GGGI Small Grant (2023) - Go Green Malawi (Malawi)
Project Summary
ABANDONED FISHING GEAR INITIATIVE.
This pilot project aimed to protect human and environmental health from plastic waste and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in Malawi by strengthening knowledge and capacity among decision makers in Malawi. An initial feasibility study was conducted and included research, trainings, and community science to determine the causes and sources of ALDFG, examine costs and opportunities for return and recovery, and overall reduction of plastic waste. The study is also considering the causes of abandonment of the traditional methods and tools, the level of acceptance among fishermen to return to them, and a cost benefit analysis of such reintroduction. During the first quarter of the project, 8 collection points were established in Nkhata bay and Salima districts (substitute for Monkey bay).
Community awareness meetings/campaigns were also conducted using various communications channels, such as radio, posters, or community meetings and a total of 4 campaigns were carried out. The awareness Campaigns focused on thematic areas such as: recycling and solid waste management, impacts of plastic waste on the environment. The awareness campaign reached out to 86 BVCs which consist of a population of about 1000 community members. The Pilot project research has contributed to community awareness on the effects of using cheap nets which are illegal and also poor disposal of the nets. When recovering nets, some nets trapped living organisms like fish, vertebrate and invertebrate on which able to show them such scenarios. Regular collection of nets and fishing gear from established collection points is underway and transported to Go Green up recycling center. So far, 8157kgs of abandoned nets have been retrieved from the impact areas specifically from the 86 BVCs. GGSE has transformed the nets to the paving blocks as a product of the nets.
The project is also promoting sustainable fishing practices by encouraging the use of appropriate fishing gear. This was portrayed through observations in terms of reduction in availability of the abandoned fishing gear in some areas where nets were found.
