Progress report for
Support civil society organization's work with climate change adaptation, sustainable seafood systems, and sustainable job creation
Achievement at a glance
8 NGOs received financial support between 2021 and 2025 to work on climate change resilience in the coastal zone, sustainable seafood systems and more sustainable jobs in the ocean sector.In Mozambique and Tanzania, WWF is assessing climate vulnerability of communities, conducting training on sustainable mangrove management and seedling production, as well as preparatory activities for implementing improved local mangrove management plans. In Indonesia, HIVOS assesses environmental degradation and climate change impacts on coastal communities, and includes mangrove restoration initiatives and integration of climate change adaptation into its activities. WCS in Kenya uses long-term data to help predict climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems and supports adaptation planning for communities. Habitat models have been developed predicting the extent and condition of coral, seagrass, and mangrove under current and future climate scenarios. In Colombia, the MarViva project is developing climate change adaptation plans and has developed a methodology for analyzing climate change vulnerability and adaptation in protected areas. MarViva is working with indigenous and Afro-Colombian groups, to design local adaptation measures based on identified ecological elements, climate risks, and potential responses.
Sustainable Seafood Systems.
In Colombia, MarViva, WCS and Conservation International are strengthening local governance structures for fisheries management, marine conservation and value addition for seafood products, through improved data, governance and practices. In Leticia, Amazonas, more than 90 fishers—primarily women—from the TIKA organization made history by leading the first EcoGourmet pilot focused on inland waters. Their flagship product, CHONI fish flour, is an innovative result of transforming low-market-value fish using ancestral knowledge and modern techniques to create a nutritious food with Amazonian identity. In Kenya, Blue Ventures, WCS and TNC support data-driven and community-led fisheries management. Through Blue Venture’s project, over 300 fishers are now actively collecting and analyzing data, strengthening community-led management and helping ensure the vital fisheries continue to support livelihoods for generations to come. In Ghana, Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) works to end illegal fishing and promote participatory co-management. The project provides platforms for the strategic engagement of key actors for participatory review and implementation of a national fisheries management plan.
Sustainable Job Creation and Improved Livelihoods
In Colombia, WCS focuses on sustainable non-fishery livelihoods for fishing communities prioritizing food security and local supply. This includes establishing campoescuela (agricultural training), providing tools and seed banks, and exploring product transformation and sales points, while traditional home gardens are being built to strengthen food securityIn Ghana, EJF aim to improve income resilience through enhanced value addition and enterprise development. Engaging and empowering women throughout the fisheries value chain is a core goal through activities like Village Savings and Loans Association formations and capacity strengthening. In Kenya, working alongside Blue Ventures, local fish processors have begun improving how they handle and store fish, using new community guidelines to reduce losses and increase quality. They’ve started exploring better equipment, like fryers and boilers, and are finding ways to earn more, especially for women, who make up the majority of processors.
Next Steps
Johanne FremstadBeneficiaries
Coastal communities in Colombia, Ghana, Mozambique, Tanzania, Kenya and Indonesia.
Actions
In addition to what is already mentioned under "achievement at a glance":In Tanga, Tanzania, Blue Ventures has worked with fishers over the past four years to collect monthly octopus data. This information has helped them time temporary fishery closures to allow octopus populations to recover – leading to a dramatic increase in catch, from just 4 kg after the first closure to 3.8 tons after four years of improved management. In Indonesia, TNC trials e-logbooks and image-based data capture on 70 artisanal snapper vessels and manages a database of over 4,000 fishing vessels. Data contributed to the government’s review of the fisheries management plan and harvest strategy development.
In Mozambique and Tanzania, WWF is supporting the establishment of sustainable community-led enterprises. The regional SWIO Venture Builder has been launched to promote bankable livelihood alternatives. In Indonesia, WCS implements an alternative livelihood program supporting eco-friendly fishing practices and sustainable business models, including establishing small Fisher Shops (Gerai Nelayan) offering legal gear and business units selling fish caught with eco-friendly methods. They are also working on establishing a Multi-Stakeholder Cooperative to market products and share profits.