Project: A Feasibility Study: Bazaruto Seascape Bio-rights approach: Assessment for Bazaruto seascape Coastal Fisheries Initiative. Location: Bazaruto Archipelago, Inhambane Province, Mozambique.
Client: WWF Mozambique c/o: Alice Costa.
Project Partner: Clive Poultney of River End Consultants.
Task & implementation: A study was done to investigate the possibility of implementing the Bio Rights approach in the Bazaruto Arichipelago Seascape amongst the fishing communities. The Bazaruto fisheries, like most of the world, are under threat for a variety of reasons: over harvesting, non-selective fishing, habitat damage, pollution and poaching, etc. River End Consultants / Biovista interviewed a broad stakeholder base: local fishing communities, tourism operators, NGO’s, local Government, and other interested and affected parties. Assorted strategies were considered towards implementing the Bio-rights approach: alternative livelihoods for fishermen; ecological zones, rehabilitation / restoration programs in the seascape; changing fishing equipment and changing fishing strategies (seasons, times etc). Several recommendations were made and an implementation plan suggested.