BGF#5
Type: Small
SeyCCAT strategic objective: Empower the fisheries sector with robust science and knowhow to improve governance, sustainability, value and market option
Lead Project Partner: Sustainable Synergies
Partners: Juhi Jha
Summary:
The FAO has previously acknowledged that small scale fisheries are “firmly rooted in local communities, traditions and values”. In Seychelles, there has not yet been formal research into this aspect of fisheries. This project tries to address this gap. The project will bring about the anticipated change by engaging fishermen in thinking and sharing about their own socio-cultural well-being and how it links to their work. This data will be used to generate a report that can inform future governance, policies for sustainability and broaden frameworks for ‘value’. The main aim of this project is to generate the report and in order to do this, this project is envisioned as an ethnographic study of a group of artisanal fishermen. Although the main output of this project is a report aimed at policymakers, the artisanal fishing community as a whole is considered the target beneficiary of this project because of the expected impact of the report.
Therefore, the project addresses SeyCCAT strategic objective 2 which is to empower the fisheries sector with robust science and know-how to improve governance, sustainability, value and market options. This includes research related to the cultural and social aspects of fisheries. In addition, the project is also relevant under thematic pillars 1, 2, 3 and 5 of the Seychelles National Development Strategy (2019-2023).
The main partner for this project is Juhi Jha. She has worked in the field of mental health and theatre for over 8 years in India. She moved to Seychelles in 2018 and is now working as an independent consultant, a registered provisional psychologist and an applied drama facilitator. She has taught Applied (/Community) Drama at the National Conservatoire for Performing Arts and has a range of experience working with groups using arts and narrative-based methods.
All over the world, countries and organizations are waking up to the limitation of having only an economic measurement of fisheries-related progress and policy, and over the past 10 years, there have been a series of long term projects exploring ‘place based’ and ‘well-being’ oriented approaches to understanding the contributions and impacts of fisheries and on fishing communities. This includes South Asia, South East Asia as well as Europe. In this context, it becomes very relevant for Seychelles to catch up and keep pace with these developments and have contextually relevant, local data in place to form part of this more nuanced, progressive conversation around Fisheries Management and governance.
SeyCCAT funds: SCR 100,000
Co-financing: Collaboration with Seychelles Fishing Authority (in-kind):
- Provision of support with establishing contact with artisanal fishermen
- Feedback as stakeholder
- Advice and guidance with regards to landing sites, social customs etc.
- Provision of (1) personnel support with data collection if needed
Duration: 12 months
Project Application Form: Sustainable Synergies
Environmental and social management plan: ESMP