Guatemala has officially joined the Policy for the Integration of Fisheries and Aquaculture 2026–2035 (PINPESCA), a regional initiative led by the Organization of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of the Central American Isthmus (OSPESCA) under the Central American Integration System (SICA). The policy is supported technically by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food (MAGA) represented Guatemala’s government in formalizing this commitment. Mayra Motta, Deputy Minister for Agricultural Health and Regulations, signed on behalf of Guatemala.
Witnesses at the signing included representatives from OSPESCA/SICA: Abel Carrías, Regional Director for Fisheries and Aquaculture; Violeta Reina, Regional Technical Coordinator; Mario González, OSPESCA specialist; as well as Diana Barahona from the SICA Azul project.
According to MAGA, "Guatemala reaffirms its commitment to regional integration to strengthen sustainable management of fisheries and aquaculture resources, improve sector governance, and advance toward consolidating a blue economy in Central America."
PINPESCA serves as a regional roadmap to promote food security, sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture, and harmonization among SICA member countries. The long-term policy establishes common standards for responsible management in these sectors while recognizing their economic, social, and environmental contributions.
The document also highlights that both activities are key pillars for job creation, coastal and inland development, and ensuring access to nutritious food across the region.
PINPESCA is structured around seven strategic axes: institutional strengthening through modernization and coordination between countries with OSPESCA; improved governance based on scientific evidence and sustainability criteria; scientific and technological management involving research, traceability, and monitoring; sustainable practices in fisheries and aquaculture to protect ecosystems; productive development focusing on innovation and competitiveness; promoting participation among fishers, aquaculturists, women, and youth; as well as fostering regional cooperation among SICA countries.
With this step, Guatemala aims to enhance its role in supporting modernized fisheries aligned with Sustainable Development Goals as well as with SICA’s Blue Transformation vision promoted by FAO.
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