VASCO
National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) General Secretary Olencio Simoes, along with Maharashtra youth representative Mrunmayi Vatkare, participated in the four-day Global Youth Exchange & Political Leadership Training Programme in Negombo, Sri Lanka.
The event, organised by the World Forum for Fishers People (WFFP), saw participation from youth across 17 Asia-Pacific countries and was based on resolutions passed at WFFP’s eighth General Assembly in Brazil.
The primary focus of the exchange was to raise awareness among youth about ocean grabbing and the struggles faced by fishing communities worldwide. The discussions highlighted violations of human rights-based approaches, the impact of large-scale ocean exploitation, and concerns surrounding the blue economy model.
Speaking at the event, Simoes emphasised the urgent need for stricter marine resource management in Goa, as fish stocks are depleting rapidly due to destructive fishing gear and overfishing.
