Building capacity and strengthening networks – a participatory approach to invasive species management in Belize

The Pivot I can clearly remember waking up at the crack of dawn to the view of a breathtaking sunrise and the voices of eager volunteers who couldn’t wait to gear up. The savory aroma from the kitchen lingered like...

/ Sep 29, 2021

Connecting the dots – ‘Sasi’ and co-management in Maluku, Indonesia

  This post is the second of a 3-part series on the use of customary law (sasi) by communities from Maluku archipelago in Indonesia and how these practices have helped communities to rebuild their fisheries. Read part 1 here. Three...

/ Sep 23, 2021

Revitalising ‘sasi’ – relying on indigenous laws and traditions to protect the ocean in Maluku – Indonesia

This post is the first of a 3-part series on the use of customary law (sasi) by communities from Maluku archipelago in Indonesia and how these practices have helped communities to rebuild their fisheries. My first experience of Sasi September...

/ Sep 15, 2021

Adopting LMMAs – selfless actions for the security of future coastal generations

As we headed out on the bumpy road to Ambolobozobe in the northeast of Madagascar, there was a sense of anticipation. We were going to meet the coastal communities who are successfully managing multiple Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs) as...

/ Sep 3, 2021

Suheri – Wild honey hunter, collector and fisher.

Preserving potential non-timber products from mangrove forests to meet daily needs Suheri, also known as Bang Heri, is a fisher from Batu Ampar Village in the Kubu Raya District of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. As well as fishing, Bang Heri is...

/ Aug 25, 2021

Relying on local knowledge to preserve key biodiversity sites in the Comoros

the power of data and local knowledge in local fisheries management An array of colours fill my eyes when I put my head underwater – blue, red, yellow and green is what I see as the fish move over beautiful...

/ Aug 19, 2021

Madam Mwanatumu: taking action and advocating for equality

Through action and change for equality The role of women in the fisheries sector cannot be further emphasized as they are key actors and players in forging connections between fishers and the market. While a fisherman’s role may mainly involve...

/ Aug 12, 2021

When the students became the teachers: a new locally led ecological monitoring team in southwest Madagascar

In June, the local ecological monitoring team from Velondriake travelled to Manjaboake to pass on its skills to its first set of students It was an early sunny morning in June as we packed our kit into the boat on...

/ Aug 9, 2021

Supporting community-led mangrove conservation in Indragiri Hilir

A new chapter for Blue Ventures’ mangrove conservation support in Indonesia

/ Jul 30, 2021

Five years in Timor-Leste

Birgit Hermann (country director) and Oldegar 'Ollie' Massinga (operations manager) who head up the Blue Ventures team in Timor-Leste, reflect on five years of working with communities to drive locally led marine conservation in the country

/ Jul 14, 2021

Guardians of blue carbon

Ahead of International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem, hear from a Blue Ventures blue carbon scientist about how communities in Madagascar are working to protect these precious forests – and the climate

/ Jul 7, 2021

Mapping the future: communities come together to discuss locally managed marine areas in Timor-Leste

In February, nine coastal communities from across Timor-Leste came together in Beto-Tasi for the biggest learning exchange ever organised by Blue Ventures in the country.

/ Jun 30, 2021

Going digital: collecting octopus fisheries data through mobile monitoring

Our community-based partner organisations in Indonesia are supporting communities to transition from paper-based data collection to mobile monitoring

/ Jun 23, 2021

Mama Hamisi: an inspiration for women in Kenya’s small-scale fisheries

Once a pastry seller, Mama Hamisi is now an octopus gleaner, seaweed farmer, closure area patroller and community steward in Kibuyuni

/ Jun 18, 2021

Voices from Tsimipaika Bay: local solutions to community management

Fisher voices: Madame Véronique and Franklin Velotody share local solutions to marine conservation and explain why it’s so important for their village

/ Jun 11, 2021