Small-scale fishing in Central American indigenous people: governance, tenure and sustainable management of marine resources

This research develops four case studies on small-scale fisheries in Central America located within indigenous territories. The ngöbe Bugle Conte Burica Territory in the south of Costa Rica, the Garífuna territory in nueva Armenia Honduras, the Rama territory in Nicaragua and the ngöbe Bugle territory in Bocas del Toro, Panamá. This is one of the first studies focusing on indigenous territories, artisanal fisheries and SSF guidelines. The cases are a first approach to discussing and analyzing relevant social and human rights issues related to conservation of marine resources and fisheries management in these territories. The cases discussed between other issues of interest, the relationships between marine protected areas under different governance models and issues related to the strengthening of the small-scale fisheries of these indigenous populations and marine fishing territories. They highlight sustainability, governance, land tenure and access to fishing resources, gender, traditional knowledge importance and new challenges as climate change.

On dangers to rational exploitation and development of the resources of the great lakes of Africa

The major dangers facing the resources of the Great Lakes of Africa include over exploitation, falling species diversity, accumulating pollution, and a probable decline in fishery productivity. These dangers may be viewed as accentuated by: i) Inadequate scientific knowledge on the exploited resources ii) Reluctance to apply even the limited scientific information available, by fishery administrators iii) Constant increase in the demand for fish and other aquatic resources. iv) Lack of commitment to active collaboration and co-operation by riparian states regarding development and management of the shared resources. This paper discusses the above factors in relation to the dangerous trends facing the resources of the Great Lakes of Africa. The discussion is intended to contribute to the promotion of rational and sustainable utilisation of the aquatic resources of these lakes.

Conservation of aquatic biodiversity

Uganda is rich in aquatic resources. Up to 17 % of the country's surface area is covered by Aquatic systems comprising five major lakes; Victoria, Albert, Kyoga, Edward, George, about 160 minor lakes, an extensive river and stream system, dams and ponds. These aquatic systems are associated with extensive swamps