Community engagement through empowering activities
In order to ensure sustainability and long-term effectiveness, those areas are managed by the community, alongside with:
- Development of a sustainable fish consumer guide for restaurants and tourists through research on sustainable fish, fishing practices, fish supply chains and demand
- Establishment of 5 livelihood associations such as VSLAs
- Feasibility study for the development of sustainable fishing cooperatives
- Training and equipment of fishermen as Ocean Rangers to monitor fishing practices.
These activities have resulted in the reduction of destructive, indiscriminate artisanal fishing methods and over-fishing in four fishing communities in order to reduce unsustainable pressure on fish stocks and the catch of vulnerable species (Tofo, Barra, Rocha, Morrungulo and potentially Bazaruto).
Communities are empowered through the management of their marine areas and through education activities, as well as improved livelihoods. They engage therefore in safeguarding their resources, instead of using destructive fishing methods.
- Identifying and supporting other forms of alternative livelihoods for fisher households help to reduce their reliance on destructive fishing methods and reduce the impact of reef closures on the economic status and food security of their families.
- Social mobilization and awareness raising are instrumental in building pressure for change in behavior and practices at the local and provincial level.