Improved Co‐Management of Ayeyarwady Wetland Resources (ICAWR) in Myanmar
Challenges and Objectives
In the Ayeyarwady delta region of Myanmar, many small-scale fishers face tough challenges. Even though the area is rich in natural resources, Cyclone Nargis in 2008 made things worse, leaving 26% in poverty and over 50% landless. The government sells the best fishing spots to big commercial, making it hard for small-scale fishers, resulting in inadequate catches, low prices, and insufficient income. In the aftermath of the cyclone, it's even tougher for them to recover. Not having enough access to important things like money and good fishing spots keeps these fishers stuck in a hard situation, making it difficult for them to have a better life.
In 2017, the Improved Co‐Management of Ayeyarwady Wetland Resources project was implemented in the 11 townships of Ayeyarwady Region covering 107 villages, in collaboration with Fisher Development Associations (FDA), Department of Fishery (DOF), Regional Government, Network Activities Group (NAG), Ayeyarwady Region Fishers Network (ARFN) funded by The Livelihoods and Food Security Fund (LIFT). The project aimed to boost community involvement in fisheries co-management, secure approval for a supportive legal framework, improve government institutions in resource management, and establish effective Fisheries Partnerships & Networks for stakeholder collaboration.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
After Cyclone Nargis, NAG supported small-scale fishing communities in the Ayeyarwady region to improve their access to fishing rights. This was part of the NAG/LIFT partnership implemented through the 'Improved Co-management of Ayeyarwady Wetland Resources Project.' Before the project began, NAG established close relationships with the Fisher Development Associations (FDA), the Ayeyarwady Region Fishers Network (ARFN), and the Department of Fishery (DoF). FDA actively participated in co-management, conservation measures, and representing fishers' interests, while ARFN strengthened partnerships, facilitated communication, and advocated for fishers' rights. External associations like DoF and the Regional Government contributed to capacity building, legislative processes, and consultation with grassroots fishermen for law drafting and co-management. The Network Activities Group (NAG) initiated a village-level fishery co-management plan, forming small-scale fisher organizations across the villages. NAG established collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, Myanmar Fisheries Federation, governmental departments, and the private sector.
The collective fishery management operates at village, township, district, and regional levels, involving fishers and external stakeholders. At the village level, the fishery co-management committee, comprising local fishermen and the village administrator, addresses group-specific issues. Township fisherman's development groups enhance coordination, with external stakeholders involved at each level, including township administrators, fishery officers, civil organizations, regional parliament representatives, and private sector stakeholders. District-level associations represent townships, and regional-level management involves the Regional Minister of Livestock and Agriculture, the Director of Fisheries, civil organizations, parliamentary representatives, and private sector stakeholders.
Revitalisation Activities
The project was initiated in 2017 and accomplished in 2020. This project model can be defined as a pioneer in the Ayeyarwady region, and its results have inspired the adoption of similar approaches in other coastal and wetland areas. This project aimed to ensure a balanced approach to environmental, social, and economic management. Regarding the economic aspect, small businesses were launched in five townships to boost income and decrease water resource exploitation. Local resources were used for training activities and establishing businesses like ready-to-eat fish, dried fish, freshwater paste, and shrimp paste industries. These ventures aimed to benefit women from fishing families. Workshops, in partnership with the Department of Fisheries in four townships, were organized to create a collective tax payment system for community-based groups. Experiments were conducted to refine this system. On the environmental aspects, 140,000 mangrove trees in coastal areas and non-arable fields near villages were initially planted with the strategic allocation of 20,000 trees in each village. This initiative, a beacon of hope, tackles the consequences of mangrove loss—addressing scarcity, fostering sustainable water management, and harmonizing the delicate ecological balance.
On the other hand, the collective management process resulting from this project has not just become a livelihood; it was a doorway to diverse opportunities for young fishermen and their families, helping them find their place in the local fishing industry. They broke free from limitations, fished for personal consumption, delved into aquaculture, and embraced diverse livelihoods—some as motorcycle carriers, others as small-scale fishing entrepreneurs. Together in the fisheries collective, they lightened the financial burden, reducing license fees for a sustainable future. It's a story of empowerment, resilience, and a sea of possibilities unfolding in the coastal community.
Revitalisation Outcome
The ICAWR project stands as an inspiration of accomplishment, achieving substantial milestones across various outcomes. This project reached 19 townships in the Ayeyarwaddy Region, empowering 185 village fisheries organizations, six district-level fishery organizations, 19 township-level entities, and 39 cluster fishery organizations. The transfer of 166 fishing grounds to community organizations through auctions signifies a significant leap in community participation and ownership. Regarding the conservation efforts, the project played a pivotal role in establishing 17 fishery conservation zones and supporting 28 conservation projects financially. The landscape transformed with the planting and replanting of 140,000 mangrove trees, with each village receiving 20,000 trees. Another significant achievement was witnessed in the implementation of the Ayeyarwady Regional Freshwater Fishery By-Law, awareness-raising meetings in all 19 townships, and the distribution of 252 'Do's and Don'ts' vinyls to disseminate crucial information. Additionally, the project outcome strategically enhanced government institutions, marked by the completion of the Pyapon Fishery School construction and the development of a value chain curriculum and fishery manuals. The implementation of a co-management monitoring and evaluation system in 6 clusters further bolstered institutional capacity.
The collective management system emerged as a dynamic force, fostering problem-solving, unity, and shared responsibility within the community. Residents, as active participants, developed a sense of ownership, actively engaging in addressing challenges. The aftermath of Cyclone Nargis prompted a collective understanding of the importance of environmental conservation. Mangrove reforestation and designated no-fishing areas became symbols of resilience and sustainability. Moreover, the project left a transformative impact, creating employment opportunities for young fishermen, improving housing standards, and positively influencing the education of children from fishing families.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Si Thu Lin. For further information, please email Dr. Thi Phuoc Lai Nguyen at phuoclai@ait.asia.