In order to start a capacity building strategy, a diagnosis of the fishing organization is first conducted. Fishermen are trained in different topics such as leadership skills, scientific monitoring, community surveillance, administration of fishing organizations, human development. Training is provided by members of the Alliance, such as civil society organizations, other fishermen, academia and governmental agencies.
- Ownership and responsibility for the initiative by the fishermen
- Active participation by fishermen
- Strong leadership
- Institutions with capacities and will to support fishermen
By bringing together social, environmental and economic topics for the trainings and not focusing solely on resource management related workshops, we have been able to increase collective impact and sustain it over time. Strengthening the three key aspects to sustainability has been fundamental. We’ve learned that our best strategy is that which provides leadership skills, human development, personal and organizational administration, business plans for fishing cooperatives or fair trade. Fishermen need to be asked and coached to find out their own weaknesses and strengths. Time and resources must be invested to include customers into the fishermen’s projects.