Community management of no-take areas within the MPAs
Chalutier 1 au coeur de la Zone Intégrale du PNAH
To be added
Carte de Zonage de proposition de No Go Zone

Goal

The artisanal fishermen of three cooperatives are trained and involved in the resource management plan in the National Park’s marine area.

 

Process

Organization of 2 x (3) training sessions on participatory planning as a resource management tool in the National Park’s marine area.

Proposal of no-take zones or Fisheries Reserved Areas (FRAs) within the National Park’s marine area.

A monitoring report for the captures within the National Park’s marine area are being prepared in a collaborative manner by the fishermen who provided the data and the team of AGIR who wrote the report, which served to evaluate the project’s benefits.

  • The establishment of a climate of trust between communities as well as state and institution partners, prior to the actual project launch
  • The validation of no-take zones or FRAs by the fishermen and the respective authorities
  • The monitoring report of fishery product captures in the National Park’s marine area has to be communicated to the AGIR fishermen by the experts in order to evaluate the project’s benefits.
  • The activities (weekly monitoring field trips and participatory species caretaking) prepared in collaboration with the administration, has allowed an increase in fishing resources of 30 %
  • The involvement of local and national stakeholders in the restauration of biotopes and species has allowed a restauration ranging from 20 to 30 % according to the species and the ecosystems
  • The choice of no-take zones has been made by the fishermen to tackle illegal fishing. The no-take zones correspond to the marine areas close to the cliffs affected by poaching and dynamite fishing.
  • It is necessary that the workshops take the fishermen’s schedule into account (during bad weather periods or breaks)
  • It is necessary that at least 60 % of the artisanal fishermen support the no-take zones.
Planning phase
Implementation
Monitoring
Local
National
Stakeholder involvement in the management of marine areas
Pecheurs Cala Iris PNAH
Implication des Pecheurs dans le Suivi des Balbuzards
Femmelle Balbu au Nid

Goals

  • Improving the knowledge about threatened species by conducting targeted research and monitoring.    
  • Involving local communities in the management of coastal and marine resources, biotopes, and threatened populations.

 

Process

A workshop was organized to launch the project and to establish a climate of trust between the stakeholders. At least 50 representatives of the Gendarmerie, the Maritime Fisheries Department of the High Commissariat for Water and Forests and Desertification, the local fishing communities and the NGO AGIR joined the participatory workshop.

 

A multiparty caretaking committee was elected to involve all stakeholders. The committee is presided by the Governor of Al Hoceima Province.

 

The AGIR team and the fishermen are equipped to participate in a study of monitoring and participatory evaluation regarding the conservation state of resources and habitat. Monitoring of threatened flagship species is led in coordination with the relevant authorities.

 

Weekly field trips were organized for the monitoring of the surveillance and control program of illegal activities within the MPA.

 

A scientific report reflects on the new conservation state (habitat restauration, threatened species, and marine resources). 

  • The establishment of a climate of trust between communities as well as state and institution partners, prior to the actual project launch
  • Mastering adaptive management methods and the participatory education of a great number of artisanal fishermen
  • The organization of participatory workshops to identify and correct the threats that put pressure on the entire ecosystem
  • The weekly monitoring and participatory caretaking field trips must be prepared in consultation with the administration
  • In order to involve the local population, at least twenty participants, among them artisanal fishermen from the cooperatives, are being supported and educated. This education aims to give them the means to contribute to the monitoring and participatory evaluation studies regarding the conservation status of resources and habitats and the monitoring of threatened flagship species.
  • It is necessary that the workshops take the fishermen’s schedule into consideration (during bad weather periods or breaks)
  • At least 30 % of the local population has to be affected by the sensitization campaign on the protection of flagship species in the MPA. This campaign, carried out during the first year of the project, has to be supported by the participation of local and national media.
Planning phase
Inception phase
Implementation
Local
Post training monitoring of progress and feedback
The monitoring of the interpretive efforts over time is essential as it provides continued reinforcement that the interpretation is working. Furthermore, it also acts as an opportunity for the operators to come together and discuss openly challenges faced, challenges overcome and success stories they have enjoyed. Learning from each other is the best possible feedback and having a facilitated opportunity to do this makes it realistic and beneficial to the overall effort of protecting the marine resources. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) took on the responsibility of monitoring the interpretive efforts. The KWS was able to oversee a few meetings with various operators to discuss progress but sadly the monitoring momentum slowed down after the initial meetings.
Having regular meetings is essential. Do not assume that since the interpretive efforts are working well 2 weeks after the workshop that they will continue to do so for many more weeks thereafter. Continual reinforcement is a necessity.
In this particular solution the feedback sessions were appointed to a third party. Sadly this third party did not uphold their commitment to host these feedback sessions and as a result the interpretive efforts gradually reduced over time. When the same workshop was conducted in another Kenyan marine park efforts were made to maintain these feedback sessions and as a result interpretive efforts worked better over the long run.
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Review phase
Local
Interpretive tools to influence behavior
Sander den Haring
Distribution of materials on the reef environment to snorkel operators.
Sander den Haring
Sander den Haring
Distribution of materials on the reef environment to snorkel operators.
Sander den Haring
Sander den Haring
Distribution of materials on the reef environment to snorkel operators.
Sander den Haring
Sander den Haring
Distribution of materials on the reef environment to snorkel operators.
Sander den Haring
To facilitate the interpretive efforts reaching the snorkeling clients a set of materials was designed and created to be used by the snorkel operators. This set of materials included: a 20-sided, A3, waterproof flip chart depicting organized information on the reef environment, a double sided water proof marine life identification slate, a salesman folder (used to sell excursions in a more organized and professional manner), flags used to brand the boats that undertook the training and deliver interpretive efforts, a uniform branded with the workshop logo and sign boards placed along the beach explaining what the branded logo stands for (so clients can choose their boats accordingly) and also depicting the newly developed code of conduct all boats will adhere to. This code of conduct was developed during the workshop in one of the group discussions.
Available funding for material production and free distribution of materials.
It is important to create easy to use and clear materials that any of the target audience (in this case coastal snorkel boat operators) can use. Apart from just designing these materials, it is essential that training be included in how to use these materials. This offers the target audience an opportunity to ask questions about the materials or overcome their fears of not understanding what each material is used for. The training session described above was essential in making the target audience more comfortable with the materials. Some of the participants who were too shy during the training to make use of this practice session were not seen using the materials after the workshop. Showing the target audience how easy it is to use these materials is very important.
Implementation
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Local
Subnational
National
Interpretive training workshop
The interpretive workshop is the main medium used to deliver the interpretive efforts (the solution) to the snorkeling clientele (or any other target audience). The workshop trains the snorkel operators (or any other body responsible for delivering interpretive messages) to deliver interpretive efforts. These interpretive efforts target salient beliefs identified in the previous building block to influence the behavior of the target audience. The Sea Through the Looking Glass solution used in the Mombasa Marine Park used expert presentations, group discussions and role-play scenarios to make the snorkel operators comfortable with the interpretation they would offer their clients.
The target audience for the workshop must be willing. Dialogue between all parties leading up to the workshop must accurately convey what the workshop is and what benefits the target audience will gain from it. If the target audience sees no benefit, they will not sacrifice their time to be part of the workshop.
As discussed above, communication is essential. If certain key persons are neglected, not invited, or over stepped the workshop could be doomed to failure.
Implementation
Local
Identifying salient beliefs of target audience
The driving beliefs that impact behavior in any region must first be identified before these salient beliefs can be targeted. These salient beliefs can vary between different geographic regions and/or different target audiences (tourists, residents, citizens, geographic origins, life styles etc..). If these salient beliefs are not adequately researched, any interpretive efforts delivered would have the result of searching for a needle in a haystack, as all interpretive messages will be based on targeting these salient beliefs. In this instance the salient beliefs of the snorkeling clients were identified, and more specifically, the beliefs they held towards “not contacting the reef substrate”. Structured interviews exploring their descriptive norms, normative norms, control beliefs and attitudes were conducted to identify their salient beliefs. Results of these interviews will distinguish between compliers and non-compliers and hence the salient beliefs for any particular behavior can be identified. Once these salient beliefs were identified, interpretive messages were created focusing on these salient beliefs.
A willing snorkel audience to partake in the interviews is essential to gather the necessary information. In my experience if the interview is not too long (more than 5 minutes) than most people will be willing to assist. The interview in question consists of 8 questions that are answered in freelisting style and should not take more than 5 minutes per person.
Having clear, concise and similar (for al the interviews) wording in the interviews is essential. Avoid double negatives and refer to a specific behavior that needs to be influenced. The more general the behavior is, the less likely the salient beliefs will be identified.
Planning phase
Local
Value chain analysis for key fisheries
Mwambao
Participatory Market System Development workshop, Pemba
Mwambao
Mwambao
Ali Thani presenting at a Participatory Market System Development workshop, Pemba
Mwambao
Mwambao
Octopus export companies agent showing an example of premium catch at Participatory Market System Development workshop, Pemba
Mwambao

This entails the collection of information through focus groups and interviews with fishers and buyers to understand the octopus fishery, number of buyers, prices, processing, export destination and decision-making criteria, in particular whether a fisher is ‘locked’ into a relationship with a buyer. The interviews use the value chain questions included in the STEP survey designed by E. O’Neill of Stockholm Resilience Center. Interviews and focus groups were held with octopus, sea cucumber and cowrie collectors and buyers and seaweed growers. Information has been gathered as to export markets and collector/buyer relationships. The supply chain for octopus has been elaborated, key players identified and links established. Buying price fluctuation has been noted and reasons explored. This information is invaluable when designing an intervention to add value to the fishery or when looking at the viability of new market buyers or destinations. This work in Pemba has been followed up with 'participatory market system development' workshops (supported by FFI) with all stakeholders. This resulted in commitment from all players to play their part in supporting the intervention, including buyers agreeing to negotiate a set price with fisher committees before 'opening day'.

  • Trust between the interviewee and the interviewer leading to open sharing of information
  • Availability of project staff to carry out interviews in conjunction with fisheries officers
  • Availability of financial resources to cover working times of those involved
  • Prior information (i.e. stock assessments if possible) on species vulnerability for a particular fishery
  • Supportive buyers
  • Some export markets have continued for many years without any consideration of demands at destination and whether value can be added at the place of origin. Possibilities for processing and marketing potential however must be carefully assessed, e.g. by looking at the sustainability of current levels of harvesting.
  • Credit facilities and trust appear to be the main motivating factors for fishers to stay with a particular buyer.
  • Main buyers are not as ‘irreplaceable’ as supposed and alternative market options were revealed, as well as alternative processing options i.e. drying octopus to transport to local markets when export buyers were not purchasing (Pemba). Maintaining relationships with supportive buyers however is important where possible.
  • There is apparently no local incentive to fish larger octopus although some export markets are thought to pay a higher price for these individuals.
Entirety
Local
Subnational
National
Fisher Committee capacity building
Mwambao
Management planning in Kukuu, Pemba
Mwambao
Mwambao
Training the fisher committee in Kisiwa Panza, Pemba
Mwambao
Mwambao
Management planning in Kukuu, Pemba
Mwambao
Mwambao
Kukuu Village Fisher Committee with their management plan
Mwambao

Collaborative management explores opportunities within current fishery regulations and laws and provides an opportunity to make improvements in the management of octopus and other species fisheries. Challenges lie both in lack of capacity of Village Fisheries Committees but also the ability at Fisheries Department level to hand over management responsibilities to these committees. Officers are often unfamiliar with the principles of collaborative management and how it can improve fisheries management locally and assist the Department in discharging their responsibilities e.g. patrolling, local closures etc. Project leaders have involved Fisheries Department officers in all trainings of Village Fisheries Committees and ensured regular feedback to the Department's HQ. A manual has been compiled to assist Department officers and to guide Village Fisheries Committees. It includes sections on: · Standard operation procedures for Village Fisheries Committees · Mechanism for handling conflicts · Process for by-law formulation · Guidelines for record keeping · Strategy for self financing · Communication strategy

  • Training modules available
  • Supporting NGO/trainer with required skills and resources
  • Community interest and will
  • Conducive relationship with Department of Fisheries officers
  • Enabling legislation
  • A manual for Village Fishery Committee operation procedures prepared in the local language
  • Where collaborative management for fisheries is new, it is imperative that fisheries authorities do not feel threatened by the process and fully understand the benefits. It is thus important that the concerned fisheries officers take part in any training and that Department HQ staff are kept fully informed of the process.
  • Sensitive facilitation during trainings is important
  • Ongoing support/training for Village Fisheries Committees for a period ideally of not less than two years is desirable in order to build capacity and to assist with ongoing challenges
  • During development of local by-laws it is important that suggested fines/penalties are implementable
  • Roles and responsibilities of committee members should be clearly understood to aid in the election of the most appropriate persons to key positions
  • Opportunities for committee self-financing should be explored in collaboration with the fisheries authorities, including opportunities for revenue collection
  • Building capacity for conflict resolution is very important especially in a previously open access fishery
Entirety
Local
Subnational
National
Participatory video for documentation and lesson sharing
Mwambao
Community members engrossed in a participatory video workshop
Mwambao
Mwambao
Participatory video workshop
Mwambao

Participatory video (PV) is used to explore octopus management in depth, document success, challenges or traditional knowledge of the octopus fishery; and monitor changes in attitude, knowledge or yield over time. Trainees, many of whom have never handled film-making equipment, are trained in the basic techniques; · Trainees decide the content of the film and work together to design the storyboard; · Trainees decide who and where to interview and all film is reviewed and discussed daily on return; · Editing is time-restricted (2-3 days) and is guided by a ‘paper edit’ carried out with trainees/community members. Having left the film location, subsequent editing is not carried out (apart from subtitling) so the film remains as reviewed by trainees/village communities. The resulting film is a visual output that is used to share lessons and experiences about octopus management and that builds on the oral traditions of local fishing communities in a language and terminology that is accessible to them. The aim is not to produce perfect cinematography but to produce a community product and communicate octopus management issues and options to a wider groups of stakeholders including new villages. This only needs repeating in one or two communities but is useful in the piloting period. 

  • Availability of technical equipment to make community films and to show them
  • Trainees and trainers available for a period of at least 12 days
  • Commitment to the whole process from the team of trainees
  • Facilitators who are trained in the process and techniques of filming and editing
  • Financial resources to cover time-input of participants
  • Clear terms of engagement and full consent for filming
  • Consent from all participants to allow the organization and the community to use the film freely in its current form
  • PV is an extremely powerful tool for getting ‘beneath the skin’ of an issue PV imparts many skills to the community
  • PV builds trust and understanding between facilitators and trainees
  • If possible, it is preferable for trainees to have long-term access to simple film equipment or smartphones for continued use and recording of lessons
  • PV requires a committed and skilled team of facilitators but they do not need to be trained film-makers or photographers
Entirety
Local
Subnational
Vimeo channel
Community data collection and participatory analysis
Mwambao
Kisiwa Panza Village Fishers Committee participatory analysis workshop
Mwambao
Mwambao
Kisiwa Panza Village Fishers Committee participatory analysis workshop
Mwambao
Mwambao
Training data recorders in Kukuu, Pemba
Mwambao
Mwambao
Kisiwa Panza Village Fishers Committee participatory analysis workshop
Mwambao

This building block relates to the ownership and in situ analysis of collected monitoring data. At the pilot site, four village school-leavers were recruited and trained to record data on octopus catches at each of two landing sites. Training was given in weighing and measuring the catch of 30 fishers/day over the 16 main fishing days of the lunar month (spring tides). Data books were then submitted monthly to the data logger; a local school teacher who was trained in excel using a laptop computer. Project leaders kept in regular contact with data recorders and the results were checked to identify problems at an early stage. After 8 months of recording, two parameters were chosen by which to examine the results of the exercise with the recording team: total catch per fishing period for both landing sites, and average size of octopus per fishing period. Recorders were shown how to make bar-charts to display the results. A detailed discussion with project leaders explored what the data and trends might suggest. The data recorders then visited the headquarters of the Department for Fisheries Development and presented their results. An ensuing discussion explored the implications for management and any changes suggested.

  • Members of the community that can read and write in order to be able to make written records of catch data
  • Buyers who are amenable to their catch being weighed and recorded at the landing site
  • A community member who can be trained to log data on a laptop
  • Regular support and interest in the work of the data recorders by project leaders
  • A supporting partner/project leader who can facilitate simple analysis of data collected in a participatory manner
  • Data recorders need a thorough understanding of the data to be collected and of the importance of correct recordings. (People’s exact names and ages, as well as the time spent fishing are important so that fishing effort can be calculated for instance).
  • Regular logging and checking of data is crucial so that mistakes or misunderstandings can be picked up early and corrected accordingly (use of a restricted entry form (macro) helps minimize errors).
  • Participatory analysis of data needs to be given adequate time and kept at a level that is easily assimilated and presented.
  • Participatory analysis of data gives the data recorders and the Village Fisheries Committee pride and confidence in their work and raises their standing with Fisheries Department officers. It also gives them evidence/references for discussion of future management options with the community.
Monitoring
Documentation and dissemination of results
Review phase
Local
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