Small-scale fishing communities across the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) face growing socio-economic and environmental pressures, making livelihood diversification an increasingly vital pathway toward long-term resilience and sustainability. While numerous diversification initiatives have been implemented throughout the region, outcomes remain varied: some interventions achieve lasting success, while others encounter significant operational or structural challenges.
To explore these dynamics and examine critical lessons learned, COMRED, MWAMBAO, and the WIOMSA are co-hosting a unique pre-COP12 webinar.
The virtual session will center on discussions on:
- What has worked in livelihood diversification initiatives—and why.
- What has not worked—and the reasons behind those outcomes.
- Common barriers hindering sustainable livelihood diversification in coastal contexts.
- Successful approaches that can be adapted or scaled across the WIO region.
- Frameworks for establishing an enduring WIO Community of Practice for ongoing regional knowledge exchange.
From Webinar to COP12
The insights and priorities generated during this webinar will directly inform and shape a dedicated side event on livelihood diversification at the upcoming Nairobi Convention COP12. Beyond this, the webinar will contribute to building an ongoing Community of Practice that bridges small-scale fishing communities, field practitioners, marine researchers, and partner organisations across the Western Indian Ocean.
Event Details:
- Date: 2nd October 2026
- Time: 11:30 – 12:30 EAT
- Register here
Practitioners, researchers, community leaders, and coastal resource managers are encouraged to bring their field experiences, share lessons, and help shape regional priorities.
