The Spanish Cooperation, in conjunction with the Assembly for Cooperation for Peace, has announced the signing of the ‘Hands that Feed’ agreement. The aim of this agreement is to promote sustainable and inclusive development in rural communities, with a particular emphasis on the fishing communities of nine municipalities, thereby enhancing their contribution to El Salvador’s food and nutritional security.
According to the signing parties, the municipalities set to benefit from this agreement are the following in the department of La Paz: Zacatecoluca, San Luis La Herradura, Santiago Nonualco, San Pedro Masahuat, and San Antonio Masahuat; in Usulután: Berlín, Alegría, and Puerto El Triunfo; and in the municipality of Tecoluca: San Vicente.
The agreement will specifically focus on the artisanal fishing and aquaculture sector in El Salvador.
“These organizations have partnered to implement the ‘Salvadoran Fishing and Farming Communities as Protagonists of their Socio-Economic, Sustainable, Inclusive, and Resilient Development in SAN’ agreement, hereafter referred to as ‘Hands that Feed.’ The project, with a funding of 3 million euros from AECID, will be implemented over a period of four years,” they stated.
The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain in El Salvador, Mr. Carlos de la Morena, and the Coordinator of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), Fernando Rey Yébenes, were present at the launch of the agreement.
The ‘Hands that Feed’ agreement represents a significant step towards empowering rural communities, particularly those in the fishing sector. By focusing on sustainable and inclusive development, it aims to improve the food and nutritional security of El Salvador. The financial support provided by AECID demonstrates the commitment of the Spanish Cooperation to fostering positive change in the country.
Through this partnership, the Cooperación Española and the Assembly for Cooperation for Peace seek to leverage their expertise and resources to create lasting impact in the targeted municipalities. The emphasis on the artisanal fishing and aquaculture sector acknowledges the vital role these communities play in the overall food production and security of the nation.
The four-year implementation period reflects a long-term commitment to sustainable development, recognizing that meaningful change takes time. By promoting self-reliance and resilience, the agreement aims to empower the communities to take ownership of their socio-economic development, fostering a sense of pride and accomplishment.
The presence of the Spanish Ambassador and the Coordinator of AECID at the launch highlights the importance attached to the ‘Hands that Feed’ agreement by the Spanish government. Their participation signifies a shared vision and commitment to supporting El Salvador’s sustainable development goals.
As the ‘Hands that Feed’ agreement begins its implementation, it is expected to bring positive change to the rural communities of El Salvador. By promoting sustainable practices, enhancing access to resources, and fostering inclusivity, this partnership has the potential to create a more prosperous and resilient future for the targeted municipalities. Through collective efforts and collaboration, the vision of a sustainable and inclusive El Salvador can be realized, with rural communities leading the way towards a brighter future.