based on a mutual interest to:
a) gain practical experience in research in fisheries co-management; b)
demonstrate the applicability of co-management as a sustainable, equitable
and efficient management strategy; and c) develop models for use by governments,
fishing communities, NGOs and other groups
largely funded by DANIDA
Phase 1
covered 1994-1998; it focused on the systematic documentation and assessment
of co-management experiences, along with the identification of conditions
which facilitate successful co-management arrangements
Phase 2
is from 1999 to 2003; it is based on the need to continue with earlier
research and to develop new research directions. Greater focus is given
to applied policy.
Overall
project strategy
conduct of research in a variety
of aquatic resource systems (i.e., coastal, coral reef, mangrove, lake,
river, floodplain and inland waterbody systems) to determine if co-management
is a viable management strategy under varying conditions (political, social,
cultural, economic, biophysical and technological)
adoption of an analytical approach
that relies on a common research strategy and research framework for use
in each partner country and resource system
Target project beneficiaries
partner research and development
institutions – National Aquatic Research System (NARS) and NGOs
government decision-makers and
agencies
coastal resource users, stakeholders
and residents
Concept of co-management
a partnership arrangement in
which government, the community of local resource users and external agents
(NGOs, academic and research institutions), and other resource stakeholders
share the responsibility and authority for the management of a resource
covers various partnership arrangements
and degrees of power sharing and integration of local (informal, traditional,
customary) and centralized government systems
partnerships are pursued, strengthened
and redefined at different times in the management process, depending on
the existing policy and legal environment, the political support of government
for community-based initiatives, and the capacities of community organizations
to become partners.