In a major step toward revitalizing Libya’s fisheries sector, a high-level delegation from CIHEAM Bari and the Italian Consulate, under the auspices of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives, concluded an important series of visits to the eastern municipalities of Sousse, Derna, and Tobruk. The initiative places the development of the fisheries sector and the empowerment of local fishers at the heart of its priorities. These visits, that took place beteen 1 and 6 August 2025, reflect a growing momentum for enhanced international cooperation in marine and coastal development, focusing on Libya’s vast and underutilized maritime potential.

Local fishers, considered the backbone of Libya’s coastal communities, continue to face a range of challenges – including outdated infrastructure, limited access to training, and lack of exposure to sustainable fishing practices. Addressing these issues is seen not only as an economic necessity but also as a strategic investment in national food security, environmental sustainability, and regional stability. Officials from both sides emphasized the importance of capacity building and technical cooperation to equip Libyan fishers with the tools and knowledge needed to drive forward a more resilient, productive, and environmentally responsible fisheries sector.

This initiative signals a shared commitment to empowering Libya’s coastal communities and unlocking opportunities for sustainable blue growth in the region.