The Dahari Marine Program in the Comoros

Our actions to protect the marine wealth of the Comoros

By 2030, Dahari aims to create a national network of permanent reserves managed by fishermen and women, in order to restore the coral reefs of the Comoros, secure the livelihoods of coastal communities and strengthen their resilience to climate change.

In the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Comoros Islands are home to exceptional marine biodiversity, essential to the lives of coastal communities. But overfishing, pollution, and climate change are now threatening these coral reefs and the food security of those who depend on them.

To address these challenges, the Dahari Marine Program supports fishermen and women in sustainable reef management. We are targeting the establishment of a network of permanent community marine reserves (where fishing is prohibited), building on the success of the first example for the country that we established with the fishermen of the village of Vassy in 2021, and which inspires neighboring communities.

We also support fishermen in complementary initiatives such as temporary closures of octopus fishing and the reduction of destructive fishing techniques.

With support of:

Our key results since 2018

1 ha

of reefs with management measures (temporary closures, permanent reserve, and restrictions
on fishing methods)

1

Temporary closures of octopus fishing with increased catches
during reopenings

The first permanent reserve
in the Comoros implemented
by local communities
(10 ha area)

1

members of fisher associations involved in management
in management (70% women)

1 %

Octopus fishermen use wooden stick as more sustainable method instead of iron harpoon
(compared to 0% in 2018)

1

fishermen involved
in economic initiatives (agriculture, drying and smoking)

Our approach

1

Co-designing reserves with fishermen

The process of creating permanent reserves involves a collaborative approach between different groups of fishers, and the integration of ecological and social criteria to ensure the acceptability and impact of the reserves. Reserve sites are selected through a combination of scientific analysis and local knowledge, involving extensive consultations and scenario planning. These discussions involve all types of fishers, particularly marginalized groups at risk of losing income due to restrictions.

Representative and adaptable governance that promotes compliance requires particular attention in the Comoros due to the lack of existing institutions. We are co-creating two-tiered governance systems for each permanent reserve to ensure that fishers have greater power in decision-making, by including all different groups of fishers in discussions and representation. Other local stakeholders, such as authorities, are invited to play a validating and supportive role. Training and support are provided to governance bodies to strengthen their leadership and implementation capacities. Exchange visits complement this system by promoting collective learning and cooperation between fishing communities.

2

Co-designing governance by fishermen

3

Encourage respect
measurements

To compensate for access restrictions associated with permanent reserves, whose benefits only become apparent in the medium and long term, we are developing short-term incentives linked to management actions. We favor incentives that are integrated into the fisheries value chain because they support existing livelihood activities and can have multiplier effects. This is the case, for example, with fish aggregating devices (FADs) or solar freezers. At the same time, we are testing indirect measures, such as agricultural support, to assess their impact on compliance with management rules.

The long-term success of the model depends on the legal recognition of the rights of artisanal fishers. We are working with the authorities to ensure their support for the permanent reserve model and to strengthen the existing legislative framework for fisheries management.

4

Advocating for the rights of fishermen

5

Ensuring data-driven learning

Participatory monitoring of ecological and social data is essential for adaptive management. Data on fishing catches and reef conditions, as well as socioeconomic surveys, allow for the assessment of the impact of management measures. Regular feedback sessions in each community, led by fishermen, promote shared decision-making and strengthen adherence to the permanent reserve management model. This learning environment supports adaptive management as the model evolves.