Good Practice Method
The Latvian National Fisheries Cooperation Network has a broader scope of activity than most NNs. The fisheries and aquaculture sector in Latvia is very fragmented and isolated, so the network brings together all the stakeholders of fisheries and aquaculture as well as the 6 Latvian FLAGs. The main objectives of the NN are to strengthen linkages between fisheries actors, improve communication, promote good practices and foster the development of fisheries areas.
The NN has its Secretariat in the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre (the organisation which also runs the National Rural Network). Its operations are based on an overall Action Plan for the period 2015-2020 and Annual Work Plans (AWP), which take into account the needs of fisheries stakeholders and ideas proposed by them. The NN’s priorities include:
The NN maintains regular contact with the fisheries stakeholders and analyses their needs on an on-going basis (e.g. through an annual questionnaire sent to all database contacts before developing the AWPs). It submits the AWPs to the Managing Authority for approval and provides quarterly monitoring reports. It also carries out evaluation and self-assessment.
In seven years, the NN has managed to build trust and create synergies within the typically isolated fisheries and aquaculture sector and provided them with new skills and experience. Involving its members in the decision-making and providing tailor-made support has given the NN a reputation of being a trustworthy and acknowledged partner in the development of the coastal areas. Support provided to fisheries stakeholders enabled them to participate in policy dialogue.
Most National Networks only work with FLAGs. The Latvian example shows how a NN can reach out to a broader range of fisheries stakeholders. It also illustrates the effort and resources needed to put in place such a system.
The NN’s performance is improved by its participative approach and by involving all its members in developing the fisheries sector. The process is time consuming and requires a lot of direct contact with stakeholders.
Good knowledge of the fisheries and aquaculture sector, good communication and facilitation techniques
€2 500 000 for the duration of the EMFF (€ 500 000 for the Secretariat of the NN and €2 000 000 for the implementation of the plan). The National Network is financed by the technical assistance of the EMFF.
Timeframe of implementation | From Aug 2017 |
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