On September 21, Rare, local leaders, artisanal fishers, and community organizations convened in Guatemala’s Puerto Barrios municipality to celebrate the official launch of the pride campaign Pesca Unida – Fuerza Compartida (United Fishing – Shared Strength). The first of its kind, the campaign kickoff event brought together 135 participants from the Puerto Barrios and Livingston communities to spotlight artisanal fishing on Guatemala’s Caribbean coast.
Rare and local community members designed the campaign to strengthen regional governance, foster unity across historically divided fishing groups, and promote sustainable fisheries. “Bringing everyone together in one place doesn’t happen often,” shared Diana Vasquez, Vice President of Rare’s sustainable fisheries work in Central America. “This union represents an opportunity to build sustainable pathways forward. In the coming months, our local campaign will nurture social cohesion and transform it into a powerful movement capable of turning challenges into lasting solutions.”
Day of the Fishers builds momentum
During Rare’s initial workshop, all participants identified one shared aspiration that became a unifying starting point: the desire to have an official, legally recognized day to celebrate their work, heritage, and identity as artisanal fishers. At the close of the workshop, both local and national authorities present committed to making this a reality.
The declaration of June 12 as the Day of the Fishers not only fulfilled a long-standing dream but also strengthened the collective commitment of all parties involved. It demonstrated that despite their differences, fishers and institutions could come together, acknowledge shared struggles, and work collaboratively toward solutions. This achievement laid an important foundation for the launch of the Pesca Unida – Fuerza Compartida campaign, reinforcing its central message of unity and shared strength.
Amplifying coastal voices for change
The campaign event provided a unique space for artisanal fishers to speak directly about their perspectives and experiences, highlighting their sense of ownership over the campaign. Local fisherman Elder Garcia emphasized the importance of reconciliation and unity by urging participants to “leave differences behind and focus on supporting our families, our communities, and Guatemala.” Jorge de Leon, another participating fisher, highlighted the urgency of collective action, stating, “We are still in time to rescue what we have. Our children are growing up, and while some may not depend on the sea, those who will depend on it need our help to ensure resources are available when they need them.”
The event also drew strong support from local and national authorities, reinforcing the importance of institutional collaboration for sustaining coastal marine ecosystems. Leaders from Izabal’s government, Puerto Barrios, the Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture Regulations, the Ministry of Environment, and the Caribbean Naval Command participated in the event, signaling support for artisanal fishers. Their presence reflected a shared commitment to strengthening fisheries’ governance, protecting livelihoods, and securing marine resources for future generations.
Centering communities and strengthening resilience
Launching the Pesca Unida – Fuerza Compartida campaign in Puerto Barrios and Livingston marks a significant milestone for Guatemala’s artisanal fishers. As part of the campaign’s growing vision, Rare will expand its proven savings club model to the communities of Cocolí, Sarstún, Punta de Manabique, Baltimore, Santa María del Mar, and Quetzalito. These clubs will serve as financial lifelines, helping fishing communities weather uncertainty, invest in livelihoods, and deepen inclusion in decision-making. Together, the campaign and savings clubs are expected to directly benefit 3,731 people, with an additional 14,924 people reached indirectly across Guatemala’s Caribbean coast.
By amplifying local leadership and investing in long-term resilience, Guatemala’s fishers are showing what it means to shape a sustainable future together. “At Rare, communities are the center and the driving force of every strategy we design and implement,” said Diana Vasquez. “We stand beside them, ensuring that their vision leads the way to transformative change.”