Gallery
Our objectives
Marine Conservation and Research:
Coastal communities have a wealth of knowledge of their own local marine resources; however, many communities have noted the decline in their local fishery stocks over time. For communities reliant on subsistence fisheries actions are needed to help reverse the decline. The combination of local community knowledge and support coupled with purposeful research and management plans creates a powerful and effective tool to develop and adapt networks of marine protected areas with the function to conserve the marine environment and its vital resources for future generations.
Education and Awareness:
Community support is essential for successful marine conservation initiatives. Education and awareness programmes are the means to provide the necessary information to communities, to answer queries and to mutually exchange ideas and knowledge. These programmes are not limited to adult and elder populations of communities but also are directed toward school children, teaching valuable lessons to the youth at a young and influential age.
Alternative Livelihoods:
Marine resources are under considerable strain from local coastal communities from subsistence, artisanal and commercial fisheries in addition to poaching which is now rife in many countries. Typically there are few alternatives for rural communities that occupy the coastlines of developing countries. Research and implementation of sustainable alternative livelihood projects for coastal community members is essential to reduce the pressure on already depleted marine resources. One very important aspect of alternative livelihoods is the training and employment of local residents by our project.
Collaboration and Facilitation:
All the partnerships that we have solidified are respected and legitimate authorities in research, management and community in our host countries. We work directly with all of our partners and local communities, discussing every facet of the project including our research methods, openly sharing our findings and working out solutions to local issues for the benefit of all our partners. We also aim to assist our project partners by conducting the locally relevant research that they wish to see carried out.
Capacity Building:
Opportunities for additional experience and training can be limited in developing countries, yet it is essential for staff and students of relevant management and research organisations to develop, grow and progress within their roles. By offering full training scholarships to our project partner’s staff and indigenous university students we aim to further their experiences building a stronger base for conservation in our host countries.