An Overview Of Our Solution
Protecting the Endangered Green Turtles Through Traditional Fishing Practices
Who is this solution impacting?
Ecosystem
Oceans/Coasts
Community Type
Rural
Additional Information
- Population Impacted:
- Continent: Africa
Problem
Describe the problem
The approach that I will use to bring a solution to this problem is investing in traditional methods of fishing that were used by our forefathers. I will mobilize old men in five landing sites and document their experiences and knowledge in using traditonal methods of fishing. From this infromation and their input, I intend to organize for meetings and use the old men who are also fishermen to promote these traditional fishing methods and discourage the use of modern technologies of fishing. The old (men) fishermen will make and display the various gears they have been using since then and had valuable catch of fish. Young fishermen will be educated how to use and make such gears in exchange of their unsustainable gears. The Old men (Fishermen) will be u resource people in this area.
Biodiversity Impact
Before in development of modern technology and use of modern fishing gears, fishing was going on without cases of environmental degradation and loss of certain fish. Turtle species were not at risk as it is the case today. Unsustainable fishing has destructed coral reefs, sea grass and put the entire ecosystem unhealth. My solution will focus on promoting traditional and sustainable fishing methods that have been in use from time in memorial. The number of fishermen who use these gears are now very few and old, and if nothing will be done to tap and document these practices, and promote them for adoption by the new generation for sustainability purposes, marine resource degradation will always be felt. This solution (traditional gears) are sustainable in nature because they are made using local available materials as opposed to longline or engine boats and trawlers. They are sustainable in such a way that their use is selective in certain areas in the sea. There is no bycatch or stepping on reefs or damaging of sea grass. The solution (traditonal gears) go for specific type of fish and only catches big fish and not fingerlings. The health of the ecosystem according to the old men has been put into consideration and there was no polution of any nature in the sea when fishing as seen today. Canoes made from tree logs were mainly used to access the sea unlike today when destrucitve boats are used. Sea turtle through traditional fishing gears will not be under threat as they are traditional associated with a health ecosystem and the existance of alot fish where turtles forage.
Solution
Promoting use of traditional fishing methods as oppossed to use of modern fishing methods is a way of reducing overfishing and pressure in the marine ecosystem thus protecting biodiversity. Local threats such as spear gun fishing and use of trawlers and longline, have been very common. The solution (traditional fishing)i.e. use of local made fish traps, use of sisal fishing lines that are bio-degradable when they remain in the sea will be used thus protecting marine creatures. Threats as in oil spills due to use of engine boats will be not be seen since fishermen will be encouraged to use local canoes made of wood. carrying of paper bags to the beach and in-water will be alternated by using crafts made from raffias or palm trees. These (local bags) will not be threats to sea turtles or dolphins as opposed to the use of plastic bags. Traditional systems will be promoted by the local old fishermen through awareness meetings and educate/traing youthful fishermen on environmental friendly fishinhg practices so as to protect the biodiversity from local threats. Through organized workshops and seminars, this awareness will be extended to local school to targeted future fishermen for sustainability of the solution. Themes on sustainable fishing practices will be developed and school children and teachers involved in Art work and beach cleaning. With the involvement of adult and respected old men who are also elders of their community, chances of adapting to this solution (traditional fishing) is high. Biodiversity protection will therefor be protected and threates will be reduced. // The solution (traditional fishing) will be promoted within an area covering 22900 hectares. The area has developed international reputation for its pristine white-sand beaches and reef-protected lagoons, which line the Watamu National Marine Park and Reserves, which are the oldest in East Africa. The are is also recognized internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This means that the area is designated as a site of natural excellence, and should demonstrate how local people and the environment can co ƒ??exist through careful stewardship of our natural marine resources and human assets. The Marine Park and Reserve is renowned world wide for its natural beauty and boasts a rich marine life from the visiting Whale Sharks and Manta Rays to three species of Sea Turtle. The Park and its coral gardens are one of the main justifications for visiting Watamu. There is an exceptional shoreline with Watamu voted one of the top ten beaches in the world; steeped in natural fauna and flora and with three stunning bays, Watamu, Blue Lagoon and Turtle Bay. Watamu National Park is part of a complex of marine and tidal habitats along the Kenyaƒ??s north coast. It is enclosed by the Malindi Marine National Reserve which also encloses Malindi Marine National Park. Habitats include intertidal rock, sand and mud, fringing reefs and coral gardens, coral cliffs, sandy beaches and the Mida Creek mangrove forest. Marine life attractions include fish, turtles, dugongs and crabs. The Mida Creek forest has a high diversity of mangrove species comprizing seven species out of nine.
Replicability
How many years has your solution been applied? 1 year // Have others reproduced your solution elsewhere? No // Community Based Environmental Conservation is a community based project that is fully under control and management of the local community. In planning of the solution, we engage community conservation groups mainly composed of fishermen who are members of Beach Management Units. These community groups are registered and are members of COBEC. In managing the project, there is a Project Manager, Three project officers, volunteers and a community representative. We do planning of work together and implement together. Stakeholders in every project activities are involved in implementation. Reports are written with contribution from both community members and project officers. We have good financial reporting system that is transparent and open for inspection by membres. I manage the project and report back to donors through technical and financial submissions.
Human Well Being and Livelihood Impact
Majority of the people living along the Kenyan coast depend on fishing for their livelihood. Sources of income are very minimal and apart from fishing, the livelihood of these people is doomed. The sea/ocean is therefore an important source of income interms of fishing and other related activities. Any damage that will be done to the marine ecosytem directly impacts negatively on the local people. Threats directed at destruciting the biodiversity should be at all cost discouraged and banned. Overfishing and use of unsustainable fishing practices are mainly major threats to the livelihood of these people. The solution (traditional fishing) proposed ensures sustainable practices that safeguards/protects the marine resources for the benefit of the local people. This solution ensures that fish stocks are in plenty because they do not deplete the fish stocks. Foraging grounds are not destroyed through the use of these traditional fishing gears and thus ensures that fish and other marine life are and the entire ecosystems remains health. This will have a direct positive impact to over 500 fishermen, 200 fish mongers and their families. Being a Marine protected area where tourist go for snorkelling, tourists will be attracted as a result of healthy coral reefs and existances of differenet species of marine life. Direct and indirect employment will also boost the livelihood of the local people. Foreign exchange will be received and families of those directly impacted will also benefit. The solution is therefore important in ensuring wellbeing in livelihoods improvement. // The involvement of the community has been the stronghold factor in ensuring success in the solution. The Community is involved in decision making and the community chairman representing the interests of the group is involved in the planning and execution of the activities. There is good record keeping and financial reporting in every asoect of the solution. The community have good attitudes and have accepted the solution for their benefit. According Fisheries Act of Kenya, the community has been mandated through community structures of Beach Management Units (MBUs) to monitor and regulate fishing practices within their areas. This therefore gives the community power in decision making as far marine activities are concerned. The management structure that this solution will take, will enhance community participation in decision making by involving them in planning and execution ot the solution. The community will be fully represented in the project implementation committee to ensure that fishermen interests are represented. Since this solution is based on local community traditional knowledge of fishing, community involvement will detremine the success of this solution. The approach here is community driven where transparency and accountability will be invested. As has been seen in other experiences, success is hinged on community perception of the solution on whether they take it as theirs or foreign. In every aspect of the project, their will be fully involvement of the community. Activity planning will be a duty of all.