Empowering rural coastal communities in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands
Across the Pacific Islands, the loss of marine biodiversity and the decline of ecosystems are threatening the health and well-being of communities. One regional response strategy has been to scale community-based fisheries management (CBFM) nationally. Yet historic CBFM approaches are workshop-heavy and expensive, leaving most rural communities and marginalised groups – particularly women and youth – unreached.
In response, the project is investing in cost-effective, innovative national information strategies to reach communities in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands with CBFM information. Underpinned by the Pacific Framework for Action on Scaling Up Community-based Fisheries Management (2021–2025), the project will validate local, actionable CBFM solutions through learning sites and create measurable local actions via grassroots networking and capacity building.
The project will benefit 184,600 people living in 1,107 communities, with an additional 815,323 people reached indirectly through radio, news media and social media. 25 government agencies and local partners will benefit from capacity building. The project aims to empower all 1,107 communities to implement effective CBFM measures, with impact measured through access to information, capacity to act and actions taken. It is anticipated that half the communities will establish or improve protected areas and gear restrictions.
Photo credit: Multiplier/cChange
