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Safeguarding our oceans and tackling climate change continue to be priority topics on the global stage and are more so during the pandemic. Local coastal communities are being recognized as particularly impacted as well as stepping up as leaders who are addressing global issues like climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent weeks, Rare, among other thought leaders and policymakers, has engaged and convened virtually to recognize and support the role of nature-based solutions in addressing these challenges and building the economic, social and ecological resilience of coastal communities.
In this Special Edition of the Fish Forever Progress Update, we share with you how Rare is bringing small-scale fisheries and their resilient coastal communities to the global dialogue about building back stronger.
Rare Convenes Six Nations to Strengthen Coastal Resilience
Rare Convenes Six Nations to Strengthen Coastal ResilienceFor the first time, high-level officials representing the governments of six Fish Forever coastal nations met at a Rare-led roundtable discussion. On the margins of the 75th UN General Assembly and Climate Week NYC, Rare convened a virtual roundtable where the leaders committed to protecting and conserving coastal and marine ecosystems and sustaining local fisheries, recognizing their role in food security, local economies, and climate resilience as they work toward a #GreenRecovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This milestone moment also signals Fish Forever’s commitment to multi-country collaboration and local-to-global relevance.
Building Back Better from COVID-19
Building Back Better from COVID-19Also coinciding with Climate Week NYC was the International Conference on Community-based Adaptation to Climate Change (CBA14). During the virtual conference, Rare highlighted the importance of investing in nature and local leadership to build social, ecological, and economic resilience to climate change. This included co-hosting a session with the Friends of Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (FEBA) focused on lessons for building back better from COVID-19 using nature-based solutions.
Rare Contributes to Major Blue Recovery Report
Rare Contributes to Major Blue Recovery ReportA new report commissioned by the High-Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy outlines five priority opportunities for government investment to support a “sustainable and equitable blue recovery” from the COVID-19 crisis. Rare contributed to the report and helped ensure it reflected the important role nature-based solutions and coastal communities play in a sustainable recovery. In a blog, Rare’s Senior Manager for Policy and Partnerships, Lisa Schindler Murray, shares key takeaways from the report and dives into one priority.
Nature-based Solutions, Resilient Coastal Communities
Nature-based Solutions, Resilient Coastal CommunitiesIn late August, Rare co-hosted a webinar with the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) and the Local 2030 Island Network to discuss how nature-based solutions contribute to improved food security for coastal communities. The event featured an inspiring line-up of speakers, including one of our Mayor champions from the Philippines.
Also see
- Our video overview of our survey of 70 local governments and more than 500 fishers across our Fish Forever countries about the impact the COVID pandemic has had on their livelihoods.
- Our “Rare Answers” video featuring Rare Philippines VP Rocky Sanchez Tirona explaining the ocean-climate connection.
- A new video explainer that details our approach to Networking Marine Reserves that ensures habitats critical to small-scale fisheries thrive.
Fish Forever: A solution to coastal overfishing – delivered by empowering communities through clear rights, strong governance, local leadership, and participatory management – that protects essential fish habitat and regulates fishing activities to replenish and sustain coastal fisheries.
Goal: To deliver replicable and scalable community rights-based management across ten countries, using a global network of 500 local leaders to secure livelihoods for one million fishers, alleviate poverty, ensure food supply, and protect coastal ecosystems from chronic threats.
Fish Forever Countries: Philippines, Indonesia, Mozambique, Brazil, Honduras, Guatemala, and the Pacific Island countries of Palau and the Federated States of Micronesia.
Fish Forever is possible thanks to the support of many, including the following current donors:
