Fishermen join "citizen science" model to conserve the ocean

On the morning of November 6, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations in collaboration with the Danang Union of Science and Technology Associations and the Center for Sustainable Development and Promotion (BUS) organized a workshop on “Promoting the participation of fishing communities in research on the protection of aquatic resources and marine biodiversity”. The workshop attracted the participation of experts, scientists and fishing communities in the South Central region.

*Workshop "Promoting the participation of fishing communities in research on the protection of aquatic resources and marine biodiversity".*

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Cong Tin, Head of the Faculty of Environment (University of Sciences - Hue University), Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW dated October 22, 2018 of the 12th Central Executive Committee on "Vietnam's sustainable marine economic development strategy to 2030, vision to 2045" requires coastal localities to have policies based on the protection and restoration of coastal ecosystems. To do this, Vietnam needs baseline data and supporting calculation tools to help management agencies develop strategies and plans for sustainable use of coastal natural resources.

In the context of limited human resources for marine biological resources investigation and survey activities. Therefore, utilizing fishermen as an effective support force in collecting large-scale data at a more cost-effective cost compared to traditional scientific research. This is a form of the "Citizen Science" model that attracts local citizens to participate in scientific research, solving and responding to social and environmental issues based on the spirit of volunteerism.

*Da Nang has established 4 "Community groups for aquatic resources protection" to participate in exploiting and protecting aquatic resources and marine ecosystems.*

Da Nang is one of the pioneering localities in integrated coastal zone management and community participation activities. Up to now, the locality has established 4 community organizations to implement management in protecting aquatic resources in coastal districts with 105 participating members. In Quang Nam province, the locality has established marine conservation clubs in villages in Cu Lao Cham, community patrol teams in Cam Thanh... However, these activities face difficulties such as the participating forces do not have much experience in the first years; the implementation also depends a lot on the weather.

Sharing at the workshop, Mr. Le Ngoc Thao, Head of the Secretariat of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area Management Board, said that sharing rights and responsibilities with the community and relevant parties during the establishment and operation process is a lesson that is being effectively applied in the conservation and promotion of the title of Biosphere Reserve. Accordingly, the community participates in identifying target resource objects and outstanding global values of the Biosphere Reserve, while supporting the Management Board in developing marine conservation regulations, participating in patrolling and monitoring marine resources, and even being assigned the right to manage and control fishing activities and service development.

“The fishermen participating in this model have truly become “experts”, capable of training and transferring technology to other protected areas and localities across the country. Community participation helps the Biosphere Reserve to develop more and more without losing the local identity,” Mr. Thao shared.

*"Community group for aquatic resources protection" promotes tourists to protect coral reefs while diving to see corals under the sea in Da Nang*

At the workshop, delegates presented the current status of marine biodiversity in the South Central region as well as in Da Nang; along with a number of issues related to research, protection of aquatic resources and biodiversity. Delegates said that, in addition to fishermen, it is possible to mobilize human resources from schools with skilled students; mobilize resources from non-governmental organizations and apply technology used in monitoring and managing marine resources.

The workshop is an opportunity to help localities have directions for effective use of this human resource. At the same time, propose solutions with multi-dimensional perspectives from managers, scientists, organizations and fishing communities to promote efficiency as well as promote community participation in building a biodiversity database.

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