A traditional dance marked the celebration of a groundbreaking event on the Fore Coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG) – the launch of the Fore Coast Artisanal Fisheries Management Plan (FAFMP) and the accompanying Fore Coast Kiwai Local-Level Government Law (LLG Law). This initiative, supported by the ATSEA-2 Project, represents a significant milestone in sustainable fisheries management for Western Province and the National Fisheries Authority (NFA).
During the launch, Terence Kedemwana, Manager for Coastal and Inshore Fisheries at the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) and Operational Focal Point for the ATSEA-2 Project in PNG, remarked: “This represents the first community-based, multi-species artisanal fisheries management plan, complemented by an enabling LLG law, developed by the NFA in partnership with a province under the ATSEA-2 Project. ”Fisheries are vital to the Fore Coast communities, providing food, income, and cultural identity. Yet, they face increasing threats from overfishing, climate change, and habitat degradation. The newly launched FAFMP, developed using the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries Management (EAFM), empowers local communities to address these challenges by adopting sustainable practices. Unlike traditional fisheries management, EAFM integrates environmental, social, and governance considerations alongside species management. The FAFMP outlines measures such as fishing gear restrictions, no-take zones, and community-based monitoring and enforcement. Its design allows the 14 participating villages to implement specific rules aligned with the plan while ensuring consistency with NFA policies.
from Provincial Fisheries, Local Level Government and the Fore Coast villages before handing over the documents to them.
The accompanying LLG Law enhances the plan’s enforceability by granting legal authority to community leaders, village courts, and district courts. This approach reflects a deliberate decision to keep enforcement powers within the community rather than centralising them under the Fisheries Management Act. Customary fisheries practices such as Sabi (Kiwai language), Gwell (Agob language), and Rirkasaf (Morehead language) have been incorporated and formalised within the plan and the LLG Law.
The success of the FAFMP stems from its roots in community collaboration. Villagers’ insights, experiences, and aspirations shaped the plan, ensuring its alignment with local needs and customs. Kedemwana highlighted the importance of partnerships:
“This initiative is not just about legislation; it is about collaboration. It is about building partnerships between government, communities, and stakeholders. By working together, we can create a resilient fisheries sector that supports both our economy and ecosystems.”
As implementation begins, the plan’s success will hinge on the commitment and cooperation of all stakeholders. Vigilance, integrity, and a shared vision are essential to ensuring sustainable fisheries and protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities. The launch event celebrated a shared determination to protect marine resources and foster sustainable development, setting a powerful example of how community-based approaches can drive meaningful change for the environment and the people who depend on it.
By Kenneth Yhuanje