Resilience for Mozambique's Small-Scale Fisheries
International conservation organization Rare has included Mozambique to its list of partnering countries participating in its Fish Forever programme, an initiative for small-scale fisheries management worldwide.
This launch aims to move the country toward sustainable fishing practices that both preserve the country’s incredible ecosystem biodiversity, and allow for more sustainable fisheries.
In partnership with the Nordic Development Fund, the World Bank, the National Institute for the Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture (IDEPA), and Mozambique’s Ministry of the Sea, Inland Waters and Fisheries, the launch of Rare’s Fish Forever programme in Mozambique signifies its 5th country globally and first African nation to partner on transforming both the local and national approach to small-scale fisheries management.
“Our direct partnership with IDEPA and the Ministry of Fisheries reflects our shared commitment to empower and equip local communities with the necessary tools to manage their fisheries more sustainably,” said Patrick Mehlman, Rare’s Vice President of Mozambique programmes, noting that this tandem effort will “further strengthen the framework for success” in future efforts to establish a national model for fisheries management along the country’s vibrant coast.
The launch of this partnership also addresses formidable global concerns around food security, livelihood sustainability and climate change mitigation. For many in Mozambique, fishing serves as an essential source of food and income. Nearly half a million people nationwide rely on small-scale fishing for employment, and small-scale fishers account for more than 85 per cent of the country’s annual catch.
