The Caribbean Fish Sanctuaries Partnership Initiative (C-FISH ) Innovative Approaches for Engaging Caribbean Communities in the Ecosystem-based Adaptation.
Dr Owen Day
The CARIBSAVE Partnership
Caribbean Fish Sanctuaries Partnership Initiative A 4-year project (2012-2016) funded by UKAID (£2.1 million) through the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), and implemented by CARIBSAVE. It is part of The CARICOM Regional Framework for Achieving Development Resilient to Climate Change implemented by the CCCCC.
Objectives of C-FISH Initiative• To support and promote effective MPA management as a strategy for
Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA) to climate change.
• To provide financial & technical support for the management of community-based MPAs.
• To promote alternative livelihoods in fishing communities & build mutually beneficial linkages between tourism & fisheries sectors.
• To facilitate stakeholder participation & to monitor the effectiveness of MPA management.
• To promote public awareness of the environmental, social & economic benefits that MPAs can generate in Caribbean countries.
Caribbean Fish Sanctuaries Partnership Initiative (C-FISH)
Economic Importance of Coral Reefs in the Caribbean
Coral reefs contribute between US$ 3 to 5 billion annually to tourism, fisheries and coastal protection in the Caribbean.
Local Threats Overfishing Destructive fishing Coastal development Land-based pollution Marine pollution/damage
Global Threats Warming seas Ocean acidification
Threats to Caribbean Coral Reefs
Main achievements
Support for livelihoods diversification initiated within fishing communities• Training for local craft producers and access to markets sold in all-inclusive resorts • Support for seamoss farmers and creation of new NVQ in seamoss farming• New business partnerships brokered for community-based tours planned in MPA• Support provided for fishers to target offshore pelagics• Coral restoration livelihood partnership initiated
Facilitated significant ecological recovery in some MPAs
• 1300% increase in fish biomass in one MPA• 250% increase in coral cover • Established community-based monitoring of
fish biomass• >US$500,000 in grants given for patrol boats,
MPA staff salaries, equipment,…
Capacity Building For MPA Management
• >US$500,000 in grants given for enforcement; wardens, managers, equipment, patrol boats, engines…
• Strengthening local governance
• Training in MPA management
• Community-based monitoring
MPA Patrol boat Carriacou, Grenada
Equipment, training and tools for community-based enforcement of MPAs
Community-based monitoring of ecosystem
Supporting livelihood Diversification and Sustainable Financing for MPAs
Providing Access to Markets through Partnerships with Private Sector
Livelihood support for:CraftCommunity-based tourismOffshore fishingSeamoss farmingCoral gardeningOther
ACCESS TO MARKETS
C-FISH Craft ProgrammeWorking with:
- Bluefields Bay artisans- Oracabessa-Boscobel artisans- Treasure Beach Women’s
Group
C-FISH providing:- Product development (JBDC)- Start up materials & training- Partnerships for sales with
Sandals and Things Jamaican (JBDC)
• Products: tote bags, tablet covers, jewellery, key rings, greeting cards, calabash carvings, soaps, etc.
• 1st order for Sandals under way
C-FISH Craft Programme
Support for Seamoss Farmers in PSEPA, St Lucia
Education, sensitisation and awareness building (National Vocational Qualification in sustainable sea-moss production).
Procurement of Tools and Equipment e.g. solar dryer which can be utilised by seamoss farmers on the island
More effective marketing (improved labeling and product diversification, Publicity)
Habitat Restoration Programme
Coral restoration in Boscobel Fish Sanctuary, Nov 24th 2015
Coral nurseries established in Jamica for staghorn Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis
Thank youThank you
