A Danish-funded project in the central province Thua Thien-Hue has
successfully increased the participation of local fishermen in
protecting Tam Giang lagoon.
The 600 million VND (nearly 28,600
USD) project, funded by the Danish Government’s Public Participation and
Accountability Facilitation Fund, has been implemented in Quang Thai
and Quang Loi communes since early 2014.
Quang Thai and Quang Loi
are home to more than 890 households who earn their living on fishing
and aquaculture on 1,500ha of the lagoon.
So far, the project has
run seven training courses to improve local residents’ techniques in
fishing, aquaculture, and the protection of fisheries resources.
It
has also provided local residents with financial support to make 20
fish cages and five fish sanctuaries which serve as habitats for aquatic
species to settle and reproduce.
Nguyen Bon, a fisherman in
Quang Loi, said on the same water surface area he can now earn more than
10 million VND (over 476 USD) in two fishing seasons each year, which
has tripled compared to traditional methods.
Project Director
Tran Giai, Vice Chairman of the Thua Thien-Hue Union of Science and
Technology Associations, said fish cages and sanctuaries could triple
residents’ income and minimise the negative impacts on the environment.
The success of this project is a model for a sustainable development in the area.
Tam
Giang lagoon is part of the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon system, the
largest of its kind in Southeast Asia, stretching nearly 70km with more
than 22,000ha of water surface. 30 percent of the province’s population
rely on the lagoon for their livelihoods.-VNA