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Other News
29 Nov 2009
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NEWSInterview with Bharat Patel, Director of Machimar Adhikar Sangharsh Samiti (MASS)We spoke to Bharat Patel, Director of Machimar Adhikar Sangharsh Samiti (MASS) - a trade union for fish workers in Kutch, Gujurat - about his thoughts on fisheries policy and the CFP. In what ways (if any) do you think a 'Commonwealth' initiative can enhance the sustainability of coastal fisheries and livelihoods In the context of climate change and global warming, issues such as fish migration and catch reduction are affecting livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. This has been visible in the Gulf of Kutch and the Bay of Bengal. A Commonwealth initiative which allows for swapping of ideas and providing insight in to new areas is an invaluable way of inspiring new solutions to problems that are an effect of climate change. Therefore co-operation on an international basis to promote ideas such as community management, debt-reduction and a rights-based approach would be welcome. What was the highlight of your experience at the Commonwealth People's Forum, in respect to fisheries In a personal capacity, I have never given a presentation in English before so this was very challenging but rewarding. I am grateful to the CFP for allowing me the opportunity to raise awareness of the problems in Kutch (India). Furthermore I have gained extra knowledge about the management of natural resources by attending the CPF and listening to colleagues from across the Commonwealth. As well as this it was a great opportunity to network on behalf of my organisation. What would be your priorities for improving fisheries policy in India and South Asia The main priority would be to strengthen the bottom-up approach that has been gaining momentum through various nationwide forums for fishworkers. This is particularly important for the context of India as policy makers are too focused on developing industries. However, this is done at the cost of degradation of the coastal environment. The main priority in the South Asian context is to sustain regional and national networks and forums so new ideas can reach isolated areas. This would also encourage dialogue between states in South Asia for mutual co-operation and benefit.
We spoke to Bharat Patel, Director of Machimar Adhikar Sangharsh Samiti (MASS) - a trade union for fish workers in Kutch, Gujurat - about his thoughts on fisheries policy and the CFP.
In what ways (if any) do you think a 'Commonwealth' initiative can enhance the sustainability of coastal fisheries and livelihoods
In the context of climate change and global warming, issues such as fish migration and catch reduction are affecting livelihoods of coastal fishing communities. This has been visible in the Gulf of Kutch and the Bay of Bengal. A Commonwealth initiative which allows for swapping of ideas and providing insight in to new areas is an invaluable way of inspiring new solutions to problems that are an effect of climate change. Therefore co-operation on an international basis to promote ideas such as community management, debt-reduction and a rights-based approach would be welcome.
What was the highlight of your experience at the Commonwealth People's Forum, in respect to fisheries
In a personal capacity, I have never given a presentation in English before so this was very challenging but rewarding. I am grateful to the CFP for allowing me the opportunity to raise awareness of the problems in Kutch (India). Furthermore I have gained extra knowledge about the management of natural resources by attending the CPF and listening to colleagues from across the Commonwealth. As well as this it was a great opportunity to network on behalf of my organisation.
What would be your priorities for improving fisheries policy in India and South Asia
The main priority would be to strengthen the bottom-up approach that has been gaining momentum through various nationwide forums for fishworkers. This is particularly important for the context of India as policy makers are too focused on developing industries. However, this is done at the cost of degradation of the coastal environment.
The main priority in the South Asian context is to sustain regional and national networks and forums so new ideas can reach isolated areas. This would also encourage dialogue between states in South Asia for mutual co-operation and benefit. |
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Interview with Azard Mohammed, Director of Blue Bamboo Cunupa Fishing AssociationAzard Mohammed , Director of Blue Bamboo Cunupa Fishing Association, shares his views on participating in the CFP... read more
Interview with Bharat Patel, Director of Machimar Adhikar Sangharsh Samiti (MASS)We spoke to Bharat Patel, Director of Machimar Adhikar Sangharsh Samiti (MASS) - a trade union for fish... read more |
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| Programme information contact: Homera Cheema | homera.cheema@sas.ac.uk |
