THE SHAMA PROJET

CONTEXT AND MAIN ISSUES

Coastal ecosystems such as coral reefs are essential to the food security and livelihoods of local communities. Climate change, pollution and overfishing have led national authorities to take management actions in order to monitor and preserve these ecosystems. Unfortunately, they rarely take into account local contexts and can therefore be poorly suited or not accepted by local resource users.

GOALS

Creating an inclusive research structure to monitor and better manage coral reefs and local fisheries in the Filipino community of Shark Fin Bay.

METHOD

In the Shark Fin Bay community, Philippines, the SHAMA project intends to address this problem by adopting a bottom-up approach, where local stakeholders cooperate to take better management actions. A research structure including NGOs, researchers, local authorities and fishing associations will be created in order to highlight the valuable knowledge of local fisherfolk and integrate them in the regulation making process. They will also be trained in the scientific monitoring of coral reefs in order to co-produce a report informing future policy decisions. In addition, the project will provide educational material for schools and will aim to be replicated in neighbouring communities.

HOW IS THIS PROJECT INNOVATIVE?

SHAMA innovates by directly involving local fishermen in coral reef management, combining their traditional knowledge with modern scientific tools. This collaborative approach guarantees appropriate and sustainable management solutions, while empowering communities to preserve their ecosystems.