​The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture declared that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) chose the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the main sponsor for the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture (IYAFA) in 2022.

The announcement was during the speech of the representative of the chair of the international steering committee of IYAFA, Carolina Carranza, in the Saudi International Marine Exhibition and Conference (SIMEC). The Conference was held by the National Fisheries Development Program, on January 30. 30 countries and 70 global and local companies participated in the conference.

MWEA clarified the goals of IYAFA 2022 which are increasing the growth of the fishery sector, enhancing its role in food security, generating job opportunities for the young people, and improving the quality of life for rural communities. Another goal is increasing the current production of 40% and satisfying the global needs for seafood. In addition to encourage organizations to confront climate change as well as developing natural resources for aquaculture.

Recently the Kingdom was elected as the main sponsor of the Regional Commission for Fisheries (RECOFI), as well as a member of the International Fisheries and Aquaculture (ICRC). This is recognition of the Kingdom's development efforts in the fisheries sector and sustainable development to enhance food security as outlined in the Kingdom's 2030 Vision.