IFRDMD Engages with Local Fishers to Promote Sustainable Inland Fisheries
On 3 September 2024, IFRDMD held a focus group discussion with fishers in Lake Ulak Lia, Sekayu, Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The acting Head of the Marine and Fisheries Agency of Musi Banyuasin Regency, Mr. Jifi Abdul Ammar, attended the discussion. In his speech, Mr Jifi welcomed IFRDMD to promote the sustainability of inland fisheries in Musi Banyuasin, one of the largest captured inland fisheries-producing regency in South Sumatra Province. The Meeting was also attended by the sub coordinator of tourism promotion and marketing of the youth, sports and tourism service, Mr. Aji Sumardi, who provided insights on the potential impact of inland fisheries on local tourism.
In his speech, IFRDMD Chief, Mr Andi Soesmono, reiterated the agency’s unwavering commitment to maintain the sustainability of inland fisheries despite the many challenges involved. Furthermore, he said that this activity is also a continuation and monitoring of activities that were carried out in 2018, where IFRDMD donated signboards installed in Lake Ulak Lia, Lake Cala, and Lake Siarak, Musi Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra. Although this is a relatively small participation from this agency, IFRDMD believes that implementing this program can encourage and support social action to socialize fishing regulations in inland waters and their ecosystems to maintain sustainability. Six information board units were installed in Lake Cala, Lake Siarak, and Lake Ulak Lia at that time.
On this Focus Group Discussion, the data was collected by interviewing households referring to the assessment of EAFM indicators from 22 participants (21 men and one woman). IFRDMD also highlighted the vital role of women in inland fisheries, particularly in improving family welfare. Meanwhile, in this context, ten women were interviewed to provide insights into their fishery activities that support their families.
This activity is part of the project ‘Management Scheme of Inland Fisheries in Southeast Asian Region’, which aims to promote sustainable inland water fisheries practices and management across the region. The project is funded by the Japan Trust Fund 6 Phase 2, which supports initiatives for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
At the end, the Head of Research Institute for Inland Fisheries and Extension (RIIFE), Mr Rezki Antoni, closed the event by inviting all stakeholders to protect fisheries resources in this area. He also thanked the fisheries extension officers (five females) from RIIFE stationed in Musi Banyuasin Regency for assisting the preparation and implementation this agenda.