Sundaymail Editor
Online Reporter
THE Fisheries and Aquaculture Resources Department (FARD) is set to launch nationwide consultations to gather crucial input for the drafting of a new Fisheries and Aquaculture Bill.
The initial consultative workshops will be held in Nyanga, Bulawayo and Kariba from March 1 to 5, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders to shape the future of Zimbabwe’s fisheries sector.
These workshops will involve Government departments, private sector representatives, fish farming organisations and individual fish farmers, all of whom are expected to play a key role in developing a legal framework that fosters growth and sustainability.
Zimbabwe’s fisheries industry has long been identified as having significant untapped potential.
Currently, the sector operates under provisions within the Parks and Wildlife Act, legislation primarily focused on conservation rather than the dynamic development of a thriving industry.
The new Bill aims to bridge this gap, aligning the legal framework with the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s ambitious vision for a US$1 billion fisheries sector.
“These consultations are absolutely vital.
“We need to hear from everyone involved, from small-scale fishers in Kariba to large-scale aquaculture operations in Nyanga and processors in Bulawayo. Their input will directly shape the new bill and ensure it reflects the realities on the ground,” said FARD director Mr Milton Makumbe in an interview with The Sunday Mail Online.
The workshops, he said, will delve into critical aspects of the proposed legislation, including licensing procedures, the promotion of sustainable fishing practices, strategies for aquaculture development and the clear delineation of roles and responsibilities for various stakeholders.
He said the insights gleaned from these discussions will be instrumental in drafting a comprehensive Bill for submission to Parliament.
This process, Mr Makumbe said, follows the recent finalisation of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Plan, which is currently under review by Cabinet.
The new Bill is seen as essential for the effective implementation of this development plan.
“We are not just drafting a Bill; we are building a foundation for a prosperous future for Zimbabwe’s fisheries and aquaculture sector.
“This legislation will be a catalyst for increased production, create much-needed jobs and stimulate economic growth in communities across the country,” Mr Makumbe said.
The Nyanga, Bulawayo and Kariba workshops are the first step in this nationwide consultation process, with additional locations to be announced in the coming weeks.
Online Reporter