Binh Thuan: Developing a co-management model for protecting fisheries resources

The workshop was attended by representatives from specialized departments, regulatory agencies, professional associations, specialized departments under the People's Committees of districts, cities, towns, and some intellectuals specializing in fisheries, members of the Fisheries Association, as well as some fishermen and media agencies who attended and reported on the workshop.

Delegate exchanges of opinions

At the workshop, delegates introduced several community-based co-management models involving the participation of fishermen's associations in the implementation within the province. These models included the management of razor clams, oysters, abalone, and the protection of coral reef ecosystems. The reports demonstrated that the co-management models have contributed to enhancing the effectiveness of state management in fisheries; protecting, conserving, and developing fisheries resources in the region; stabilizing livelihoods and increasing income for fishermen; fostering unity within the fishing community; and sharing experiences in implementing co-management for the protection of fisheries resources.

Furthermore, the workshop clarified several challenges existing in the co-management models, such as the delegation of water management authority, operational funding, fishermen's participation in the models, the situation of legal violations in the co-managed coastal areas and marine environment. It highlighted some experiences in implementing the co-management model for protecting fisheries resources, introduced certain legal provisions and orientations regarding co-management in fisheries protection, regulations regarding coastal areas assigned to units and organizations involved in co-managed aquaculture, and the development of supportive policies for implementing co-management in protecting fisheries resources.

At the same time, the delegates proposed several solutions for implementing the co-management model in the near future, such as intensifying communication efforts to raise awareness among the fishing community about the purpose, significance, and importance of implementing co-management in protecting fisheries resources, as well as the relevant legal regulations; allocating annual funding to support the implementation of co-management; providing guidance and support to local authorities, communities, and individuals in implementing co-management for fisheries protection; strengthening and supporting community-based organizations in patrolling, inspecting, monitoring, and addressing law violations in the co-managed areas; conducting surveys and assessments of the demand for co-management in localities, among the population, and in potential coastal areas for establishing protected fisheries zones associated with co-management practices; providing training and capacity building in practical co-management skills for management officials and stakeholders involved.