Category: Programmes

Catalysing community engagement: lessons learned from the Barren Isles

In 2018, communities in the Barren Isles established their first temporary octopus fishery closure. Now, they are taking the lead in local fisheries management efforts.

Giving back to seagrass

In the Trang province of southern Thailand, seagrass is more than just food and jobs – it enables communities to uphold their cultural identity. Now it's time to give back.

/ Apr 7, 2021

Harmonising community-led fisheries management within Uwedikan’s marine protected area

"We would be devastated if our house was destroyed. This also applies to coral reefs. We pay for our children to go to school using the fish we catch, so we need to protect their house, the coral reef."

/ Mar 18, 2021

Challenging gender barriers: an interview with Timor-Leste’s first female Divemaster

This International Women’s Day we are celebrating an extraordinary woman. Mima’s story is one of passion, courage and perseverance.

/ Mar 8, 2021

From global to local, and back again

Birgit Hermann, Country Manager for Blue Ventures in Timor-Leste, shares her experiences of being a Rotary Peace Fellow amongst global peers, and what it means for community conservation impact

/ Mar 4, 2021

Anjangsana Mitra: learning through community exchanges in North Minahasa

“We all have two hands, so if they can manage their octopus fisheries, we can too”

/ Feb 26, 2021

Building community governance: adapting lessons learned in northwest Madagascar (part 2)

In part two of his story, Zo Andriamahenina shares the experiences of communities in Mahajamba Bay, who are managing their natural marine resources, inspired by learning exchanges with other communities

/ Feb 18, 2021

Building a united African voice for marine conservation during a global pandemic

Bringing together leaders working on the frontlines of conservation, the African Marine Conservation Leadership Programme has been on an unexpected journey

/ Feb 12, 2021

The quest for sustainable charcoal

Meet Ambanja’s fuelwood producers who are preserving northwest Madagascar’s mangrove forests by planting brown salwood trees to sustainably produce charcoal for cooking

/ Jan 28, 2021

From small-scale fishers to ecotourism entrepreneurs

In Timor-Leste, ecotourism is a growing trade and is enabling coastal communities to diversify their livelihoods. In the community of Beto Tasi new families are now opening the doors of their homestay businesses.

/ Jan 22, 2021

Building community governance: adapting lessons learned in northwest Madagascar (part 1)

After working with the communities of Tsimipaika Bay to successfully secure the management rights of over 6,000 hectares of mangroves, Zo Andriamahenina is replicating and adapting what he learned for his latest mission in Mahajamba Bay

/ Jan 13, 2021

Pekan Gurita: Celebrating octopus week in West Sumbawa

In October 2020, Blue Ventures' partner organisation JARI collaborated with communities in Poto Tano Village to celebrate World Octopus Day

/ Dec 10, 2020

Managing for today and tomorrow

A collaborative approach to fisheries management in Zanzibar

/ Dec 3, 2020

Reducing post-catch losses: small-scale fishers in Mahajamba Bay test out hot smoking to preserve their catch

For communities living in remote fishing villages in northwest Madagascar, hot smoking is providing a lifeline, enabling them to better preserve their fish

Science and tradition: expanding Velondriake’s no-take zones through community action

Using a traditional fishing technique called 'jarifa', the community association in Velondriake, southwest Madagascar, have expanded their marine reserves to safeguard their future

/ Nov 19, 2020