Karonga fisheries champions gets orientation

After Mangochi, Dedza and Salima districts, REFRESH and Fisheries Dept have moved up north in Karonga to mentor more champions to drum up advocacy and awareness on sustainable fisheries management

Champions pose for a group photo during a session underway in Karonga district

KARONGA, Malawi (Planet Defence) – In its quest to ensure districts along the lake shoreline continue to accrue benefits from aquatic resources. USAID funded Restoring Fisheries for Sustainable Livelihoods on Lake Malawi (REFRESH) and Fisheries Department staff are orienting champions to drum up advocacy and awareness at local level using existing structures to ensure sustained ecosystem-based fisheries management.

In Karonga authorities have earmarked a diverse list of players that range from local leaders, civil society groups, council staff, women groups, cooperatives and the media to ensure they help raise awareness on fisheries related issues to amplify voices.

William Chirwa, Karonga District Fisheries Officer in his opening speech explained that fisheries department, as the mandated arm is moving away from working as a silo. The department is now engaging other stakeholders to ensure there is coordination and linkages in the management of these resources.

“We want to ensure fisheries issues are mainstreamed through education and outreach activities. But more importantly, ensure there is no difference with what extension staff and research sections are informing the public. We want to ensure uniformity of messages reaching the public,” Chirwa explained.

Chirwa’s sentiments were echoed by Amakhosi Jere, REFRESH Deputy Chief of Party, who underscored a need for enhanced partnership. He added as REFRESH they are working with various partners to ensure shared responsibilities.

“We want to ensure greater engagement in what is a national issue,” Jere highlighted the fact.

Participants lamented why the fisheries bill is not tabled in parliament. Yet the fishery sector, contributes 4 percent to the Gross Domestic Product economically and the sector employs thousands of people in allied industries.

“Sugar pricing issue has attracted so much attention, it was a heated debate among parliamentarians recently. Why is the fish issue which is getting beyond the rich of Malawians not following suit?” queried one of the participants while asking for soul searching on the same.

REFRESH being along the Lake Malawi shore line districts is building a constituency of champions to help in the sustainable management of fishery resources in the country.