19. The delegation of Zimbabwe presented a paper on an overview of on the importance of co-management as a tool for sustainable fisheries management and development in Zimbabwe. In the subsequent discussions the delegates considered the following issues
Management of the artisanal fishery
20. It was noted that the planning for the Zambia/Zimbabwe SADC Fisheries Project (ZZSFP) on Lake Kariba was carried out in 1989. Implementation of the project began in 1990. During the planning stage, the importance of introducing fisheries co-management was acknowledged.
21. The need to define co-management was acknowledged. In its broad sense, co-management can be defined as an arrangement where management responsibility is shared between the government and the communities. The co-management arrangement varies from situation to situation depending on the degree of delegation of management responsibility and authority between the resource users and the government (national, provincial or municipal).
Importance of co-management in data collection
22. In the past the collection of artisanal catch statistics and socio-economic data was the responsibility of the government fisheries departments. The financial cost of this data collection has increased over the years, thereby threatening the long-term sustainability of the programs.
23. Lake Kariba Fisheries Research Institute embarked on a program to train a selected number of the fishers’, or their dependants. These trainees, known as Resource Monitors, were trained in areas such as fish species identification (using the scientific names, as they were already familiar with the common names) and data collection methods.
Gender balance in institutional structures
24. It was noted that women have a key role to play in the co-management process. Several Sub-Area Fishers’ Associations have women representatives, who were elected to these posts. The election of these women is a positive development as it is a practical acknowledgement of the important role that women can play in leadership positions. The women who have been elected so far have carried out their duties in a professional and diligent manner. Thus, the participation of women in decision-making enhances the performance of these structures.
Status of implementing the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
25. Concerning the CCRF, the delegates were provided with a summary of the provisions under implementation, viz.
Conservation of living aquatic resources - There is legislation that promotes sustainable utilisation of the resources while conserving the biodiversity.
Maintenance of quality, diversity and availability of the fishery resources -The management mechanism in place promotes a holistic approach to resource conservation that is based on an ecosystem approach.
Prevention of over fishing - The necessary measures to control overfishing are in place.
Precautionary approach - This measure is being implemented.
Monitoring, Control and surveillance of fishing vessels -This mechanism still needs strengthening to ensure its effectiveness.
Consideration of aquaculture and culture-based fisheries - Culture based fisheries around Lake Kariba are being encouraged and promoted.
