Along the coastlines and inland waterways of Indonesia’s vast string of islands, fishing forms the basis of livelihoods for a considerable part of the country’s population, as well as an important source of nutrition. Coastal communities dependent on fishing face many challenges. Declining stocks, degraded habitats, lack of alternatives and isolation make families vulnerable to storms and price fluctuations.
So what can be done?
Diversifying sources of income is one key strategy to strengthen livelihoods. Another is investing in education, providing a better future with more alternatives for the next generation. Supporting communities to protect the natural environment is another important part of safeguarding their future.
That’s why a SEEDS member working in West Sumatra is partnering with Andalas University and the Perahu Nusantara Foundation (http://perahunusantara.org/) to build capacity in these three areas; Education, Entrepreneurship and Environmental Awareness.
Education means training preschool teachers in the I Love Reading program to equip pre-schools in poor fishing communities for literacy. It also means teaching young people practical skills provides options for them to earn a living outside of fishing.
Entrepreneurship: The people of West Sumatra have an entrepreneurial spirit! We journey alongside groups of men and women, helping them to see the potential business opportunities and giving them practical skills to start businesses.
Environmental awareness programs help locals to appreciate their natural resources and find ways to value them more.
These three strategies empower families in coastal communities for a more resilient future.
