Image source: by TBTI
Global Partnership for Small-Scale Fisheries Research
The Too Big To Ignore - Global Partnership for Small-Scale Fisheries Research (TBTI) has been conducting in-depth research and capacity building activities that enhance knowledge and understanding about all aspects of small-scale fisheries since its establishment in 2012. TBTI partnership began with 62 members from academic and non-academic institutions from 27 countries and 15 partner organizations. Today, the partnership continues to grow and includes more than 500 individual researchers and 30 collaborating organizations from 70 countries, making it the largest partnership focusing on small-scale fisheries in the world. The overall aims of TBTI are to raise the profile of small-scale fisheries and reduce their marginalization, promote their wellbeing, and improve governance. We argue for a more inclusive and holistic approach to sustainable development by incorporating issues and concerns facing small-scale fisheries, as expressed by small-scale fisheries communities, more centrally in the discussion about the future and ways forward. Through collaboration with our members and partners, including scientists from a broad range of disciplines, practitioners, governments, community organizations and environmental groups from around the world, we build the most comprehensive ‘Information System on Small-Scale Fisheries’ (ISSF), disseminate knowledge about small-scale fisheries through books, e-publication, website and conferences, and conduct training workshops around the world on ‘Transdisciplinarity in Fisheries and Ocean Sustainability’. TBTI was involved in the development of the Voluntary Guidelines for Securing Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF Guidelines), the first ever international instrument specifically designed for small-scale fisheries sustainability. Today, TBTI is working closely with its partners, including UN Food and Agriculture Organization, to promote and support the implementation of the SSF Guidelines globally. Ultimately, TBTI aims to inform and influence fisheries policies and development agenda at the national, regional and international levels.
