Community-based management of fisheries resources: An approach to sustainable growth

Main waterbodies and fisheries are inherently shared resources that each member of the community is entitled to use equally. Fishing creates jobs and supports the livelihoods of millions of people in rural regions, particularly in Asia and Africa, while also contributing to food and nutrition security. However, unsustainable fishing practices put fish resources under constant pressure. Local communities suffer because of these careless, continuous practices – especially while facing the growing impact of climate change through floods or droughts.

To protect rural livelihoods, it is necessary to take a holistic approach towards climate resilience and adaptiveness, which entails actions and stakeholder engagement on micro, meso, and macro levels, a variety of skills, time, and other resources, and collaboration with other sectors, such as agriculture development and water resource management. This approach not only addresses immediate threats but also builds long-term resilience against climate change impacts by integrating agroecological principles that promote sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation.

The knowledge product examines the community-based approach to managing fisheries resources, emphasizing the importance of voluntary community involvement. Through the use of participatory rural assessment techniques, the strategy fosters a strong sense of community ownership in fisheries management, which in turn will increase the amount of available fish and income for the community. By involving local communities in decision-making processes and promoting sustainable practices, this approach ensures that fisheries management is culturally appropriate, environmentally sustainable, and economically beneficial, ultimately leading to improved resource management and community well-being.