As fish stocks decline and pressure on marine ecosystems grows, fisheries worldwide must adopt more sustainable and inclusive practices. The Natur’ELLES project implemented along the coast of Senegal demonstrates how research and data can make the case for sustainable fishing in mangrove forests.
What sustainability challenges does the fishing sector face in Senegal?
While fishing generates income and livelihoods for communities living along coastal marine ecosystems, this sector faces several challenges such as overfishing, non-compliance with fishing regulations and standards affecting the reproduction of species, as well as lack of access to relevant equipment. These factors have led to a scarcity of fish observed in Senegal in recent years. The Natur’ELLES project supports local communities in addressing these issues by promoting sustainable fishing practices, such as not fishing during biological rest periods and adjusting net dimensions so younger fish can continue breeding.
Why is empowering women critical for Senegal’s fishing sector?
In Senegal, women play a significant role in the informal economic sector. They are active throughout the fishing value chain, from collecting oysters and processing fish to selling fish products and preparing fish meals for their families. That is why empowering women also means empowering entire communities.
However, women are still under-represented in high-level decision-making institutions around natural resources, including fish. This is due to several barriers, including a lack of access to education and some restrictive and discriminatory practices.
How does the Natur’ELLES project support women—and why are data and knowledge key in this support?
Natur’ELLES provides women with the knowledge and skills they need to take their seats at the decision-making table and play an active role in the management of natural resources, including fisheries. Access to data and knowledge puts them in a better position to raise awareness on best fishing practices, such as the necessity of observing biological rest periods and the strict respect of regulatory standards regarding net dimensions for the reproduction of species.
How could IISD’s SAVi analysis tool help address data gaps?
IISD will contribute to the Natur’ELLES project through its Sustainable Asset Valuation (SAVi) analysis tool. It’s an assessment methodology that provides a comprehensive analysis of environmental, social, economic, and governance (ESG)-related risks on infrastructure projects, capturing the full costs as well as the benefits of any intervention. For example, in a coastal region, a SAVi assessment could compare the benefits of planting mangroves—tsunami protection, carbon sequestration, habitat for fish that increases fisheries’ yields—to the benefits of a concrete storm barrier while weighing the costs involved.
SAVi uses system dynamics—including the cause-effect and risk factors—to forecast a project’s impacts. The goal is to deliver reputable infrastructure financing recommendations to governments and investors so they can make informed decisions and “steer capital toward sustainable infrastructure.” Past work has shown that SAVi assessments make compelling arguments for nature-based infrastructure interventions, including the ESG benefits for women. For example, IISD has already implemented a successful experience of this in Morocco through the “Contournement de Rabat” project.
How does Natur’ELLES’ support for women look in practice?
Natur’ELLES supports women in Senegal through several initiatives. In partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature, Natur’ELLES supports “mangrove platforms”—regular meetings that gather all stakeholders to discuss issues related to the conservation of mangroves as well as challenges and solutions. These dialogue platforms offer an opportunity for women to equally influence decisions on the planning and the management of natural resources.
Another upcoming project supported through Natur’ELLES is the Global Ecosystems Monitoring (GEM) app. This app will be used to monitor and measure the health of natural ecosystems, such as mangrove ecosystems. It will help collect environmental data, including information on fishery resources to help the planning and management activities and minimize the negative impact of human activities. Furthermore, it will also offer educational resources to empower biodiversity and resource management champions and play an essential role in promoting sustainable fishing practices and behaviours.
The GEM app offers the possibilities for communities—women in particular—to participate in data collection activities and collaborate with public authorities to monitor progress themselves, take ownership of their natural resource management systems and fully understand the evolution of mangrove-based ecosystems while adopting best practices.
Natur’ELLES is also implementing an educational program tailored to women who did not have a formal education, titled “classe d’alphabetisation.” This program will reduce the education gap of women while building their capacities to read and write (necessary skills to produce and analyze data) and meet their full potential. Besides, the project has been implementing a feminist leadership program that equips women with technical and soft skills so they can adopt best practices, improve their self-confidence, and better participate in decision-making processes while amplifying their voices on climate change-related issues.
The Natur’ELLES project endeavours to enhance the resilience of women and their communities in the Sine Saloum and Casamance deltas who are vulnerable to climate change. Find out more about the initiative.
Written by Ousmane Djiby Sambou
