Small-scale fisheries support the livelihoods of nearly 500 million people worldwide. But as climate change accelerates, so do the pressures on coastal communities, from habitat loss and unsustainable fishing to weak governance and limited economic opportunity.
To address these challenges, Rare is partnering with the UK Government’s Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition (COAST) Facility to help small-scale fishing communities adapt to climate change and build sustainable livelihoods.
Spanning coastal regions of Mozambique, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the partnership will integrate science, local knowledge, and inclusive governance to improve marine resource management, strengthen food security, and build blue economies. Rare has developed each project in close partnership with the COAST Facility country team, tailored to local communities’ needs.
Fostering climate-resilient economies and livelihoods in Indonesia
In Indonesia’s Southeast Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara provinces, Rare, Save the Children, and COAST Facility are combining expertise to strengthen participation of coastal community members in climate-smart fisheries and alternative livelihoods.
“Our partnership with the COAST Facility Indonesia will strengthen the backbone of Indonesia’s fisheries so they can navigate a changing climate with greater resilience, skill, and confidence,” said Hari Kushardanto, Rare Vice President of Indonesia.
“At COAST Facility Indonesia, we’re thrilled to support Rare and Save the Children’s interventions that place ecosystem-based adaptation at the core of coastal resilience,” shared Imam Syuhada, COAST Facility Country Team Lead for Indonesia. “By strengthening climate-smart fisheries and diversified, climate-resilient alternative livelihoods beyond fishing, we promote dual-income opportunities that enhance income security while protecting both communities and ecosystems.”
The project is grounded in the belief that resilient markets and financial systems must work for everyone, including traditionally marginalized communities.
“Our GEDSI [Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion] approach empowers youth, women, fishers, and persons with disabilities to lead environmental action, community enforcement, and cooperative initiatives, building adaptive capacity for a more inclusive, climate-resilient future,” added Imam.
Strengthening community-led fisheries management in Mozambique
In Mozambique’s Inhassoro and Inharrime Districts, Rare is working with seven community fisheries councils to establish formal co-management agreements that protect marine habitats and improve livelihoods for a region supporting 1,800 families.
“COAST Facility Mozambique intends to leverage Rare’s experience supporting coastal communities in Inhassoro, particularly in strengthening their capacities to preserve coastal and marine resources and in developingsustainable, resilient livelihoods capable of withstanding increasingly frequent climate shocks,” said Valdemiro Mauaie, COAST Facility Country Team Lead for Mozambique.
“Together, we aim to create lasting impact: healthier ecosystems, stronger livelihoods, and communities empowered to thrive,” said Atanasio Brito, Rare Vice President of Mozambique.
Unlocking finance to safeguard coastal waters in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the collaboration focuses on Palawan and the Siargao islands, two of the country’s most climate-vulnerable areas. Here, Rare is driving innovation by working with local communities to strengthensustainable business models and expand access to markets, while strengthening fisheries ordinances to bring over 80,000 hectares of municipal waters under improved governance.
“Sustainable livelihoods start with trust and investment in local people,” said Aya Silva, Rare Vice President of the Philippines. “Through this collaboration with COAST Facility, we’re helping coastal communities mobilize financing to ultimately strengthen their economic resilience and protect their resources.”
Together, these efforts empower small-scale fishers and coastal communities to manage their resources sustainably, diversify incomes, and adapt to and withstand the impacts of climate change.
A shared vision for resilient oceans and communities
In the months ahead, Rare and COAST Facility will roll out behaviour change campaigns to promote sustainable fishing practices and ocean stewardship.
“COAST Facility will build on Rare’s behavior change approaches with small-scale fishers to multiply innovative, integrated coastal resource management practices across our priority countries, delivering improved social, economic, and resilience outcomes especially for the marginalized coastal communities,” said William Jatulan, COAST Facility Philippines Country Team Leader.
Community-led co-management systems will enhance local governance, while financial literacy and enterprise training will open new income opportunities for marginalized communities.
Through these three projects, Rare and COAST Facility will work with local communities to lay the groundwork for inclusive, climate-resilient coastal economies and livelihoods across three of the world’s most biodiverse regions.