledged to commit resources for the assessment studies at a stakeholders meeting held in Nairobi, Kenya last year.

The pre-assessment of the project has started in Bukoba.

“Eco-labelling is now a crucial issue on the table, waiting for fish processors and other stakeholders to implement.

“We have to implement it in order to ensure our continued participation on the stiff international market,” Philip Borel de Bitche, the Greenfields managing director, said.

He said Europe welcomes premium-priced Nile Perch.

De Bitche added that fishermen would be rewarded for engaging in sustainable fishing practices.


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