Governance & Fisheries
04

Governance & Sustainable Fisheries

Strong governance is essential for effective conservation. This program strengthens local institutions, empowers communities to participate in decision-making and promotes sustainable fisheries management through collaborative governance systems.

17
BMUs in Network
7,000+
Households Benefiting
12,000
Hectares Co-Managed
2022
First CMA Plan
400%
Fish Biomass Growth
UN SDGs
SDG
14
Life Below Water
SDG
17
Partnerships for the Goals
SDG
8
Decent Work and Economic Growth

What We Do

Historic Policy Landmarks
First in Kenya
First LMMA
Tengefu under traditional law (2003)
First CMA
Co-Management Area endorsed (2022)
First BMU Network
County-level network (Kilifi)

Kilifi County BMU Network

First Officially Endorsed County Network

Establishment of the first officially endorsed County BMU Network (CBMU-NW) for 17 BMUs under new BMU Regulations. Development of first 6-step toolkit, constitution, boundary jurisdiction, State of Fishery 2021 report, and joint management plans—secured IUCN/EU BIOPAMA award for implementation.

17
BMUs in Network
7,000+
Households Benefiting
12,000 hac
Co-Managed Ocean

First Co-Management Area

Wide engagement of Kuruwitu BMU community to develop Kenya's first officially endorsed CMA under new BMU Regulations. Undertaking of first IUCN Site Assessment for Governance and Equity (SAGE) analysis - a historic policy landmark placing communities at the centre.

IUCN SAGE
Governance & Equity Analysis
2022
CMA Endorsed

BMU Capacity & Operations

20 years of support to build coastal community capacity and functionality of conservation CBOs and BMUs. Provisioning of patrol boats, uniforms, scout training, and securing grants for operations.

Patrol Boats & Training
IUCN/EU BIOPAMA Awards
Evidence-Based Policy

Fisheries Data & Monitoring

Development of Catch Assessment Surveys (CAS), Frame Surveys (FS), State of Fishery 2021 report, and Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) plans that inform both community management and national marine policy.

Impact
400% Fish Biomass
Data
WCS Partnership
Toolkit
6-Step Guide