Case GB-2 Co-management in Chacheu

【5. Guinea Bissau】

Context	Since 1992, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has been implementing an ambitious program for the conservation and sustainable management of natural resources in coastal areas. The results of this management approach are considered positive, and have made it possible to replicate the co-management process in the Cacheu and Cacine rivers in 2012.
Content	Co-management is embodied in Guinea Bissau’s fishing regulations, and fisheries management is implemented in collaboration with fishers’ associations. In CACHEU, there are three fishers’ associations. The association is composed of (i) national and Senegalese resident fishers, (ii) women processors, (iii) women fish sellers, (iv) carpenters, and (v) fuel sellers. To fish in this area, you must have the right to fish, which is reserved exclusively for resident fishers, i.e. national fishers or fishers of other nationalities who have had a fixed residence in the area for at least 3 years. There is a management plan for artisanal fishing activities A biological rest period established annually Participatory management initiatives between the State and local stakeholders Regulations on subsistence fishing during biological rest periods Actors active in artisanal fishing, (Three) Fishers’ Association. A representative of the fisheries operating in the area A surveillance team (the Coast Guard) present and settled in Cacheu Cacheu is 85km from Bissau and about 38km from Ziguinchor However, there are a number of difficulties: (i) illegal fishing by foreigners; (ii) the use of gear damaging to the sustainability of resources; and (iii) the lack of collaboration by local stakeholders in the surveillance of fishing activities. Guinea Bissau can learn from Senegal’s experience. Reducing fishing effort (reduce the number of nets at Lompoul) Managing conflicts between different CLPAs CLPA operation Setting up of a participatory surveillance team (administrative department, stakeholders, etc.) Protecting juvenile species Existence of a national advisory council (CNCPM) Existence of exchange networks between CLPAs at departmental, regional and national levels Structuring of CLPAs by colleges, Executive Board (EB), advisory and coordinating body (ICC) The organisation of CLPAs (if the CLP is located in a department, the prefect assumes the presidency; if it is in a sub-prefecture or district, the sub-prefect assumes the presidency) (to facilitate decision-making for management initiatives taken by fisheries stakeholders) Operation of CLPA, (Subsidy of 60% of fishing licenses and 30% of fishmonger’s cards) The existence of a modern fishing wharf approved for export to the European Union Activities carried out by the CLPAs (awareness-raising and training of members and stakeholders on resource management initiatives) Participatory research Consultation and reward in protecting baby cymbium
Lessons Learned	The experience gained in Senegal can be used to meet the challenges of promoting co-management in other countries.
Guideline chapter relevant to this case study	2.1 Establishing and strengthening resource management organisations
Situation to which this case study could refer	It is useful to know how the knowledge gained in Senegal can be put into practice in other countries.