The FiTI International Board – the global oversight body of the Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI) – reappointed on the 29th of June 2023, Mr Sven Biermann as the Executive Director (ED) of the FiTI International Secretariat for a second term of four years, starting on the 1st of January, 2024.
The FiTI International Board defines by consensus the mission, vision, and strategic direction for the FiTI with the input of the International Secretariat and the guidance of the FiTI Chair. The Executive Director leads the FiTI International Secretariat and heads the Executive Committee of the FiTI association.
Hence, Mr Biermann is responsible for the FiTI International Secretariat’s day-to-day operations and the implementation of all programmatic activities to achieve its strategic goals, among them working with governments to increase transparency and participatory governance in the fisheries sector, assessing the transparency in the sector in selected countries, and promoting an enabling environment that demands, understands, utilizes and incentivizes government transparency in fisheries management. The FiTI International Secretariat also provides technical and administrative support to the FiTI International Board, to which he is accountable.
When discussing appointing the ED for another term, the Board considered FiTI’s past accomplishments and future plans. The Board made this decision unanimously based on Mr Biermann’s track record as an inspirational, strategic, and dedicated leader, who has built an effective and committed team working across the world, and who will continue to conduct the organization in a stable path of growth and increased impact.
Dr Valeria Merino, Chair of the FiTI International Board, expressed her satisfaction with the Board’s decision, as she considers Mr. Biermann to be the right leader for the FiTI in this current phase that demands institutional expansion. She stated, “Sven will continue ensuring that the FiTI remains focused, strategic, nimble, and true to its mandate and to make the FiTI Standard the most broadly accepted standard for transparency in marine fisheries management worldwide.”
Mr Biermann stated to the Board that he felt very honoured by its continued trust and support. He also reconfirmed his unwavering commitment to continue leading the FiTI International Secretariat as its work spreads to other regions and continents. He expressed his appreciation for his team, which has already raised the bar for government transparency in marine fisheries. Sven said, “I am sincerely thankful for this renewed mandate to serve this great organisation for another four years and the opportunity to continue working with the FiTI’s Chair, International Board, and the outstanding team of the International Secretariat. Transparency in fisheries is now understood as an indispensable requisite of sustainable fisheries management. Our work must continue establishing it as a reality among all fishing nations”.
Source : FitI
