International organizations use participatory democracy to help communities manage fisheries & tackle the climate crisis
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As a crisis brews in the world’s oceans and marine ecosystems deplete alarmingly, we are launching a new collaboration to put power in peoples’ hands and restore balance. The Fisheries Transparency Initiative (FiTI), People Powered, and Participation Factory are piloting a solution in the Seychelles and Madagascar that seeks to strengthen the participation of local stakeholders in how marine fisheries are managed.
Public availability of information regarding the fisheries sector is a core element to achieving good governance. FiTI was established to address this challenge and to support coastal countries in increasing fisheries transparency, thereby contributing to the sustainability of marine fisheries.
By making fisheries management more transparent and inclusive, FiTI promotes informed public debates on fisheries policies and supports the long-term contribution of the sector to national economies and the well-being of citizens and businesses that depend on a healthy marine environment.
However, early FiTI implementations in several countries have shown that despite efforts to engage the public, non-governmental organizations are left with questions on why they should get involved, or how their voices can contribute to protecting the climate and fisheries industry.
Bringing people power to fisheries governance
This is why People Powered is partnering with FiTI. People Powered provides international organizations with the global support and experts necessary for effective and innovative participation, on issues such as climate democracy.
FiTI, together with People Powered and our Czech Republic-based member organization Participation Factory, have devised a strategy that will create more inclusive policy-making, by piloting a participatory approach for the FiTI National Multi-Stakeholder Groups (MSGs) of Seychelles and Madagascar.
Such a pilot approach includes the mapping of core needs, challenges, and opportunities and will enable the FiTI National MSGs of Seychelles and Madagascar to determine practical recommendations for their national governments. Furthermore, both national governments will be invited to go through a tailor-made capacity-building program and receive expert support to ensure successful preparation and implementation of the recommendations.
Through this, we expect both national governments to develop a robust understanding of the value, good practices and opportunities of participatory policy-making and open, inclusive governance of marine fisheries.
The proven record of Participation Factory in implementing participatory democracy alongside local governments and international organizations will bring invaluable inputs toward reaching the desired outcomes. This project will serve as a guide for future interventions in the fisheries sector and elsewhere.
💡 Do you have an idea to make the world a better place with participation? People Powered seeks partners to join our global movement to give everyone a voice. Reach out or apply for membership today!