Fisheries and food security

I’m the Program and Operations Manager at AQUADEV, an organization I’ve been deeply involved with since its founding in 2009, both in France and Haiti. From the beginning, I have contributed to its growth by establishing strategic partnerships in France, coordinating field activities in Haiti, and developing a strong portfolio of high-impact projects.

AQUADEV focuses on environmental restoration, the empowerment of youth and women, and livelihood support for fisherfolk and local merchants. My expertise lies in organizational development and understanding social dynamics across diverse communities. I have championed a strategy based on knowledge transmission to children and youth, using their engagement as a powerful catalyst to raise awareness across entire communities.

Asif Ali Shah is a seasoned Pakistani diplomat having over 21 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). His dynamic career has taken him across Georgia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Bangkok and Pakistan, where he has established/led resilient, emergency, and development programming over a portfolio of 170 USD, across United Nations agencies and international organizations focusing on strategic efforts in development programming in MEAL, institutional reform, and results-based evaluation. He has successfully collaborated with a wide array of donors, including EU, USAID, GEF, GCF, FCDO, JICA and Italy, ensuring rigorous standards and cross-sectoral impact.
Currently based in Georgia, Asif contributes to international development platforms with deep expertise in rolling-out MEAL, data systems, accountability frameworks, and stakeholder coordination. Known for his precision, independence, and cross-sectoral leadership, he blends global experience with local insight to advance transparent, impactful solutions. This multidimensional background enables him to adapt swiftly, communicate effectively, and drive strategic innovation in complex development environments.
Beyond his professional work, Asif is a passionate horseman and accomplished polo player. He proudly participated in the legendary Shandur Polo Festival, held at the highest polo ground in the world—often referred to as the “Roof of the World.” His love for the sport reflects a commitment to discipline, heritage, and resilience.

Long-term (35+ year) experience in sustainable economic development, climate change, environment in different economic sectors as an institutional development, strategic planning, capacity development, and knowledge management and communication expert in programmes and projects in Asia, Africa and Caribbean. Working in multi-disciplinary teams and for international organisations (ADB, UNICEF, UNDP, FAO, UNESCO, AU-NEPAD, IFAD-BSF, UNESCO-IHE, DFID, EC-DG-DEVCO/DG-INTPA, ACP-CTA, CAREC Institute), government and research institutions, universities, NGOs, private sector and (inter)national networks in Asia, Africa, Caribbean and Pacific.
In last two decades advising government institutions, international organisations and civil society organizations and networks in Asia/Pacific and Africa on institutional development, strategic and business planning, capacity development, knowledge and information management, communication, partnerships, use of ICTs, and innovation in different socio-economic sectors.
I have worked with international networks, NGOs, community-based organizations and local communities in the broader context of sustainable development with a focus on poverty reduction, gender equality, sustainable livelihoods, life-long learning, health and education. Before 2000 specifically focused on research and management of fisheries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean.

For more information on my projects see: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/ruudcrul

Expert in small-scale and industrial fisheries and aquaculture with experience in developing countries on projects funded by international donors and technical agencies (mainly EU, FAO), particularly in quality and safety of fishery products, value-added products, and fish processing.
Expert in developing pictorial training manuals on good practices regarding fish quality and safety, handling, and processing for small-scale fisheries. Designed pictorial awareness materials such as posters. Developed training manuals on good business practices for small-scale fisheries, including value-chain product possibilities.
Expert in technical document translation in the sector of fisheries and aquaculture, and studies.