Case GN-3 The legal framework for the co-management of fisheries resources in Guinea

【4. Guinea】

Context	The provisions of the Maritime Fishing Code in its article 19, regarding the management and development of fisheries, indicate that: ‘In terms of fisheries management, this Code applies the principles of prevention, precaution, an ecosystem approach to fisheries, participatory management and co-management’. However, there were no regulations defining specific procedures to promote the joint management of resources. In this context, Guinea has prepared a draft decree on the implementation of co-management of artisanal fisheries. This case study presents the details of this decree.
Content	This draft decree was elaborated in 2023, and defines the organisation of fishers and their roles as follows: The Association for the Co-management of Fisheries (ACP) is the legal entity designated for the implementation of co-management, provided that it has state approval. On its own initiative, an association for the co-management of fisheries may propose management measures applicable to its area of competence. Before transmission to the Minister in charge of fisheries, such a proposal must be validated. Local level by deliberation of the Local Fisheries Co-Management Association at the Annual General Assembly; Sub-prefectural level of fisheries co-management (ASCP) by deliberation of the Sub-prefectural association of fisheries co-management (ASCP); At Prefectural or Community fisheries co-management level by deliberation of the Prefectural or Community fisheries co-management association (APCP/ACCP); Once validated, the Fisheries Co-Management Association is responsible for implementing and monitoring its application in its area of competence. The local authorities (Prefect, Sub-Prefect) and the relevant decentralized departments monitor the application of the various provisions and provide the necessary support to the Fisheries Co-Management Association.
Lessons Learned	To promote effective co-management of resources, it is important to clarify the responsibilities and legal powers of fishers’ organisations and the need for local authorities to support the implementation of joint resource management.
Guideline chapter relevant to this case study	Chapter 4: Strengthening the role and practical capacity of administration 4.2 Development of a legal framework for resource management
Situation to which this case study could refer	Countries that have not yet developed a legal framework for co-management can refer to this case study.