Governance Dialogue Process Developing Nested Fisheries Governance in the Western Region
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Fisheries Commission
Hen Mpoano continued to work with the Fisheries Commission at the regional and national levels. The Fisheries Commission endorsed the Fisheries Working Group and supported the
training of institutions along the prosecution chain for fisheries law enforcement. Also, the Commission assisted with organizing the national fisheries dialogue. Hen Mpoano provided
varied assistance to the Fisheries Commission including capacity building for staff, donation of computer and safety equipment as well as refurbishment of parts of the regional offices. In
August 2012, CRC sponsored the Western Regional Director of Fisheries; Mr. Alex Sabah to a two-week fisheries leadership course at the University of Rhode Island.
Western Region Fisheries Working Group
The creation of the Fisheries Working Group FWG by the Hen Mpoano Initiative with approval from the Fisheries Commission has served as a forum for dialogue on fisheries issues in
the Western Region. She engaged with the Chairman and Director of the Fisheries Commission to discuss pertinent issues in the sector, principally on alternative structures and roles for co-
management at the community scale. The FWG also made important inputs towards good governance in the fisheries sector, proposing strategies for intensification of education of fishers
to encourage voluntary compliance of the fisheries laws. They have documented and contributed suggestions to the Fisheries Commission and the EPA on safety measures in pre-mix distribution
to avoid fire disasters, like it happened in Axim.
Fisherfolk Communicators
Twelve 12 fisherfolk communicators were trained in fisheries communications for community advocacy. An important observation during community outreach was that the fisherfolks were
very comfortable and enjoyed listening to their kith and kin. Targeted Community Engagement: Youth Workshop
The study tour to Senegal highlighted the importance of youth and women involvement in fisheries management. A similar observation was highlighted working with fishers of Dixcove. A
strategy for a participatory digital story telling workshop was put together. The objective of the workshop dubbed “Hen Dzi” Our Voice documented issues around fisheries in Dixcove from
the perspective of young people. Participants at the workshop included fishermen, fishmongers, students and teachers. The event was an opportunity to explore the issues and learn advocacy
skills.