Fisheries Projects through the Eyes of the WB Specialist
On Tuesday, February 18, the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute in Iceland buzzed with energy as GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme fellows gathered for an afternoon seminar that promised both inspiration and a fresh perspective on global fisheries projects. The event featured Mr. Xavier Vincent, a seasoned Senior Fisheries Specialist at the World Bank, who shared with the audience his insights into the inner workings of WB-funded projects across the Pacific, Africa, and Asia.
Knowledge exchange
The seminar kicked off with an engaging session where the 23 GRÓ FTP fellows – hailing from 14 countries across Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific – introduced themselves and the research projects they are working on as part of the GRÓ FTP programme. This interactive introduction set the stage for an open, dynamic discussion that was as much about exchanging ideas as it was about learning from an expert.
Mr. Vincent then took the spotlight with a presentation that detailed the nature of fisheries projects under the World Bank. His talk was a lively exploration of how successful projects are conceptualized, financed, and executed – insights that resonated deeply with an audience eager to learn how to secure grants and loans and meet rigorous funding criteria.
Following his presentation, the fellows had the opportunity to reflect on their experiences with donor-supported projects. The room filled with enthusiastic nods and thoughtful questions, as participants discussed the challenges and opportunities they’d encountered in their own work.
Something to build on
Perhaps the most memorable aspect of the day was the overwhelming positive feedback from the participants.
One fellow expressed, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to attend the seminar with Mr. Xavier. The experience provided valuable insights into the operational processes of the World Bank”. Such remarks underscored how pivotal the seminar was in demystifying the complex world of international project funding.
Another participant highlighted the personal impact of the event: “Having the chance to engage in a one-on-one conversation with Mr. Xavier was a significant milestone in my professional career. Discussing our project ideas and receiving valuable feedback has greatly contributed to my growth.”
Many attendees advocated for more opportunities like this, suggesting that future cohorts benefit from extended sessions to allow for even deeper interaction. “I strongly believe that similar opportunities should be made available to future fellows. Understanding how the World Bank evaluates and supports projects is essential for developing and presenting impactful proposals,” one fellow noted.
Encouraged by the feedback, GRÓ FTP organizers are already considering ways to expand future sessions, potentially increasing the duration to allow for even more in-depth discussions and personalized mentoring. This proactive approach reflects the programme’s commitment to not only training its fellows but also equipping them with the real-world skills necessary to drive sustainable change.
GRÓ FTP and global fisheries
The seminar is just one highlight of the six-month, postgraduate-level programme, run annually by GRÓ FTP in Iceland. Designed to enhance the professional capacity of fellows in the field of fisheries, the programme combines an introductory module, specialist training in areas like Fisheries Policy and Management, Aquatic Resource Assessment and Monitoring, Quality Management of Fish Handling and Sustainable Aquaculture, before culminating in a three-month research project.
Mr. Xavier Vincent’s involvement in the seminar was particularly meaningful given his extensive experience with the World Bank’s fisheries projects, including his work on the PROP(ER) programme in the Pacific from 2020 to 2023. His longstanding professional relationship with GRÓ FTP director Thor Heiðar Ásgeirsson – who also moderated the seminar – added an extra layer of connection and credibility to the event.
In sum, the seminar was a resounding success – a rare blend of informative content and an energizing, fun atmosphere that truly resonated with everyone involved. As the fellows return to their projects with fresh perspectives, the spirit of collaboration and innovation witnessed on that February afternoon promises to have a lasting impact on approaches taken to the challenges of fisheries worldwide.
