This document has been developed to support the implementation of the Voluntary Guidelines on the
Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests in the Context of National Food Security
(VGGT) in fisheries, focusing on the small‐scale sector.
The endorsement of the VGGT by the Committee on World Food Security (CFS) in May 2012 was a major
achievement. The recognition of the importance of secure and equitable access to natural resources for food
and nutrition security and sustainable livelihoods that the VGGT represent is of fundamental significance to
fishing communities, in particular vulnerable and marginalized groups. The VGGT have been through a rigorous
consultation and negotiation process, involving government officials, civil society organizations, private sector
representatives, international organizations and academia. The inclusion in the process of the people that the
VGGT intend to support – small‐scale farmers, fishing communities and pastoralists – ensured that the issues
and proposals dealt with were anchored in real life and addressing genuine concerns. The VGGT are based on
key international human rights standards and constitute a powerful instrument for improving the lives of
millions of people.
In order for the VGGT to have the positive impact they are set out to achieve, support to their implementation
is of utmost importance. Concerted efforts are required to ensure that the principles and standards of the
VGGT are integrated into policies and plans, and utilized to improve governance of tenure for the benefit of
the vulnerable and marginalized and for the achievement of poverty eradication and food security for all.