Empowering the Sea Women of Melanesia
In the Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea, the human population has more than doubled in the past two decades. This has threatened marine biodiversity and placed increasing pressure on coral reefs to provide food and income for coastal communities.
In almost every populated area, traditional owners now report declines in fish stocks and other saleable marine products such as giant clams and sea cucumbers. Many island communities in the Milne Bay province are very remote and local people are living primarily subsistence lifestyles with no electricity, no running water, and extremely limited medical supplies.
To address these challenges, the project supports local communities to create and manage their own marine protected areas, thereby improving the sustainability of their artisanal fisheries. It also empowers local women to participate in marine conservation and delivers essential aid to help improve community health and well-being, especially women and children.
Looking ahead, the project will increase the assistance offered to partner coastal communities and accelerate the creation of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) which support sustainable fisheries, protect reefs, and create opportunities for ecotourism. The project team also offers marine conservation advice and delivers valuable humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities within the province.
Photo gallery credits: Sea Women of Melanesia
