FAO's EU-STREIT PNG Programme Leads Transformative Training for Stouten and Wewak Island Fishers
FAO's 3-day training in Wewak empowered local fishers with sustainable fishing practices, focusing on ecosystem management and climate resilience. Part of a larger effort, it's a key step in FAO's commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment in Papua New Guinea.
Local coastal fishers attending training workshop organised by FAO under the EU-STREIT PNG Programme.
©FAO-STREIT
Wewak, Papua New Guinea – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), under its EU-STREIT PNG Programme, has recently conducted a pivotal 3-day training event at the Wirui Catholic Church premises in Wewak. This training, part of a comprehensive initiative that has already skilled over 4000 fishers, specifically targeted local fishing groups from the Stouten Island chain and Wewak Islands. The event saw the participation of 20 members from 12 different fishing groups, including women, highlighting the Programme's commitment to inclusive and sustainable fishing practices.
In-depth Training for Sustainable Marine Practices
The Programme's Fisheries Value Chain led an extensive training, encompassing crucial topics such as marine habitats, common fish foods, and the challenges posed by climate change and sea level rise. Participants were equipped with knowledge and skills to build resilience against climate change impacts, manage fisheries using community-based ecosystem approaches, and understand the importance of Marine Protected Areas.
Practical Skills for Modern Fisherfolk
The training transcended theoretical knowledge, focusing on practical skills crucial for today's fishing industry. It covered the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD), advanced fishing gear technology, and post-harvest operations. This comprehensive approach aimed to enhance the entire fish capture, processing, storage, and marketing process in the supply chain.
Continued Support and Future Expansion
The FAO's EU-STREIT PNG Programme has significantly contributed to the local fishing communities, including coastal, riverine, and inland aquaculture, by distributing boats, canoes, fingerlings, solar freezers, and cooler boxes. The Programme has also established and operationalized multiple FAD and FTT technology sites for efficient fish smoking and plans to further expand its support with additional training, resources, and the development of a Fisheries Information System.
About FAO's EU-STREIT PNG Programme
The EU-STREIT PNG Programme, led by FAO, is the largest grant-funded Programme of the European Union in the country. It focuses on increasing sustainable and inclusive economic development in rural areas by enhancing economic returns and opportunities within cocoa, vanilla, and fisheries value chains, as well as strengthening and improving the efficiency of value chain enablers, including the business environment, and supporting sustainable, climate-resilient transport and energy infrastructure development. The Programme covers two provinces, East Sepik, and West Sepik.
Contact
Amir Khaleghiyan International Reporting and Communication Officer +675 8175 3146 [email protected]