Fishery Infrastructure Assessment Tools (FIAT)

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WorldBank, Global, 2023

Context

Investment in fisheries infrastructure—such as ports, harbors, and processing units—is crucial for developing fisheries and their value chains. Between 1973 and 2001, international development assistance allocated $4.6 billion to such infrastructure in developing countries. Despite significant funding, investment outcomes vary. The Fisheries Infrastructure Assessment Tool (FIAT), part of the World Bank’s Fisheries Sector Assessment Toolkit (FSAT), aims to enhance the performance and sustainability of these investments by improving project design and management.

Objectives

  1. Enhance Investment Performance: Improve the effectiveness and sustainability of fisheries infrastructure investments.
  2. Support Project Design: Provide guidelines for designing projects that meet stakeholder needs and align with government policies.
  3. Reduce Risks: Identify and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle.
  4. Engage Stakeholders: Ensure comprehensive stakeholder involvement and address their needs.
  5. Guide Investment Decisions: Offer a structured approach to assess investments across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Solution

FIAT guides users through key project phases:

  1. Strategic Planning and Design: Evaluate planning, design, and feasibility.
  2. Feasibility Study: Conduct technical and economic assessments.
  3. Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA): Assess environmental and community impacts.
  4. Detailed Documentation: Prepare detailed project documents.
  5. Construction and Monitoring: Oversee construction and monitor progress.
  6. Operation and Maintenance: Ensure sustainable management and financing.

FIAT also emphasizes broad stakeholder engagement to ensure all relevant parties are involved.

Results

  1. Improved Project Design: Projects better aligned with needs and policies.
  2. Reduced Risks: Early risk identification led to fewer cases of underperformance.
  3. Effective Stakeholder Engagement: Enhanced project support and acceptance.
  4. Enhanced Investment Performance: Better economic, social, and environmental outcomes.
  5. Sustainable Infrastructure: Long-term value and functionality of investments were increased.

The FIAT has proven effective in improving the design, implementation, and sustainability of fisheries infrastructure investments, contributing to more successful and impactful projects.